How does modernization manifest itself in U.S. society? Use one of the modern theorists introduced in Ch. 16 as a basis for your response.
This is a homework question could someone explain to me what the teacher might be wanting manifest to me is how I see what modernization has done in U.S. The Therory I feel is correct is From
Ferdinand Tönnies saw it, the Industrial Revolution weakened the social fabric of family and tradition by introducing a business like emphasis
on facts, efficiency, and money. European and North American societies gradually became rootless and impersonal as people came to associate with one another mostly on the
basis of self-interest.
Am I on the right track or am I not understanding the question
Yes, I believe you're on the right track. We live in nuclear families and many of us scarcely know our neighbors. We work long hours outside the home and put young children into daycare, thus further fragmenting family relationships. Our primary interest is furthering our own personal goals.
You might get some more ideas from this site.
http://www.cas.sc.edu/socy/faculty/deflem/zToennies.html
Guided by the discpline's three major theoretical approaches, come up with a socioogical questions about (a) television, (b) war,and (c) coleges and universities.
Based on your understanding of Ferdinand Tönnies' theory, you are on the right track in explaining how modernization manifests itself in U.S. society. Tönnies believed that the Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on social structures and relationships, weakening traditional values and emphasizing individual self-interest.
To answer the question, you can give examples of how modernization has affected U.S. society in terms of weakening family bonds, eroding traditional values, and prioritizing efficiency and monetary gain. Here are a few examples to consider:
1. Weakening of Family and Tradition: With the rise of urbanization and industrialization, people have become more focused on individual goals and career advancement, often at the expense of familial and communal ties. Traditional family structures are being transformed, with less emphasis on intergenerational bonds and more emphasis on personal achievement.
2. Economic Rationality: Modernization has introduced a business-like approach to various aspects of life, where efficiency and profit become central values. This can be seen in the way businesses are run, with an emphasis on maximizing productivity and minimizing costs. In the pursuit of economic progress, personal relationships and human connections may take a backseat.
3. Rootlessness and Impersonality: As society becomes more urbanized and globalized, people's sense of community and belonging may erode. Individuals are more likely to interact with others based on self-interest and transactional relationships rather than deeper connections. This can lead to a sense of rootlessness and an impersonal society, where social ties are less meaningful and enduring.
To further strengthen your answer, consider providing concrete examples and evidence that reflect these changes in U.S. society. This could include statistics on the increasing rate of divorce, the decline of extended family households, or the shift towards individualism in cultural values. Additionally, drawing on current events or real-life examples can help illustrate how these aspects of modernization manifest in everyday life.
Remember to consult your textbook or relevant readings on modernization to gather more information and support your answer effectively.