Drawing on the ideas of Lenski, Marx, Weber, and Durkheim, what would you say is the biggest challenge facing us as members of modern societies? That is, in what way does modern society pose a problem for people that did not exist when people were living in traditional societies?

I believe that it would be that man has "evolved" into having to rely more on technology for a means of communication. If today's man were forced into a society without cell phones, computers, electricity, or means of gas powered modes of transportation, they would fail to survive. It is also believed that a society cannot survive without a dictatorship to rule over the mass of people. That the everyday man needs to have a government tell them when, where, and how to live. As sad as this is, it is becoming this way here in America. People need to take this class seriously, along with the history of America, the social status throughout the stages of its youth and up till now. How the government as well as the society has changed and devolved.

Do your research!

To address this question, let's first understand the key ideas of Lenski, Marx, Weber, and Durkheim in relation to modern and traditional societies. Lenski's theory of sociocultural evolution suggests that technological advancements are a driving force behind societal change. Marx focused on the idea of class struggle and the unequal distribution of resources in capitalist societies. Weber examined the rise of bureaucracy and rationalization in modern societies. Durkheim explored the concept of social solidarity and the impact of increased individualism on modern society.

Drawing on these theories, the biggest challenge facing members of modern societies can be seen as a loss of social cohesion and a growing sense of alienation. In traditional societies, individuals were closely connected through strong communal ties and shared values, which provided a sense of belonging and purpose. However, modern society poses several challenges that were less prominent in traditional societies:

1. Individualism: Modern societies emphasize individual freedom and autonomy, prioritizing personal achievements and self-interest. While this has its benefits, it can also lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness as communal bonds weaken.

2. Social inequality: Marx highlighted the unequal distribution of wealth and power in capitalist societies. Modern societies often experience significant disparities between social classes, leading to marginalization, poverty, and social unrest.

3. Anomie: Durkheim introduced the concept of anomie, which refers to a state of normlessness and a lack of social integration. Modern societies with their rapid social changes, globalization, and diverse cultural influences can create a sense of uncertainty, leaving individuals feeling disconnected and adrift.

4. Bureaucratization: Weber examined the rise of bureaucratic structures in modern societies, which increase efficiency but can also lead to a loss of meaning and bureaucracy's impersonal nature. The complex bureaucratic systems can often leave individuals feeling powerless and alienated.

5. Technological alienation: Lenski's theory highlights the impact of technology on society, and in modern times, advancements in technology have transformed the way we live and work. While technology has many benefits, it can also lead to a sense of alienation as people become overly reliant on automated systems and experience a disconnection from nature and authentic human interactions.

In summary, the biggest challenge facing members of modern societies can be understood as a loss of social cohesion, sense of purpose, and a growing disconnect from communal bonds. This is primarily driven by individualism, social inequality, anomie, bureaucratization, and technological alienation.