Future of Modernization in the Thesis

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In this regard, Latham (2000) emphasizes that modern societies such as the United States "could actively create institutions affecting the social life of an 'emerging' country. In addition to providing external investment, the "advanced" state could furnish scientific technology and training, provide instruction in the virtues of democratic systems, help produce more efficient forms of business organization, and even instill a new spirit of rationality" (p. 66). The downside of such assistance, though, is that, "Countries on the receiving end have little choice in the matter" (Latham, 2000, p. 66). Consequently, the people of developing nations who are on the receiving end of modernization initiatives may view such interventions with a great deal of ambivalence. According to Snyder (2004), there is a great deal of ethnocentrism involved in the efforts by developed nations to enforce modernity on developing countries. In this regard, Snyder advises, "People in the West regard the basic institutions of modernization, including universal education, meritocracy, and civil law, as benchmarks of social progress, while the defenders of traditional cultures see them as threats to social order" (p. 22). Not surprisingly, modernization is viewed as a dual-edged sword by emerging societies. As Mirsepassi (2000) emphasizes, for the developing nations of the world, "The future of modernization, in its blind and brutal rampage forward, appears increasingly bewildering and confusing" (p. 74).

Which theorist best reflects personal perceptions of modernization?

In his essay, "Five Meta-Trends Changing the World," Snyder (2004) makes several points that coincide with this author's personal views concerning where the world is heading and what will happen when it gets there. According to Snyder, among the most prevalent trends shaping America today is the move towards home-based activities including employment that will likely change the manner in which people interact with other in significant ways in the years to come. Based on these trends, it is reasonable to suggest that Snyder' observation that, "Given the recent accelerated growth of telecommuting, self-employment, and contingent work, one-fourth to one-third of all gainful employment is likely to take place at home within 10 years" will in fact be what takes place in the United States, but the percentages involved will probably be much higher than even this futurist believes.

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Conclusion

From a strictly definitional aspect, American society is "modern" at any given point in time but from a theoretical perspective, the forces of modernization are becoming increasingly powerful forces in the world today. Although innovations in technology can provide a number of benefits for consumers, the downside of these trends is the manner in which they are being forced down other people's throats and the impact that technology is having on the environment. The next century will be an eventful one but it will also be a modern one unless the world's population continues to grow faster than even the United States can feed it and a breaking point is reached where reactions such as food riots and increasing resentment against the Westernization of the rest of the world will spawn further attacks on the U.S. And its interests abroad. In this eventuality, the prediction made by Albert Einstein that, "I do not know what the third world war will be fought with, but the fourth world war will be fought with sticks and stones" will become a harsh reality......

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