Assignment

Introduction

This paper focusing on the Weber's theory of modernization analyzes and discusses the policies of Bush administration and their impact on social order in United States of America with the help of some articles and editorials. Each of the four classical theorists Weber and Durkheim had different theories of the relationship between society and the individual. It is the objective of this paper to critically evaluate the sociological approaches of each theory to come to a better understanding of how each theorist perceived such a relationship and what it means for the nature of social reality.

The term modernization conjures images of social change in the direction of general improvement over the past. (Long? 15-22) In contemporary social sciences? the notion has been the basis of a theoretical orientation—variously referred to as modernization theory? approach? paradigm? or framework—to the study of the development of Third World or underdeveloped societies. The conception of development as a process of modernization gained prominence in the period after World War II? but its popularity ebbed in the 1960s. There were rival definitions of modernization in the social sciences; this entry? however? will be concerned mainly with the use of the term for a general theoretical orientation—a set of linked assumptions framing analysis of and debates about the nature and challenges of development. In this regard modernization was a historically unique type of social change? which was inexorable? transformational in its effects? and progressive in its consequences. The main institutional pillars for modern society were industrialism and the nation-state. (Long? 15-22)

Analyzing and Identifying of substantive problem

A product primarily of American social science? the modernization approach was inspired by two important and concurrent developments of the postwar era? the disintegration of European colonial empires and the Cold War. The emergence of many new nations out of the ashes of European colonial empires generated unprecedented intellectual and policy interest in their economic? political? social? and cultural makeup and development. With the United States and the Soviet Union as the two superpowers and respective leaders of the Western and Eastern blocs? the Cold War was? among other things? a competition between two ideologies—liberal capitalism versus socialism—each claiming to be the superior path to modernity. This ideological contest framed the superpowers' rivalry for the allegiances of developing countries. (Long? 15-22) Modernization theory? directly or indirectly? was concerned with resolving the problems of underdevelopment by promoting market-based economies and pluralistic political systems. The approach thus appeared to be scholarship guided by and in support of specific Western policy objectives.

The mainstream press finally caught on? as they say? to Bush administration flip flops. The Associated Press ran the March 30? 2004? headline A look at Bush's reversals? with the underlying reason obvious in the article's introduction: President Bush's decision Tuesday to allow his national security adviser? Condoleezza Rice? to testify publicly before the commission investigating the September 11? 2001? terrorist attacks reversed earlier White House insistence that she would only appear privately. Bush argued a federal Department of Homeland Security wasn't ...