Transition from Traditional to Modern Society



Transition from Traditional to Modern Society

Introduction

This assignment is based on explaining the different key elements that the traditional and the modern societies have along with the changes that occurred in the societies between 15th to 18th centuries. It further explains the various theories which have been used to identify the different factors that are important for the transition of the traditional societies into modern societies. It also provides an understanding of the way the approach of socialism is applied in this transition.

Discussion

Traditional Society and Its Key Elements

Traditional represents the societies or its elements which are small scale and have been derived from the ancient and indigenous cultural practices (www.csupomona.edu). While the societies refer to the group of people that have different families but live in the particular social boundary that has either traditional or modern values. It also consists of people that have different traditions, customs and ethics but are made to follow certain societal roles.

The main characteristics or elements of the tradition society are that the status of an individual is developed at the time of birth and is permanent. The behavior of individual is managed and governed by the customs and the behavior of people face a slight change from one generation to another. The social organizations in this society are on the basis of hierarchy and the people identify themselves with their primary groups and the kinship holds the dominant position in the interaction. The people are given relatively more importance as compared to their position. The people of traditional society are conservative and the economy has lower productivity. The other main characteristic is that the mythical thoughts hold a dominant position in the society (Anonymous, 2009).

Modern Society and its Key Elements

Modern represents the practices which relate to the production in industrial mode or establishment of large scale and colonial societies. The main characteristics of the modern society are that the status of a person is defined and established by his capabilities and potentialities. The behavior of the person is managed by the law instead of the customs. The social structure is on the basis of equality and the secondary relationships hold a dominant position as compared to the primary relations. The person's own position is achieved in society and is also given more importance in the social relations. The people are innovative in the modern society and the economy is based on the complex technology and the rational thoughts hold the main position in society (www.indiansocialstudy.com).

Transformation of Traditional Societies into Modern Society from 1500 to 1870

The age of exploration is known for the period that started from the beginning of 15th century till early 17th century. During this time, the Europeans started the intensive exploration of the world in which they were able to establish a direct contact with Oceania, Asia, Americas and Africa. After this the colonial empires started which was a product of the age of exploration f Europe. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was made in ...