Sociology

Sociology Study Guide

Economic Development and Modernizati n: Modernization refers to the process of economic, cultural, and social change that must occur fora society to transform into an industrial society. Some sociologists claim that all societies are on their way to becoming an industrial or postindustrial society. There are three components ofmodernization: • Industrialization: A shift from human to non-human energy used during the manufacturing process. • Urbanization: Movement from rural to urban areas where manufacturing factories are located. • Bureaucratization: An increase in large, formal organizations. Economic relationships also change during modernization. Some more changes that take place as a society modernizes include: • Labor shifts from primary sector to secondary • New occupations are created • Mobility increases, both geographically and socially • Achieved status replaces ascribed status • Religion becomes less important • Mass media and culture expands • Centralized political power grows As modernization occurs, convergence theory tends to come to fruition. This theory states that all societies are becoming more alike due to modernization. This theory is rather controversial, though, because of the sheer number of societies, the varied types and stages of development they are each in. Revolution: A revolution is a violent overthrow of an existing social system or political authority. This method of social change is dramatic and involves mass violence and radical societal restructuring. Over ashort time period, a revolution challenges and, if successful, changes the existing social order. Societies that exhibit the following behaviors or attitudes are ripe for revolution: • Widespread grievances • Rising expectations • Blockage of change • Loss of legitimacy • Breakdown of military 7.2 Collective Behavior Collective behavior is the spontaneous action of people trying to work out common responses to ambiguous situations that are unpredictable, unstructured, and unstable. Collectivebehaviors include

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