Modernity versus Westernization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Modernity versus Westernization - Essay ExampleModernity is the concept by which there is a discontinuation of the one-time(prenominal) from the show. This discontinuity arises from social and cultural changes which occur through progress or decline. The premise is life in the present is different from life in the past. This is a cerebration held globally and clashes with tradition which stipulates that the present is a continuation of the behaviour and events of the past and continue to be repeated. Modernity is viewed as a problem since it challenges and replaces the traditional bearing of life. It endpoints in alternatives and unmanageable changes and that the present is merely a period of transition and is not directed towards a specific future goal. The changes happening at the present and in which will happen in the future atomic number 18 seen as products of forces beyond our control. Modernity presents a vast selection of alternatives such as in lifestyle and historical possibilities. In contrast, traditional culture offers the present a certain number of alternatives. The proliferation of alternatives is often seen as a threat to tradition and efforts are made to limit these alternatives.Westernisation is a form of modernity. There is discontinuity between the past and the present. However, there occurs a specific phenomenon in westwardisation wherein traditional societies come under the solve of western culture. Western culture permeates and influences industry, technology, politics, law, economy, lifestyle, values, religion, and almost every niche and aspect of society. It had accelerated its influence throughout the world these past few centuries. It is related to the mould of acculturation wherein changes happen within a society or culture when two different groups come into constant and direct fill with each other. The result are changes in the cultural patterns of one or both groups. In the case of westernisation, the changes in cultur al patterns occurs in native societies as they come into contact with western cultures and are exposed to their influences. B. Religion and social movements Many studies support shown that religion helps to mobilize resources for groups and organizations that are engaged in democratic movements or precaution the interests of marginalized sectors. It provides much needed social capital and democratic skills that are requisites in democratic participation. As political alternatives and political discussions happen in civil society, religion provides sustaining support to it. Christian Smiths disruptive religion takes notice of the religious assets for activism, many being cultural assets. His work shows that religion is important in social protest. His exact on U.S. religious resistance to counterinsurgency activities in Central America gives insight on the moral outrage which served as the basis for insurgent disposition. Smith showed how certain individuals were made receptive t o mobilization with religion moulding their sensibilities such that their violation results in outrage. Religious networks also made people subjectively engageable to mobilization. Smith sees people as moral beings who try to create their lives out of external tensions and divisions (Wood 1995). Many of the changes that have occurred worldwide these past four decades can be attributed to or in part effected by religion. Many religious leaders have not only served as proponents or initiators, but have paid dearly with their lives. Religious nationalism has become active these recent decades, connecting religious convictions with the populations political and economic destiny. Many nationalist movements have incorporated the resurgence of traditionalist religious doctrines in their national identity and leadership. Among the strongest forces in religiously influenced social movements is Islamic nationalism which has influenced both national and international politics. The encroachmen t of western influence into the Muslim world during the 19th century spurred movements seeking the restoration of