Sociology and Globalization or Modernity Essay (Critical Writing)

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The existence of human race largely depends on the fact that the civilization is transitioning to an advanced, globalized society – a process the future of which remain unclear. Throughout globalization or modernity, society has experienced significant sociological transformations that helped with the changes. However, several issues emerge in the attempt to discover these sociological transformations that have co-evolved with modernism. The first one is the break from the pre-modern social epochs, influenced by capitalism, technology, culture, and individualism. The second one is the lack of a historical teleology and a foreseeable modernity destination. Another aspect that can be emphasized is the postulation of sociological theories informed by the interrelationship between globalization and sociology. Throughout history, modernity forces have influenced globalization; however, a review of six authors’ arguments on sociology and modernity raises questions regarding sociology’s role in globalization and man’s role in the process.

Sociology and social theories co-evolved with modernity and continue to assist in defining and explaining globalization scientifically. From a sociological aspect, modernity can be defined as a civilization epoch similar to the Greco-Roman antiquity. Having emerged in the West over two centuries ago, modernity now dominates every society but a few uncontacted tribes. In its evolution, modernity has depended on sociology to explain events and the influence of culture, individualism, and technology on the process. However, amid the rapid sociological changes, many people are ignorant of modernity and its influence on humanity. These events include developing new political and economic organizations and institutions. Nonetheless, some questions remain regarding social theory and the modernization parameters that rely on Marxism, aspects present in the pre-modern era, and the lack of apparent distinction between the pre-and post-modern era.

The nature of modernity lies in uncertainty following the poor understanding of its core concepts and whether the world has evolved into the post-modern era. Indeed, rather than enter a period of post-modernity, the world is evolving into an alternative domain that nears post-modernism yet distinct from post-modernity. In this view, conflict emerges with on globalization’s current disposition, which qualifies as discontinuous. In this sense, the foundation of Marxism supports the above assertions and discounts historical materialism from the historical and social order. Equally, one can displace modernity’s evolutionary narrative as a period limited to Western development. Hence, modernity should be presented as a distinctive kind of attitude of time, a distanced ideology from the past and conventional reflections. However, despite the lack of a distinct difference between traditionalism and modernity, the world continues to experience instability from political and social institution. In the end, the world would experience an endless boot of deconstructive change.

In an attempt to explain modernity, some scholars look to economic and social transformations and the economy. Some highlight the rapid development of some states such as the United Arab Emirates, explaining the role of nature and human labor in its growth. By consuming nature, the local society sought to create an ecological condition and environmental niche. However, the conditions created by the need to advance humanity are not conducive to their survival for their particular social relations. Modernization thus becomes a means to show man’s victory over fate. Equally, labor becomes a commodity to achieve capitalism and realize the ruling elite’s vision of modernizing the state. Historically, this aspect of human’s sociology has been the focus of sociologists, many of whom define modernity in the context of alienated labor. In this way, capitalism is viewed to consume humanity, and each man measures himself against another. Notably, this ideology has been practiced widely and accepted in humanity since capitalism was established. Indeed, much remains unchanged with modernity, with questions the teleology of globalization.

Undoubtedly, the future of modernity remains tumultuous as society slowly forgets its heritage. The significant challenge with modern life remains the attempt by individuals to keep their individuality and maintain their existence alongside government and other authorities. Equally, it is critical to reflect on remembrance of the past’s challenges, especially among societies affected by globalization. Indeed, a review of the past helps with the realization that failure to understand the sociological attributes and heritage in every community result in adopting global habits and ultimate social demise. Moreover, the destructive changes from globalization predicted by Max Weber concerning military’s influences, bureaucracy and other forces are evident today. These changes alienate the human from self and destabilize societal norms. Fueled by social power and hierarchical structures’ rebalancing, society has changed as civilizations end ascription that defined social stratums for ages.

Numerous authors have previously provided an open-ended historical view of modernity. Most agree that it is impossible to foresee modernity’s future as is to define its past. However, the works by such scholars underpin the role of sociology in explaining modernity or the lack thereof. From their arguments, it is conclusive that modernity, or globalization, lacks historical destiny and a teleological pattern. Instead, it is the subject of sociological ideals formed on the premise of alienation practices that encourage capitalism and segregation – a millennia practice. In this sense, it can be concluded that modernization is simply a set of material circumstances established by humanity through alienated labor, which influences globalization and defines man’s role.

References

Cohen, I. (2006). Modernity. In B. Turner (Ed.), The Cambridge Dictionary of Sociology (pp. 389-394). Cambridge.

Giddens, A. (1990). The consequences of modernity. Polity.

Harrington, A. (2004). Classical social theory: Contexts and beginnings. Oxford University Press.

Marx, K. (2000). Economic and philosophical manuscript. (D. McLellan, Ed.). Oxford Printing Press.

Ouis, P. (2002). ‘Greening the Emirates’: The modern construction of nature in the United Arab Emirates. Cultural Geographies, 9(3), 334-347. Web.

Simmel, G. (1903). The metropolis and mental life. Web.

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