Modernization is a term used to refer to the idea of progression in societies and is built on development in technology and social organization. Many have come up with different arguments about whether modernization is actually a good or bad thing. This argument has led to different reactions from many regarding this modernization. Optimists could say that modernization as a process is a good thing for mankind as it offers solutions to most of our problems and is important in the development of our societies both socially and politically. Pessimists on the other hand have expressed their doubts about the benefits of modernization with most of them saying the modern world is orphaned spiritually. There has been an argument as to whether we can have a single path to modernization or if it is possible to achieve modernization through several different paths. This topic has been greatly discussed with many arguing that the only way to achieve modernization is by becoming westernized through following the western culture and employing the methods they have used to get modern. This theory has greatly been opposed because as much as modernization involves advancement in economy and in our way of life we do not need to be westernized to be modernized. It is possible that a country such as India and Iran can achieve modernization without following this path of westernization and coming up with their own ways.
It is arguable that the model for modernization is established by the western countries. This is not true because countries like India and Iran are actually coming up with their different ways to modernization buy staying true to their culture while also trying to make it look modern. To become modernized simply means to improve both technologically and economically and this means both India and Iran can come up with their own models to modernization. It is possible to develop a Hindu model that can be used by the Hindus as a yardstick to measure their own modernity instead of relying on the western modernity. The Islamists in Iran could also come up with their own Islamic model and by doing this they will be demonstrating that it is not the western countries that establish the criteria of modernity but each and every country can come up with their own and still be successful without following the western model. India just like Iran has greatly improved on several fronts such as urbanization, education, wealth and higher levels of literacy and this improvement can well be referred to as modernization. But this type of modernization as much as it is good it looks like the western type of modernization. These countries need to come up with other unique ways that will distinguish them from the rest yet put them up there with them. They could go on to become just like China and Japan, countries that have all achieved modernization in recent times following their own unique ways.
Some may argue that to be modernized you need to have well developed restaurants like McDonalds but the truth is even these two countries can come up with their own McDonalds. This can only be achieved if these two countries can actually be innovative and come up with different ways to modernization. From the study of India and Iran we can say Modernization is a process that involves moving in a direction where we aree able to make better use of our resources and come up with better technology that can be used to improve our societies both socially and politically.
Works Cited
O'Neil, Patrick H, Karl J. Fields, and Donald Share. Cases in Comparative Politics. New York: W. W. Norton & Co, 2013. Print.
O'Neil, Patrick H, and Ann Shin. Essentials of Comparative Politics. , 2013. Print.
