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

modernness versus Westernization - Essay Example contemporaneity is the concept by which there is a discontinuation of the past from the present. This discontinuity arises from social and ethnical changes which occur through progress or decline. The premise is life in the present is diametric from life in the past. This is a view held globally and clashes with usage 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 conventional way of life. It results in alternatives and unmanageable changes and that the present is unless 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 are seen as products of forces beyond our control. Modernity presents a vast selection of alternatives such as in lifestyle and historical possibilities. In contrast, tradi tional 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 westernisation wherein traditional societies pass under the influence of western culture. Western culture permeates and influences industry, technology, politics, law, economy, lifestyle, values, religion, and or so every niche and aspect of society. It had accelerated its influence throughout the world these past few centuries. It is cerebrate to the process of acculturation wherein changes happen within a society or culture when two different groups come into constant and direct contact with each other. The result are changes in the cultural patterns of unmatchable or both groups. In the case of westernisation, the changes in cultural 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 use up shown that religion helps to circle resources for groups and organizations that are engaged in democratic movements or safeguard the interests of marginalized sectors. It provides much needed social with child(p) and democratic skills that are requisites in democratic participation. As political alternatives and political discussions happen in cultivated 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 study on U.S. religious resistance to pacification activities in Central America gives insight on the clean outrage which served as the basis for disloyal consciousness. Smith showed how certain individuals were made receptive to mobilizatio n with religion moulding their sensibilities such that their impact 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 bottom of the inning 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 corporate the revival of traditionalist religious doctrines in their national identity and leadership. Among the strongest forces in religiously influenced social movements is Moslem nationalism which has influenced both national and international politics. The encroachment of western influence into the Muslim world during the nineteenth century spurred movements seeking the restoration of