On Modernization

Scene from a modern dance:

Source: Classical Dance Theater

In reading After Tamerlane: The Global History of Empire Since 1405 by John Darwin, I was struck by his rejection of the term "modernization". When I first started in the development business decades ago, there was a common belief that we were seeking to modernize traditional societies. The term has died out. I suppose justly, in that it is hard to think of the many contemporary societies as divided along a line of "modernity". (It is of course useful to consider past versions of a society as less modern than the contemporary version.)

Still, the idea of "modern" as relating to the present time seems useful in the context of international development. I recall that at one time one found advertisements for apartments "with all the modern conveniences". I rather like that application. Thus at one time "modern conveniences" might include indoor plumbing, later it would expand to include central heating and air conditioning, and it might further expand to include fiber optic cable and WiFi.

I think that in many cultures there is an aspiration to all the modern conveniences. People would probably rather not be too hot in summer nor too cold in winter and would prefer hot and cold running water in the home.

In like manner, I suppose most people would like to enjoy modern health and nutrition standards, by which one would mean life expectancy, child survival and freedom from hunger comparable to that achieved by the populations of affluent countries. Thus we might seek "modern standards" for health and welfare.

I rather agree with John Darwin that the concept of modernization is too often an excuse of foreign imposition of their models as replacements for aspects of a culture which the members of the culture seek to maintain. Would the citizens of the UK be pleased by suggestions that it "modernize" by abolishing the monarchy? Would those of Saudi Arabia wish to see their theocratic monarchy replaced by a secular democracy? I think not!