Page "Modernization theory" Paragraph 12

New technology is a major source of social change.

Since modernization deals with social change from agrarian societies to industrial ones, it is important to look at the technological viewpoint.

New technologies do not change societies by itself.

Rather, it is the response to technology that causes change.

Frequently, technology will be recognized but not put to use for a very long time.

Take for example the ability to extract metal from rock.

It was not just a new technology at one time, but one that had profound implications for the course of societies.

It was always there, but went unused for a great period of time.

As Neil Postman has said, " technological change is not additive ; it is ecological.

A new technology does not merely add something ; it changes everything ".

People in society are always coming up with new ideas and better ways of making life easier and more enjoyable.

Technology makes it possible for a more innovated society and broad social change.

What becomes of this is a dramatic change through the centuries that has evolved socially, industrially, and economically, summed up by the term modernization.

Cell phones, for example, have changed lives of millions throughout the world.

This is especially true in Africa and other parts of the Middle East where there is a low cost communication infrastructure.

Therefore, widely dispersed populations are connected, it facilitates other business's communication among each other, and it provides internet access, which also gives greater value in literacy.

In addition to technology being a great social and economic advancement, it also grants these more dependent societies to become more modernized despite internal conflicts or repressive governments, allowing them to reap the benefits of such technological advancements.