influential. Some theorists described these processes in terms of greater dif-
ferentiation in society, a particularly important concept in modern versions
of evolutionist thinking.
Modernization theory, like other evolutionary explanations of society, had
its own view of the end of the evolutionary process. Modernization meant
advancement towards a condition corresponding to the industrial capitalist
societies of the West. A society that is becoming modern is one that acquires
characteristics common to more developed societies, achieving things that
modern societies have in common (Eisenstadt, 1966, p. 1). Traditional soci-
eties will gradually eliminate their economic, political and particularly
cultural institutions and values, replacing them with modern ones.
The attributes needed for modernization were seen as interrelated.
Economic and social values were linked through such individual values as
the work ethic, needed to support the kind of activities upon which modern
industrial society depended but not found in traditional society.
Modernization theory thus relied heavily on Max Weber’s view of religious
beliefs as sustaining certain kinds of economic relationships. Modernization
theorists, while not necessarily wanting to disseminate Protestantism, nev-
ertheless accepted that normative values were extremely significant as
a foundation for launching new kinds of economic initiatives.
Differentiation
Social differentiation was an idea developed most fully by the French
philosopher and sociologist Emile Durkheim who applied the idea of the
division of labour to society generally. As societies grow and become more
complex the level of specialization increases and specialized roles become
more interdependent. Social activities become divided among a multiplicity
of institutions. As population size and density increase, urbanization
spreads and communications improve, this division of labour is extended.
Differentiation thus refers to an increasing level of institutional specializa-
tion and greater heterogeneity within society. For example, in traditional
society the family as one structure performs a number of roles – reproductive,
economic, educational – whereas in modern society there are specialized
institutions for economy, education, and socialization, developed outside the
family. The family’s role becomes more specific and restricted while
new institutions are elaborated to perform these and additional roles that
modern society demands. Specialization of political roles was seen by the
neo-evolutionists as part of becoming a modern polity.
Modernization and Political Development 45