Which statement defines modernization?

Which statement defines modernization?

• A. Major internal social changes that occur when a traditional preindustrial society develops economically and becomes industrialized and urbanized
• B. The change and development of societies over time in either unilinear or multilinear fashion
• C. Cultures and societies go through continual cycles of growth and decay, challenge and response
• D. Analyzes function of change in preserving the social order as a whole

Answer: (A)

Modernization is the process by which a traditional preindustrial society undergoes major internal social changes as it develops economically and becomes industrialized and urbanized. This definition centers on transformative changes within the society connected to economic development, technology, and urban life—shifting institutions, education, governance, and daily life as the economy moves toward modern industry. The statement that links economic development directly to industrialization and urbanization captures this dynamic most clearly. Other ideas described point to broader theories of change, cycles, or maintenance of social order, rather than the specific trajectory of modernization itself.

Modernization is the process by which a traditional preindustrial society undergoes major internal social changes as it develops economically and becomes industrialized and urbanized. This definition centers on transformative changes within the society connected to economic development, technology, and urban life—shifting institutions, education, governance, and daily life as the economy moves toward modern industry. The statement that links economic development directly to industrialization and urbanization captures this dynamic most clearly. Other ideas described point to broader theories of change, cycles, or maintenance of social order, rather than the specific trajectory of modernization itself.