Final answer:
Modernization describes the transformation of a society from less developed structures to those found in more developed societies, typically marked by increased specialization and technological advancement. The stages of this process were notably outlined by Walt Rostow, although the concept faces criticism for Western-centric views of societal development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Modernization refers to the process by which a society moves from traditional or less developed institutions to those characteristics of more developed societies. This process involves an increase in specialization and differentiation of structure within the society, which usually leads to advanced technological developments in infrastructure and industry. In the 1960s, economist Walt Rostow presented a model describing the stages of economic development, including the growth from a 'traditional society' to an 'age of high mass consumption' society. However, this concept of modernization is often criticized for its ethnocentric bias, implying the superiority of Western societies and their developmental patterns over others.
To better understand modernization, it's important to consider its various causes, which include advancements in technology, changes in social institutions, shifts in population dynamics, and environmental factors. These changes collectively contribute to societal evolution, although this process is complex and not necessarily linear or predictable. Critics argue that the push towards modernization should not disregard the value systems and structures of semi-peripheral and peripheral societies, as the perceived benefits of modernization are often viewed through a Western-centric lens.