Final answer:
Societal structures and norms have become less hierarchical since the Puritan era, moving towards greater personal freedom and acceptance of nontraditional family structures. Organizations face the challenge of bureaucratic rigidity amid rapid technological changes, and society as a whole has seen increased homogenization of local institutions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The societal structures and norms have evolved from the Puritan era to the present day in ways that can be described as less hierarchical. In the Puritan era, society was tightly controlled with strict social norms and a well-defined hierarchy. Over time, there has been a movement towards greater personal freedom, individualism, and the acceptance of diverse nontraditional family structures.
Additionally, due to the shift from an agrarian and industrial society to an information society, there has been a cultural shift from modernity to postmodernity. This has led to more global trade, rigid work discipline, and pervasive technology. Large organizations, while becoming more bureaucratic, have to adapt to rapid technological changes, requiring people to think less hierarchically. Changes within the structure of the family show a differentiation from the past, with society becoming more accepting of diverse family arrangements.
Currently, large organizations categorized as normative/voluntary, coercive, and utilitarian must navigate the complexities of bureaucratization, while maintaining flexibility in an ever-changing social and technological landscape. The McDonaldization of society is reflected in increasing homogeneity of local institutions, which in some cases may oppose personalized, community-oriented services. Despite these changes, specialized labor continues to define social hierarchy and economic relations, just as it did in larger ancient civilizations.