Abstract

The article is devoted to the phenomenon of modernization as a specific form of social transformation. Modernization in the special sense of this concept is the process of transition in Western Europe from feudalism (more broadly: from the traditional, or agrarian, type of society) to capitalism (or industrial, which has come to be considered «modern») society. Having stood on its own foundation, capitalism began to spread its institutions, norms, and values ​​to other, non-Western societies, which gave the concept of “modernization” an additional meaning, including the meaning of «westernization». Initially, this was carried out in the form of colonization. Later, especially in the 20th century, these processes began to be carried out in more humane forms. The concepts of «modernization» and «westernization» began to differ relatively. The article discusses the main forms of modernization of non-Western societies in terms of the ratio of modernization and modernization. The optimal forms of modernization from the point of view of the interests of non-Western countries, their possibilities and limits of admissibility, or appropriateness, are found. The so-called catch-up modernization is defined as the least successful one. It is noted that the most optimal form of modernization is one in which modernization, combined with westernization, at a certain stage begins to rely solely on national culture, its institutions, norms, and values.

Key words: modernization, westernization, traditional (agrarian) society, modernization without westernization, catch-up modernization, capitalism, nation-state.