The Development of Sociology and Modernity

The development of sociology was born out of two revolutions: the French Revolution of 1789, and the Industrial revolution. Both of these events destroyed all previous social norms and created a new social organization: the modern industrial society. In particular, the French Revolution destroyed not only the political and social foundations of France, but almost every country in Europe and the North Americas. Ideas of liberty and equality were put into practice, setting the stage for a completely new social and political order. These changes also represented the victory for the downtrodden in France, and the beginnings of societies in other countries based on the individual and individualism. A new class of people, emboldened by what happened in France, appeared on the political stages of Europe and North America and were not afraid to fight for their rights as citizens and human beings.

The concept of modernity came about when classical theorists needed to understand the meaning and significance of the Twin Revolutions and the effects of industrialization, urbanization, and political democracy on rural societies. The term 'modernity' was coined to capture these changes in progress by contrasting the "modern" with the "traditional." Modernity was meant to be more than a concept. Modernity referred to a world constructed anew through the active and conscious intervention of individuals. In modern societies, the world is experienced as a human construction, an experience that gives rise to a new sense of freedom and to a basic anxiety about the openness of the future.

Online Higher Education Career Training Options

Students that earn an education in government have a large range of careers available to them. Online education prepares students to understand the political make-up of today's government and apply it to numerous areas. Colleges and universities provide online higher education at several levels.

An education in government can be sought out at the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. Undergraduate students gain a strong foundational understanding of public policy, legislation, and more. Students learn about law, politics, and more while studying government. Online training is highly beneficial for students that can't attend a traditional college because it allows them to complete their education at any time from the comfort of their home. Most students that enter careers in government complete a degree program in political science. Government is studied in regards to its evolution and what new methods can be applied to improve the system.

Associates degree programs are not commonly provided through online colleges. Students that would like to complete a bachelor's degree program can begin online education by working through general education courses and utilizing associate's degree electives to learn about political science subjects. Comparative politics and Native American relations are some courses that can be taken at the associate's degree level to prepare for further education.

Managers in Higher Education Must Harness Power, Politics

Competition for resources - internal and external - means power and politics become even greater issues for managers in higher education today.

Add to that the closer scrutiny of performance, both academic and administrative, and managers in higher education face some real challenges.

From an educational perspective, the changes over the last decade in the way learning is facilitated (e.g. the move to such strategies as distance learning, e-learning and blended learning), mean the challenges for managers become twofold - content, what is done and process, the way it is done.