Contemporary Issues: Tensions Between Traditional Cultures and Modernization

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key terms, case studies, and historical figures related to the tensions between traditional cultures and modernization from the $$20 ext{th}$$ century to the present.

Reforms

Changes or improvements made to an existing system, process or institution to make it better or more efficient.

Westernization

The process of adopting, or assimilating, Western culture, values and practices, particularly in non-Western countries.

Conservatives

Person or group of people who are resistant to change and prefer to maintain traditional values and customs.

Traditionalists

People who strongly believe in preserving traditional cultural, religious or social values and customs.

Modernization

A change from a traditional rural, agrarian condition to a secular, urban, industrial condition.

Impact of Urbanization in Nigeria

Increased migration to cities leading to fragmented extended families and the diversification of religions like Christianity and Islam.

Impact of Urbanization in Brazil

Migration to cities resulting in the shift from extended families to nuclear families and religious diversification like Catholicism and Protestantism.

Impact of Urbanization in China

Increased migration from rural to urban areas for nuclear families and the introduction of new religious beliefs like Christianity and Islam.

Kemal Atatürk ($1923-1938$)

Leader who implemented sweeping reforms to modernize Turkey by secularizing the government and introducing Western legal systems.

Western-inspired Turkish Alphabet

A new alphabet introduced by Atatürk to modernize education and promote literacy across the Turkish countryside.

Shah Reza Pahlavi ($1941-1979$)

Iranian leader who implemented reforms focused on industrialization, educational advancements, and Westernization.

Secularize

The removal of religious influences.

Iranian Revolution

A turning point caused by tensions between modernization and traditional culture that led to the overthrow of the Shah.

Ayatollah Khomeini ($1979-1989$)

Leader who established an Islamic republic in Iran and prioritized preserving traditional Islamic values over Western influences.

The Arab Spring

Regional protests ($2010-2011$) against government leaders in the Middle East and North Africa facilitated by social media.

Mohammed Bouazizi

Individual who set himself ablaze in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia, on Dec. $17, 2010$, igniting the Arab Spring.

Role of Social Media in protests

The use of Facebook to schedule protests, Twitter to coordinate, and YouTube to tell the world, as seen in the Arab Spring.