Understanding ‘Modernity’

The term ‘modern’ is something that is learned, taken in, and practiced values,
beliefs, and ideas, which was long processed for centuries. For a long time, various
discoveries and experiments had led to a new perspective of knowledge and
understanding of things - from believing on myths and traditions to relying on scientific
knowledge and rationality (Linehan, 2009). Because of this, such information was
passed generation to generation, which has contributed to modern changing, thinking,
and a progressive way of living.

In order to consider an idea, interest, goals, or lifestyles “modern”, they should be

inclusive to everyone. Modernity does not only belong to the rich or the privileged ones
but also to those who barely have anything. Modernity allows changes in either political,
social, economical, or technological aspects, which then improves the way of living for
every individual in the society. Moreover, when people start to decline pre-modern
beliefs to a point that there is little to no restoration, then modernity happens (Synder,
2016). On the other hand, modernity is not accepted when it is solely focused on
infrastructure and technological advances. This is in line with the aforementioned
statement that modernity should be inclusive to everyone (Soco-Roda, 2020). Basically,
living the “modern” life should not only be benefitted by those who are privileged to do
so but to every single being.

In order to have an in-depth understanding of the concept, one example that can
be used is the difference of treatment between people who have mental health
disorders centuries before compared now. Back then, individuals who suffer from
mental health disorders were treated more like animals or witches. The religious and
nature-based belief on society before has influenced them to do violent rituals such as
persecution of witches, lunacy trials, and even mistreatedly handling patients in asylums
(Kring et al., 2012). However, by having a deeper understanding of the human mind and
behavior through years of studying and experiments, humans have soon progressed
and slowly accepted modernity. After decades have passed, psychologists have started
to treat patients in asylums more like humans than animals. Centuries of digging deeper
in understanding human behavior has led us to a “modern” way of living, one that is
totally different from practiced. Which goes back to the aforementioned statement that a
value, belief, idea, or the way of living can be considered “modern” if it is inclusive to all
and when a pre-modern belief has been effectively changed leading to little to no
restoration of the previous belief at all.

Currently, patients who have mental health disorders are treated as humans. The
society has long forgotten on treating them as animals and accepted them in society.
Even observed in society, people with mental, and even developmental disorders are
allowed to perform work equally to those who don’t have mental disorders. In some
stores or companies, they accept individuals who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD), Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and others
(Assis et al., 2014; Jurado-Caraballo et al., 2020) making it more inclusive. This simply
means that society’s belief and understanding on mental health has drastically evolved
and created a progressive way of living now.

To support more of this, it can be observed in society, especially with young

adults and teenagers who are strongly exposed with social media, that they are more
accepting the concept of mental health itself. Younger generation have slowly
progressed and believed that mental health is as important as physical health and that
even those who suffer with mental health illnesses or disorder should also be treated
just like any other individuals do. They also start to value other people’s needs and are
willing to understand and help them whenever they can.

In conclusion, modernity is a way of living that have progressed through years

which have benefitted society as a whole. It should not be exclusive only to the rich and
privileged nor should be solely focused on technological advancements. Rather, it is
more on leaving old ideas and accepting new information to experience a modern, more
progressive way of living.
REFERENCES:

Assis, V., Frank, M., Bcheche, G. & Kuboiama, B. (2014). The value that employees
with Down Syndrome can add to organizations. McKinsey & Company.

Jurado-Caraballo, M., Quintana-García, C, & Rodríguez-Fernández, M. (2020). Trends

and opportunities in research on disability and work: An interdisciplinary
perspective. BRQ Business Research Quarterly, 234094442097271.
doi:10.1177/2340944420972715 

 Kring, A., Johnson, S., Davison, G. and Neale, J. (2012). Introduction and Historical
View. Abnormal Psychology. 12th ed, 9-13. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley.

Linehan, D. (2009). Modernity. International Encyclopedia of Human Geography. 157-

163. doi.org/10.1016/B978-008044910-4.00975-5.

Snyder, S.(2016). Modernity. Encyclopedia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/modernity