• Sociology posited that

socially formed norms,

beliefs, and values come
to exist within the
person to a degree
where these become
natural and normal
(Elwell, 2003); thus
developing the person’s
self-identity.
•Modernization has
significantly changed
society and this affected
how an individual builds
and develops his or her self-
identity.
• Modernization, however,
improved the people’s living
conditions. A person in the
modern society is free to
choose where to live, what to
do, and who to be with.
However, stability also
decreased as traditions and
traditional support systems
such as the family decreased in
importance. In modern
societies, individualism is
dominant and developing one’s
self-identity is central
 Key characteristics of
modernity
• According to Giddens (1991), the
most patent, major
characteristics of modernity are:
• Industrialism - this refers to the
social relations implied in the
extensive use of material power
and machinery in all processes
of production.
• Capitalism - a production
system involving both
competitive product markets
and the commodification
(putting a price tag) of labor
power.
• Institutions of surveillance –
the massive increase of power
and reach by institutions,
especially in government.
• Dynamism – this is the most
evident characteristic of a
modern society. Dynamism is
characterized as having
vigorous activity and
progress. In a modern society,
life is not a predetermined path
with limited options based on
location, family or gender: it is
a society full of possibilities.
Everything is subject to
change, and changes happen
much more rapidly than ever
before in human history.
 Social groups and social
network

• Sociologist George Simmel

expressed that people create
social networks by joining social
groups.
• A social group is described as
having two or more people
interacting with each other,
sharing similar characteristics,
and the members identify
themselves as part of the
group. An example of a social
group is your family, your
barkada, your classmates.
• social network are the ties or
connections that link you to your
social group . Hence, the
connection you have with your
family is your blood relation; the
connection you have with your
barkada is your friendship; while
the connection you have with
your classmates is the common
interest to learn.
 Organic and Rational social groups

• An organic group is naturally occurring and it is highly influenced

by your family. Sociologist George Simmel stated that you join
these groups because your family is also a part of it, in the first
place. He called it organic motivation. Simmel noted that the
positive effect of organic groups is rootedness. This means the
foundation of the social network runs deep, thus giving the person a
sense of belongingness. The downside however is that organic
groups imply less freedom and greater social conformity.
• Rational groups occur in modern
societies. Rational groups are
formed as a matter of shared self-
interests. Moreover, people join
these groups out of their own free
will. Simmel called this rational
motivation. Rational groups imply
greater freedom, especially the
freedom of movement. However,
relationships based on self-interest
are not as embedded as organic
relationships. Interests change and
when they do, group members
change. The relationship between
rational social networks is tenuous
and the person feels no
meaningful connection with
others