Q. 1(a) Europe was the first and the only place where modernity emerged. Comment. [150 Words/10 Marks] [UPSC Civil Services IAS 2021 Sociology Question.]

Modernity process involves challenging the traditional structures of society, and looking at them with a newer, rational perspective.

Emergence of Modernity:-
Towards end of 18th century, Europe was undergoing major changes-political,social and structural. Ex., from French Revolution emerged ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity.
There was an Age of Enlightenment where people started to comprehend the universe with reason and logical approach.
Prominent thinkers like Rousseau, Montesquiue etc. emerged in Europe who contributed towards these changes.
All these changes led to emergence of modernity in Europe, characterized by revolutions and new ideologies.

Modernity everywhere:-
Though modernity emerged in Europe, it wasn’t the only place where it occurred. European society is different from Indian, or African, or Japanese society. The theories specific to European society cannot be applied to other societies.

Modernity emerged in other places as well, say India, and it may have been influenced by European ideals. Ex., Swami Vivekananda’s emphasis on rationality within Hinduism.