Existing theoretical interpretations contend that modernization is a global but diverse and multidimensional process. Yet, a systematic analysis of multiple forms of modernity and modernization ‘is the major challenge to current social and political theory’ (Wagner). The paper aims at revealing limitations of current theoretical interpretations of modernization and demonstrating systematically essential features of modernity. I describe the crucial criteria of modernization and suggest an integrated approach within which the most influential theories are simultaneously applied as coherent explanations. Such a synergic application allows identifying concomitant dimensions of modernity and modernization. The proposed approach significantly differs from a prevailing theoretical discourse on modernity and modernization. It demonstrates universal features of modernization along with civilization variability and uniqueness of cultural programs, antinomic emancipation trends, permanence of change and innovations, increase of efficiency, competitiveness and the quality of life. All these dimensions relate to a set of consistent interpretations of a complex multi-effects phenomenon, which minimizes the existing conceptual contradictions. The elaborated model supports the notion of modernization as a continuous transition to novel forms of social order which respond to emerging challenges and global competition while an invariant criterion of modernization is the boost in the capabilities of people to make their choices.

中文翻译：

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全球化世界中现代化的维度和矛盾

现有的理论解释认为，现代化是一个全球性但多样化和多维的过程。然而，对现代性和现代化的多种形式的系统分析“是当前社会和政治理论的主要挑战”（瓦格纳）。本文旨在揭示当前现代化理论解释的局限性，并系统地展示现代性的基本特征。我描述了现代化的关键标准，并提出了一种综合方法，其中最有影响力的理论同时被应用为连贯的解释。这种协同应用允许识别现代性和现代化的伴随维度。所提出的方法与关于现代性和现代化的流行理论论述有很大不同。它展示了现代化的普遍特征，以及文明可变性和文化项目的独特性、反人类解放趋势、变革和创新的持久性、效率、竞争力和生活质量的提高。所有这些维度都与对复杂的多效应现象的一组一致解释有关，从而最大限度地减少了现有的概念矛盾。精心设计的模型支持现代化的概念，即不断过渡到新形式的社会秩序，以应对新出现的挑战和全球竞争，而现代化的一个不变标准是提高人们做出选择的能力。变革和创新的持久性，提高效率、竞争力和生活质量。所有这些维度都与对复杂的多效应现象的一组一致解释有关，从而最大限度地减少了现有的概念矛盾。精心设计的模型支持现代化的概念，即不断过渡到新形式的社会秩序，以应对新出现的挑战和全球竞争，而现代化的一个不变标准是提高人们做出选择的能力。变革和创新的持久性，提高效率、竞争力和生活质量。所有这些维度都与对复杂的多效应现象的一组一致解释有关，从而最大限度地减少了现有的概念矛盾。精心设计的模型支持现代化的概念，即不断过渡到新形式的社会秩序，以应对新出现的挑战和全球竞争，而现代化的一个不变标准是提高人们做出选择的能力。