Developing a sociological perspective about government systems and Essay

Developing a sociological perspective about government systems and other sociological concepts related to developing countries - Essay Example Developing a sociological perspective about government systems and other sociological concepts related to developing countries The breaking up of tribal units, urbanization and missionary activity have all been features of â€Å"modernization† and it is clear that there are multiple consequences of these different forces. The most obvious difference between developed and less developed countries is that of wealth, but the cultural differences are perhaps even more important. One factor which has come through very strongly in the course is the concept of â€Å"cultural pluralism†. There is a big difference between the nation states of the West, with their extensive government systems and very strong sense of national identity and the much more complex mix of identities that is apparent in places like India and Africa. The impact of alien colonial ideas and the move from a rural and tribal setting to urban centres, in search of work and prosperity has created a very intriguing situation for millions of people in the modern world: â€Å"Cultural pluralism exists because individual actors include among their repertory of social roles one or more culturally defined identities.† The diaspora, or spreading out of different groups caused by factors like slavery, economic migration, persecution and war means that in developing countries people often have complex and multiple identities including aspects of nationality, tribe, race, and religion, as well as their current location which may not be linked with any or all of these.