The Logic of Compressed Modernity

Theories of modernity often fail to explain the rapid development of societies in Asia and other parts of the world,leading to extreme social changes,complexities,and imbalances. This book by Chang Kyung-Sup provides a systematic account of compressed modernity in South Korea and other East Asian societies,analyzing the costs and consequences of this rapid development. It is of interest to students and scholars of sociology, politics, and development studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

The majority of theories of modernity are founded on the evolution of Western societies since the late Middle Ages, yet these theories offer limited insight into the development of societies in Asia and other regions of the world, where the process of modernization occurred under distinct circumstances and frequently in a swift and intensely compressed manner—not spanning centuries but occurring within decades. Asian societies have also embraced modernity, albeit in a compressed form that manifests distinct characteristics.

In his groundbreaking book, Chang Kyung-Sup offers a comprehensive examination of this compressed modernity, employing it to analyze the profound social transformations, complexities, and imbalances observed in South Korea and other East Asian societies. While these changes facilitated South Korea's rapid modernization and remarkable economic growth, they have also resulted in a society plagued by various developmental and civilizational challenges, including persistent generational conflicts, overwhelming family responsibilities, and alarmingly high suicide rates. Similar to other societies that have undergone compressed modernity, the South Korean "miracle" is characterized by extreme and conflicting social traits.

This pioneering work on the nature and implications of compressed modernity holds significant appeal to students and scholars of sociology, politics, and development studies, as well as anyone with an interest in South Korea, Asia, and postcolonial societies.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 230 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509552894