This theory holds that religion is just as important a feature of modern society as it is of traditional society, but it takes different forms and possesses different characteristics. While compatible with functionalist theories, this theory does not depend upon them, because it concerns the historical transformation of religion, whereas religion's functions may be constant. Among the most influential variants of this perspective is the pattern variable theory of Parsons and Shils.

According to them, five socio-cultural dimensions of variation together describe modernization, applicable to religion as to all other major institutions of society. With the traditional end of the dimensions on the left, the pattern variables are:

1. Affectivity - Affective Neutrality

2. Self-orientation - Collectivity-orientation

3. Particularism - Universalism

4. Ascription - Achievement

5. Diffuseness - Specificity

Modern religion, as defined by the right end of these dimensions, is emotionally cooler than traditional religion, oriented toward very large social collectivities such as all humanity rather than the self or clan, promulgating universalistic norms and hopes of salvation, placing responsibility for moral choice in the individual, and differentiated from other institutions of the society. Universal norms but individual achievement illustrate the fact that these are intended to be five dimensions, rather than aspects of one, implying that prior to the completion of modernization some societies and their religions might be mixed types.

A recent critique of this theory, which grants that it has been exceedingly influential, comes from Nils Gilman (2003).


a.) Gilman, Nils. 2003. Mandarins of the Future: Modernization Theory in Cold War America. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
b.) Parsons, Talcott, and Edward A. Shils (eds.). 2001. Toward a General Theory of Action. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Related Concepts  

The state of being without effective rules for living.

A breakdown at the level of the entire society, which Emile Durkheim measured in terms of economic instability.

Strain between the norms and values of a society (Robert K. Merton), as experienced by the individual, which could be measured by items about frustration in achieving conventional life goals.

Religious Behavior


Religious Belief


Social Disorganization

A breakdown of society marked by high rates of migration and by sparce or fragmented networks of social relations.

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