Modernization refers to the transition of a traditional society to a modern one. It involves changes across demographic, economic, political, communication, and cultural sectors. Some key aspects of modernization include the shift from rural agrarian societies to urban industrial ones, with individuals prioritized over families/communities. Traditional religious beliefs decline and cultural traits are lost. Modern societies are characterized by empathy, mobility based on merit over birth, high political participation, articulation and aggregation of interests through debates, institutionalized political competition, achievement motivation, rational decision making, new attitudes towards wealth and risk taking, and social/economic/political discipline with a focus on long term goals over short term gains.