Modernization in the United States

United States in Change

Service industry becomes dominant
personal service: retailing, laundry, car maintenance, cosmetics industry
enterprise service：financing, banking, insurance, realty industry
public service: transportation, communication, etc.
health care, education, management.

1. Development of production
2. Development of science and technology
3. Pursuit of life quality and health

Effects caused by rise of service industries

1. Boost economic development
2. Imbalance between import and export
3. Change of occupation structure, increase of the white-collar class, white-collar society

Science and Research

• Information technology revolution
• Government funded research
• Research and development investment in enterprises
• Transformation in enterprise management
• Status of high-educated people
  

Problems confronted

• economic decline
  
• environment issues
  
• financial deficit
• education: elementary education
  
• national debt
• other social issues: drug, abortion, divorce, race discrimination

Liberalism and Conservatism
Decline of liberalism

1. Paradox in liberalism value
   
2. Opposition from the middle class： high tax, inflation
3. Shock to traditional values held by Americans, especially the the middle class

paradox in dual principals: private enterprises own the right to pursue profit and laisser faire
the government own the obligation to provide the poor with equal rights in freedom, opportunity, income and wealth.

In late 1970s, liberalism met unprecedented troubles. Many liberalists were disappointed by the too active liberalism and turned to conservatism gradually. While the youth preferred neo-liberalism.

Neo-liberalism: Equality shall not surpass freedom. Equality and justice means those in opportunities. Regard education as not only personal need, but also the prerequisite of economic development and national competitive power.