Modernisation is a far-reaching and complex process by which a society undergoes a fundamental transformation from traditional or less developed institutions, social structures, and cultural practices to those characteristic of more developed, industrialised, and often urbanised societies. This process typically involves significant changes in various aspects of social life, including the economy (shift from agriculture to industry), political systems (often towards democracy and increased state capacity), social structures (greater social mobility and differentiation), cultural values (emphasis on individualism, secularism, and rationality), and technology (adoption of advanced technologies). Modernisation is often associated with improvements in living standards, education, healthcare, and overall societal complexity, but it can also bring about social disruptions, inequalities, and challenges to traditional ways of life. Sociologists study modernisation to understand its causes, consequences, and the different paths that societies take in this transformative process.