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Europe in 1989 and beyond
Introduction
As a result of societal dynamism and constantly emerging challenges; every society has since time immemorial undergone several changes in their political, economical and the entire social organization. This is due to the ever increasing demand for innovations, modification of ideas and adjustment of policies in the society to meet the emerging challenges and befit societal requirements; thus the focus on the intellectual and cultural trends in Europe in the last half of the twentieth century.
Discussion
The transformational trends in the political arena have seen the European society substantially embrace democracy in the period 1989 and beyond. This has given people the freedom to participate in the political activities; a factor considered very important in societal governing since their voices are heard and responded to.. The governments ensure that there is accountability and transparency in their work (Grinsven 13). On the intellectual part, Europe ensures that the political arena makes the use of the learned people who are also experienced when formulating policies to govern the people. The inclusion of the intelligent people in politics in Europe over this period has enabled governments to be proactive and to come up with policies that best fit political expectations of their citizens. These intelligent include the political analysts and experts who are consulted from time to time to guide in matters relating to government.
Social life has also undergone change. Initially there were many cultures with a number of them feeling more superior comparatively; thereby posing threats to social order. Change has seen the emergence of universal culture in Europe which is accommodative of all cultures. Europe has embraced a homogeneous culture which provides similar values for all which is important in reducing chances of conflicts. This culture is well accommodated in the international European political field (Grinsven 13). Formal education has been producing an intellectual culture that shuns irrational beliefs and embrace cultural diversity. The learned people in the society have helped the larger society in realizing that matters of culture is a creation of man and they should not cause havoc and social disorder.
Europe has also experienced immeasurable advancements in the economic field. This has seen shift from agricultural activities to the dominant service industries. The dominant culture where human labor was prevalent is now changing in the economic field with the introduction of technology. The intellectual trend has been useful in the invention of these technologies. These experts have been very useful in predicting the economic trends and help the government in planning for its expenditures and international trade.
Conclusion
Societal change is inevitable owing to the fact that social phenomena can be quite challenging. For the society to move to the next level they need to acquire new ways of solving the social phenomena. The work of the intellectuals at this point is indisputable as they act as guides for the society. Finally, cultural issues need to be addressed with a universal culture being preferred since it reduces chances of conflicts and steers the society ahead.
Work Cited
Van Grinsven: The European Council under Construction. Netherlands Institution for
International Relations, p 13 2003
