What describes the societal transformation to capitalist, urbanized, and class-based systems?

The societal transformation to capitalist, urbanized, and class-based systems is most accurately described as modernity. Modernity refers to a historical period and cultural condition that emerged in the wake of the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution, characterized by the rise of capitalism, urbanization, and the organization of society along class lines. This transformation brought about significant changes in social, political, and economic structures, as well as attitudes toward life, work, and individuality.

Industrialization, while a critical component of modernity, specifically focuses on the shift from agrarian economies to ones dominated by industry and manufacturing. It is one of the key processes that contributed to the broader concept of modernity but does not encompass all aspects of the social transformation involved.

Feudalism represents an earlier social system defined by rigid class structures and land ownership relations, which preceded the capitalist and modernist changes. In contrast, postindustrial society reflects developments that occur after industrialization, highlighting a shift towards service-oriented economies and information technology but does not encapsulate the initial transformation to urbanized and capitalist systems.

Therefore, modernity effectively describes the comprehensive societal changes that led to the emergence of the capitalist and class-based systems we see in contemporary society.