This essay compares the characteristics of Renaissance society and contemporary society. Similarities and differences are noted before discussing issues connecting the two periods. The objective is to obtain a better understanding of how societal elements in each era influence society changes and progress. This research is important because society is at the heart of changes and progress in civilizations. The two time periods involve different historical, cultural and political components, but insightful comparisons can be made. There are similarities and patterns from each era that can help guide and evaluate the future progress of society. Similarities and Differences Each era will be described using essential characteristics: social, political, …show more content…
Middle Age influences impacted the Renaissance. Inflexible courtship rules and arranged marriages continued. Social mobility replaced rigid social classifications. Family member roles were static. The Black Death decreased the population and for the survivors created increased wealth, leisure and a secular society. Reliance on the church decreased. Urbanization and technological dependency characterize contemporary society. There are growing concerns about population overcrowding. Family member roles are now more flexible. Social and occupational mobility have increased. There are more choices to improve personal opportunities. More women are actively involved in religious, governmental and business pursuits. Gender identity and equity continue to be concerns in current society. Both time periods emphasized individual initiative to improve personal conditions and offered social mobility improvements. Contemporary society offers more flexibility …show more content…
In the Renaissance, science and mathematics produced culture-changing advances and global discoveries, especially those in astronomy, medicine, chemistry, anatomy and architecture. Sophisticated advances and specific concerns about the environment characterize today's scientific community. The Renaissance laid the groundwork for much of today's scientific advances. During the Renaissance, all of these social, economic, political and scientific changes increased the need to learn to read, write and use numbers. Gutenberg's printing press made knowledge and literature available to the masses, often in vernacular languages, and allowed modern culture to develop. Unfortunately, the male elite and clergy controlled access to learning and the promotion of restricted religious beliefs. Today, there is instantaneous access to vast knowledge and communications sources via computerized systems and social media. We truly live in a connected