Abstract: The analytic approach in positivism to modernization reduces this concept to a given “objective reality” that is independent of the subjective consciousness of the individual members in society. The approach in Hermeneutism （or phenomenology） views modernization as a “subjective reality” construed by the individuals in society out of their subjective consciousness. Different from both， pluralistic discourse analysts regard modernization as a “discourse reality，” an outcome via specific strategies by the members in society under the constraints and guidance of a specific discourse system. Correspondingly， positivistic sociologists always focus on searching for the “objective laws” that govern the course of modernization； hermeneutic sociologists always try to investigate individuals’ behaviors and their subjective consciousness that enables such behaviors； pluralistic discourse analysts advocate examining the discourse strategies and the discourse system （discourse regulations） behind such discourse strategies during the process of modernization and societal changes.

Key words: hermeneutic （phenomenological） approach to modernization, modernization studies, pluralistic discourse approach to modernization, positivistic approach to modernization