Social changes under the impacts of economic transformation in Taiwan: From industrialization to modernization during the post-world war II era

This article examines the process of change in Taiwan during the past forty years under rapid industrialization and economic growth. Distinctions among the three concepts of industrialization, economic growth, and modernization are outlined. Changes in Taiwan’s economy, demography, class structure, health care, education, welfare system, and political participation are discussed. Based on Taiwan’s experience, a model of interlocking relationships between macro and micro levels of change is presented.