Which of the following statements about modernity is incorrect?

The correct answer is Option 4: Modernity places family occupation above individual occupational choice.

Option 1: “Modernity gives greater importance to achievement than ascribed identity.” — Correct. Modernity involves a shift towards identities that are chosen and achieved rather than simply assigned through birth.

Option 2: “Modernity links social associations with choice rather than birth.” — Correct. Modernity gives greater importance to associations based on choice rather than inherited membership.

Option 3: “Modernity gives greater importance to scientific attitudes.” — Correct. A scientific attitude gains ground within the modern orientation, alongside greater importance given to utility, calculation and science.

Option 4: “Modernity places family occupation above individual occupational choice.” — Incorrect. Modernity involves a movement towards choice in work. What occupation a person follows becomes less dependent on the occupation of their parent and more connected with individual choice.