First of all, it is vital to say that modernity cannot be viewed as a singular condition. The broad definition might state that it is a quality or condition of being modern, or modern ways of thinking, working, and creating. However, by narrowing this definition, it is possible to outline the major assumptions related to this concept. First, there are no ways of being modern, guaranteeing that all needs will be met or fulfilled.
It means that modernity cannot include only good things, as it always comes with corresponding problems that should be considered. Second, modernity cannot be viewed as the opposition to repression as it also implies new forms of repressive behaviors. Finally, successful modernization is one of the necessary conditions for progress; however, these two assumptions should not be confused as they are not the same. For this reason, it is vital to consider that modernity refers to new ideas and paradigms, which, however, do not necessarily go with human freedom and only have good aspects.
The concept of alternative modernities implies that modernity is always linked to specific cultures and emerges within them. It means that different origins of ideas and various starting points lead to transiting from the previous stages to new ones in separate ways. In such a way, it might lead to different outcomes or alternative modernities. Regarding the secularization theory, the progress of society through rationalization and advances in science creates a new environment with unique peculiarities, different from the previous ones and characterized by the diminished authority of institutions, such as religion. Thus, because of varied starting points peculiar to cultures, this process can lead to using various methods and forming alternative modernity with a unique set of features. For this reason, the concept can be applied to real-life settings.