modernisation theory Flashcards
define the principles of modernization theory
the belief that development coincides with capitalism Offered Third World countries a way to “develop” through investment
what was the rostow model
His “staircase” model describes how capitalism helps countries develop
Rostow believed economic modernisation was the most important form of development
how can the rostow model be criticised
It’s been criticised for its ethnocentric message - there’s only one valid way for a country to improve itself and communism is “a kind of disease” (Rostow, 1960)
what are the 5 steps of the rostow model
- traditional society
- pre-conditions for take off
- take off
- drive to maturity
- high mass consumption
According to Parsons, what does society naturally become as it develops and becomes more advanced?
As society get “better” or “more advanced”, it would naturally become more capitalist, functionalist and like the USA
He listed some barriers to development- what were they?
Traditional values & attitudes Lacking a meritocratic drive High birth rates Lack of individuals’ desire to compete (eg. entrepreneurs) Lack of modern technology
what processes do modernisation theorists believe that are necessaru for a country to develop successfully
Technological -
from traditional equipment towards scientific machines
Social & Cultural -
from kinship groups to nuclear families. From instant reward to deferred gratification
how is modernisation theory important today
it’s No longer seen as being of greater relevance. However: Communism proved not to be a way to achieve development. Modernisation ideas of West did spread, even to communist countries - eg. China adopted capitalism (despite still calling itself communist)
Rich countries still help/influence poor countries through aid
‘barriers’ to development’, basically argues that
developing countries were underdeveloped because their traditional values held them back.
what do less developed countries need to adopt in order to develop
less developed countries basically needed to adopt a similar path to development to the West. They needed to adopt Western cultural values and industrialise in order to promote economic growth.
why did Modernisation theory favour a capitalist- industrial model of development –
they believed that capitalism (the free market) encouraged efficient production through industrialisation, the process of moving towards factory based production
Modernisation Theorists believed traditional societies needed Western assistance to develop. what would this look like?
in order to develop, they would need help from Western governmentsin the form of aid and investment. there was general consensus on the view that aid was a good thing and if Developing countries were injected with money and western expertise it would help to erode ‘backward’ cultural barriers and kick starts their economies.
Criticisms of Modernisation Theory: Rostows model
there are no examples of countries that have followed a Modernisation Theory approach to development. No countries have followed Rostow’s “5 stages of growth” in their entirety. “Modernisation Theory” is a very old theory that was created with the intention of justifying the position of western capitalist countries, and discrediting Communism. This is why it is such a weak theory.
Criticisms of Modernisation Theory : emphasis of western colonial superiority
Modernization Theory assumes that western civilisation is technically and morally superior to traditional societies. Implies that traditional values in the developing world have little value compared to those of the West. however Many developed countries have huge inequalities. therefore modernisation theory exaggerates the disadvantages within less developed countries whilst concealing the inquality within western countrys.
