Modernisation Theory Key terms

Question 1

Modernisation Theory Overview

Answer 1

Dominant development theory of the 1960’s based on the work of WALT ROSTOW. Modernisation theorists argue that developing countries should become more like western capitalist industrial nations such as the USA. They argue that there are internal economic and cultural barriers which developing countries need to overcome with the support of western aid.

Rostow argued that there were five stages of economic growth through which societies pass as they move from being traditional to fully developed.
There five stages in order are:
1. Traditional Society
2. Pre-conditions for take off
3. Take off
4. Drive to maturity
5. Age of mass consumption

In a nutshell; Development means becoming more like us.

Question 2

Traditional Society

Answer 2

Based on subsistence farming. There is limited wealth, and traditional values hold back change.

Question 3

Pre-conditions for take off

Answer 3

Western values and practices begin to take hold, establishing the conditions that are necessary for development. There will be new technologies to modernise agriculture and these provide the fuel for ‘take off’.

Question 4

Take off

Answer 4

The society’s economy grows as modern values and practices pay off; the change becomes self-reinforcing. A new class ‘entrepreneurs’ emerges which is willing to take risks in investing in business. The society begins to produce on a large scale, including for export.

Question 5

Drive to maturity

Answer 5

The economic benefits produced in stage 3 continue and investment in education, health and social services lead to rising living standards. The society is now becoming modern.

Question 6

The age of mass consumption

Answer 6

The society achieves the kind of levels the USA had reached by the 1960’s: high mass consumption; high standards of living for most of the population.

Question 7

Subsistence agriculture/farming

Answer 7

A system whereby crops and livestock are produced for consumption of the family rather than for sale in the market.

Question 8

Collectivism

Answer 8

The notion that members of the family/tribal unit put the interests of the group before self-interest. Modernisation theorists see the emphasis on collectivism rather than individualism in traditional societies as a key cultural barrier to development.

Question 9

Fatalism

Answer 9

An attitude whereby the holder believes that there is nothing they can do about their circumstances. modernisation theorists argue that fatalism is a key component of traditional cultures which acts as a barrier to development.

Question 10

Cottage industry

Answer 10

A mode of production typical of pre-industrial societies, where the home was the main focus for the manufcature of goods needed in society. Such industry is small-scale and produces a limited range of goods. This requires more skills and can therefore be a more fulfilling and creative form of work than assembly line factory production.

Question 11

Individualism

Answer 11

The notion that individual self interest should come before the interests of the group.

Question 12

Industrialisation

Answer 12

The process whereby a society moves from a predominantly agricultural base to one where the economy is dominated by manufacturing (based on mechanised mass production).

Industrialisation is associated with dislocation as a society adapts to the massive social changes which industrialisation creates (e.g urbanisation)

Question 13

Internal cultural barriers

Answer 13

Talcott Parsons; think that cultural factors within traditional societies act as a barrier to development. They argue that traditional cultures are based on things such as collectivism, fatalism and ascribed status. These cultural factors are counterproductive in encouraging the kind of entrepreneurial spirit needed to drive industrial growth. According to parsons such cultures tend to be backward looking and attached the tradition, this makes them resistant to social change and progress.

Question 14

Cultural catalysts

Answer 14

Investments of foreign aid used to bring about cultural changes in less developed countries by creating institutions which transmit modern norms and values e.g education

Question 15

Internal economic barriers

Answer 15

There are the things that prevent poorer countries from developing their economy. For example, a lack of technology and an absence of entrepreneurs.

Question 16

Economic catalysts

Answer 16

Investments of foreign aid or investments by transnational corporations that can help poor countries overcome their economic barriers. Modernisation Theorists argue that this should focus on technological advancement, creating the industrial infrastructure to achieve economic take-off.

Question 17

Cycle of poverty (poverty trap)

Answer 17

Rostow argues that because traditional societies are based on subsistence (with food being used to feed families rather than generate wealth), the profit needed to buy and develop new technologies never accumulates. This creates a vicious cycle or ‘poverty trap’ as people in these societies are never able to produce their goods cheaply or efficiently enough to generate wealth. Modernisation Theorists and other commentators such as Jeffery Sachs argue that aid from the richer world, to provide the initial injection of capital, is essential.

Question 18

Ethnocentrism

Answer 18

Looking at an issue from the viewpoint of a particular cultural background and therefore obtaining a biased opinion of it.

Modernisation theory is essentially an ethnocentric approach; it argues that the only route to development is to follow the example of the USA, and the success is measured by whether the economy is based on mass consumption, as in the usa. The USA and other developed countries are seen as having reached the destination of being modern; the rest of the world is behind, needing to follow the same road in order to catch up - following the footsteps of the West.

Critics argue that this ethnocentric approach adopted by modernisation theory is patronising towards other countires. Furthermore, it romanticises Western capitalist industrial society, implying that it has no real problems.