Rostow's modernisation theory Flashcards
What is Rostow’s modernisation theory?
How a country goes through different stages of development over time
What are the stages?
Traditional society
Pre-conditions for take off
Take off
Drive to maturity
Mass consumption
What type of jobs are in Stage 1?
(Traditional society)
Primary jobs, where agricultural farming is the most important industry
People have to work hard for little money
What is subsistence farming?
Where people farm to feed themselves
What type of jobs are in Stage 2?
(Preconditions for take off)
Many in primary sector, some in secondary sector
What happens during preconditions for take off?
Transport improves so trade can begin but primary industries still domimate
What type of jobs are in Stage 3?
(Take off)
Mainly secondary jobs as industrialisation begins
What happens in take off?
Rural- Urban migration begins, cities are wealthier than rural areas, and the country can sell things like machinery rather than just basic goods
What type of jobs are in stage 4?
(Drive to maturity)
Mainly secondary, but tertiary starts to grow
What happens in drive to maturity?
Standards of living rise, technology is used more and economic growth spreadsWH
What type of jobs are in Stage 5/
(Mass consumption)
mainly tertiary jobs
What happens in mass consumption?
People can afford consumer goods
Services and standards of living are good
Good healthcare and education
What are some criticisms of Rostow’s theory?
- outdated (created in 1960)
- model assumes all countries start out the same, e.g climate, resources
- model doesn’t show development of countries at the expense of others
