Modernisation Theory Flashcards

1
Q

What is Modernisation Theory?

A

Functionalist theory from the 1960s developed in the capitalist nations
Does not separate development and capitalism
Offered Third World countries a way to “develop” through investment

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2
Q

What was The Marshall Plan (1947)?

A

The USA offered loans to European countries after WW2
This tied European economies to the USA, making them dependent
It ensured a captive market for US goods & services
They then had to pay back the US loans effectively “paying twice”

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3
Q

What was Rostow’s (1960) model?

A

Describes how capitalism helps countries develop
He subtitled it “an anti-communist manifesto”
This model is capitalist and anti-communist (Functionalist)
Intended to draw European countries towards the capitalist side and away from the communist side in the cold war

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4
Q

How can The Rostow Model be criticised?

A

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”

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5
Q

How does Parsons use Modernisation Theory to explain development?

A

As society gets “better” or “more advanced”, it would naturally become more capitalist and functionalist
He listed some barriers to development - to be destroyed if possible

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6
Q

What are Parsons’ barriers to development?

A
  • Traditional values & attitudes
  • Lacking a meritocratic drive
  • High birth rates
  • Lack of individuals’ desire to compete
  • Lack of modern technology
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7
Q

What stages should countries progress through when they modernise?

A

Technological - from traditional equipment towards scientific machines
Agricultural - from subsistence farming towards commercial mass production
Industrial - from human/animal towards machines
Geographical - from farm/village to town/city
Political - from ascribed status (kings/emperors) towards liberal democracy
Social & Cultural - social: from kinship groups to nuclear families, cultural: from instant reward to deferred gratification

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8
Q

How can Modernisation spread liberal Western values (Hoselitz, 1952)?

A

Modernising social systems meant people had to accept new patterns of work
Western ideas could be spread through both education and mass media
Cities could act as centres of Western values and spread them to rural areas

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9
Q

Who supports Modernisation Theory, and what is their economic preference?

A

Functionalists, New-Right, Economic Liberals
Economic Liberals believe in laissez-faire policy, meritocracy allows government to step back and let market forces do the “development”

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10
Q

Who criticises Modernisation Theory, and what is their economic preference?

A

Marxists, Neo-Marxists, Socialists, Interventionist Economists
Interventionist economists believe in state involvement to ensure equality

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