Modernisation Theory Flashcards
(15 cards)
Durkheim
Durkheim argued that societies would progress through industrialisation and that the most developed nations were those that had industrialised first. Durkheim saw the West as the most advanced society, and thought underdeveloped countries could improve their progression by taking on the characteristics of Western countries
Modernisation theory
Functionalist analysis of development
Rostow – ‘father of modernisation theory’
Saw countries developing in 5 stages
Very positive about the ‘evolution’ of economies towards modern capitalism
Two main aims of Modernisation
To provide explanations for continued poverty in other countries
Provide a route to development that is an explicit alternative to Communism
Rostow’s five key stages
1.Traditional stage
2.Pre-conditions for take-off
3. Take off
4. The Drive to Maturity
5. The Age of Mass Consumption
Stage 1: Traditional Society
There is basic technology within these stage. Existence based around
subsistence agriculture. Roles and statuses are largely ascribed
Stage 2: Preconditions for Take-off
Technological innovations occur
Transforming agriculture and industry
And producing surpluses which can be sold for profit
Stage 3: Take-off
Entrepreneurs emerge who reinvest their profits
TNCs move production to developing countries
Driving industrialisation
Stage 4: The Drive to Maturity
New institutions and infrastructure emerges to meet the needs of workers and capitalists
Reinvestment continues and new social needs emerge
Stage 5: Age of Mass Consumption
Creating a demand for consumer goods which transcend basic needs, and ensuring that economic growth is maintained
Wealth filters down to the workers – there is a ‘trickle down effect
Rostow’s theory
According to Rostows’ theory, development needs…..
Advanced technologies
Surplus capital for investment
Entrepreneurs to drive progress
Mobile workforce to fill the new needs of the economy
How does movement through the stages happen?
Modernisation theory suggests that there are certain factors that are necessary for development to occur
Internal factors (within the country)
- certain things have to change to allow development to occur
External factors (assistance from outside)
- developed countries and their institutions can aid the development of other countries
Investigate what these factors are and how they are seen to assist development
Cultural barriers
Other theorists saw the importance of cultural changes:
Education
Hoselitz – introduces value of hard work and achievement Lerner – children of elites can be educated in the ‘north’ and pass on new values on their return
Mass Media
Inkeles – rapid diffusion of new ideas and values; education for the masses about new norms
Urbanisation
breaks down cultural values, movement away from constraints of community and family
Hoselitz – removes constraints and concentrates the workforce
Economic barriers-Rostow
Economic Barriers
Rostow saw that the West had an important role to play in development
1)Investment and Aid by governments and large scale institutions (e.g. World Bank)
2)Introduction of new technologies – investment by TNCs and training of local populations
3)Increased wages for local population – allowing for a ‘trickle down effect’
Overcoming these barriers
Overcoming these barriers would produce:
Increased wealth for individuals and wider society
New entrepreneurial middle classes
New forms of political life – push toward democracy
High levels of consumption
Increased ‘freedom’ and ‘choice’ for individuals
summary of modernisation
Social evolution from tradition to modernity
Internal and external changes are necessary
Western intervention can help countries develop
Transfer of wealth and technology from West
Tradition is a barrier to change
Vital to change ‘values’
Education, media and occupation help to shift values toward modernity
All countries can experience modernisation
