Modernisation Theory

Question 1

What are the basic ideas of modernisation theory?

Answer 1

• All countries can develop
• they need to follow the example of the ‘west’ in order to develop
• they need to have total modernisation of the societies
• it is the west’s duty to help

Question 2

Modernisation theory on Gender/women in developing world?

Answer 2

Gender inequality is caused by the traditional norms and values in developing nations and the nation need to adopt western values in order to modernise socially.
e.g. giving women more rights, so reducing inequality between men and women

Question 3

What did Boserup say?

Answer 3

Suggests the indroction of capitalism brings western values whcih encourages female independence

Question 4

Modernisation theory on environment?

Answer 4

See environmental issuees as being intenal to developing countries, rather than seeing them in context of an unequal global system

Question 5

Modernisation theory on Health, education and employment?

Answer 5

• Western style medical care can encourage western norms and values to be introduced so country will develop healthcare
• Western values means women will work so bring in money and pay tax which gov can use to aid development
• formal curriculum can teach western norms and values

Question 6

What does Hoselitz say?

Answer 6

A nation needs to adopt western norms and values e.g. gender equality, to develop economically.

Question 7

What does Rostow say?

Answer 7

Would argue that urbanisation is desirable for development, as it can act as an aid for ‘take off’ -stage 3 of his ‘5 steps to development’ theory,

Question 8

Modernisation theory on trade, aid and debt?

Answer 8

It is the west’s duty to help and so modernisation theorists are in facour of aid as developed nations are helping to life developing nations out of poverty and help them to develop.

Question 9

Modernisation theory on globalisation?

Answer 9

It allows capitalism to be spread from the west to developing world.

Question 10

Modernisation theory on TNC’s, NGO’s and IGO’s?

Answer 10

They help the introduction on western norms and values e.g. capitalism.
Rostow - believes it is a good thing as it helps the country to ‘take off’

Question 11

Modernisation theory on war and conflict?

Answer 11

• Wars strain development by stopping trade and causing financial issues
• Financial struggles leads to more war as they are struggling to provide for themself
• However, civil wars will become less common as countries modernise