Modernization Theory Flashcards
when did modernization theory emerge and cause as a response?
1950s-1970s (post-war)
policy: post-war development project
response/critical thoery: dependecy theory
what is the core of modernization theory?
modernity vs tradition
- developing countries will…:
(a) . experience similar process as west (linear)
(b) . end at stage comparable to west - unit of analysis: countries
- obstacles: internal (tradition)
what is a point of disagreement within modernization theory?
debate on the process of change
evolutionists vs diffusionists
what do evolutionists within modernization theory argue?
- society goes from simple and undifferentiated -> complex and differentiated
- caused by division of labour (specialization)
- linear
what do diffusionists within modernization theory argue?
- change is cause from interaction of societies
- diffuses
- innovation has place of origin and then spreads
what did modernists notice about the process of modernization?
- disruptive process: old order disapears -> insecurity and instability -> no moral order
- need a new form of social integration (mechanical solidarity to organic solidarity) (Durkheim)
what is mechanical vs organic solidarity?
mechanical solidarity: traditional; kinship; similarity
organic solidarity: division od labour; professional orgs, common interests -> social solidarity and moral discipline
what is structural functionalism?
- societies = systems where specific functions are performed to maintain
- modernization = complex interrelated changes in econ, social, cultural and political systems
- structural differentiation (specialization) -> modernization
according to Rostow, what are the stages of growth (development)?
- traditional society
- preconditions for take-off
- take-off
- drive to maturity
- modern society
according to Rostow, what is a traditional society?
- attachment to local sphere
- little social mobility
- primary econ activities
- hierarchical authority
according to Rostow, what is a society at the ‘preconditions for take-off; stage?
- commit to secular edu
- capital mobilization
- begin shift in econ activities
according to Rostow, what is a society at the ‘take-off’ stage?
through western role
- more econ sectors
- driven by econ (vs. tradition)
according to Rostow, what is a society at the ‘drive to maturity’ stage?
- diversifying econ
2. reduced poverty
according to Rostow, what is a society at the ‘modern society’ stage?
- mass consumption (capitalism)
2. spending on welfare
what is the idea regarding prototypes and emulators in modernization theory?
- imitation to catch up
what are the advantages of imitation for development?
- tech can be borrowed and copied
- stages may be skipped
- west may assist (transfers)
what is the disadvantage of imitation for development?
difficult to compete with advanced nations
according to Rostow, how is the shift from a traditional to a modern society achieved
- edu, urbanization, mass media
- western role (prototypes and emulators)
- injection of capital + transfer of tech -> push for preconditions for take off
- mutually advantageous
what are parson’s pattern variables?
cultural changes of societies from traditional to modern societies
- affective orientation (family ties) -> neutral orientation
- diffuse functions -> differentiated functions
- particularistic criteria -> universalitic criteria
- ascryptive criteria -> meritocratic criteria
- collective orientation -> individualistic orientation !
what are the political changes in society from modernization?
- through specialization: increase capacity to adapt (political development)
- institutions ability to channel increased mass participation (input and output)
what are criticisms towards modernization theory
- modernity vs tradition = false dichotomy
- tradition isn’t always an obstacle for development
- unilinear thinking
- teleology: all countries move to one goal
- eurocentrism of end goal - normative and ideological bias
- predictions not resulting
in what ways did modernization theory not pan out?
- economically: structural and systematic barriers to dev
- social: violent modernization, increase in inequalities
- politics: unstable (coups, civil wars, repressive authoritarian regimes…)
what is huntington’s revisionism?
- response to instability and conflict in the developing world
- rapid modernization produces political decay (vs. development)
- institutions must channel social mobilization and political participation; but take time to develop sufficiently (institutional development)
- civic polities (institutions channel participation) vs praetorian polities (use means at disposal e.g. coups)
what does huntington propose to increase institutions’ abilities to channel participation?
- Huntington: “stability > democracy”
- use 1 party system to strengthen input structures
- legimitized 1 party rule
