How Does Modernization Theory Explain Underdevelopment?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Modernisation theory explained the underdevelopment of countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America primarily in terms of cultural ‘barriers' to ', basically

arguing that developing countries were underdeveloped because their traditional values held them back

; other modernisation theorists focused more on …

How does modernization theory explain development?

Modernization theory suggests

that traditional societies will develop as they adopt more modern practices

. Proponents of modernization theory claim that modern states are wealthier and more powerful and that their citizens are freer to enjoy a higher standard of living.

What are the causes of underdevelopment According to modernization theory?

Modernisation theorists argue that there are

a number of cultural and economic barriers that prevent traditional societies from developing

. Cultural barriers are seen as internal to the country – it is essentially their fault for being backward.

What does modernization theory argue?

Modernization theory suggests

that traditional societies will develop as they adopt more modern practices

. Proponents of modernization theory claim that modern states are wealthier and more powerful and that their citizens are freer to enjoy a higher standard of living.

How does modernization theory promote development in poor countries?

Modernisation theory underpinned the idea of development as growth, with modernisation defined as a linear path towards a developed industrial society.

Economic development through industrial transformation would lead to economic growth

, allowing poorer countries to catch up with industrial countries.

What are the five stages of modernization theory?

There are five stages in Rostow's Stages of Development:

traditional society, preconditions to takeoff, takeoff, drive to maturity, and age of high mas consumption

. In the 1960s, American economist called W.W. Rostow developed this theory.

What is the concept of underdevelopment?

Underdevelopment is

low level of development

characterized by low real per capita income, wide-spread poverty, lower level of literacy, low life expectancy and underutilisation of resources etc.

What are the weaknesses of modernization theory?

Perhaps the most crippling weakness of the modernization theory is

its oversimplified view of social change

(Coetzee et al., 2007: 101). Human nature has a propensity to resist change in favour of the status quo. Change is resisted because it brings in elements of uncertainty.

What are the stages of modernization theory?

In other words, all societies, once engaged in the modernization process, follow a predetermined sequence of developmental stages:

traditional economies, transition to takeoff, takeoff itself, drive to maturity, age of high consumption, and postindustrial society

(Chirot and Hall, 1982: 82).

What are the key points of the modernization theory?

Although there are many versions of modernization theory, major implicit or explicit tenets are that (1) societies develop through a series of evolutionary stages; (2)

these stages are based on different degrees and patterns of social differentiation and reintegration of structural and cultural components that are

What are the 4 theories of development?

The main objective of this document is to synthesize the main aspects of the four major theories of development:

modernization, dependency, world- systems and globalization

. These are the principal theoretical explanations to interpret development efforts carried out especially in the developing countries.

What are the 5 theories of development?

  • Erikson's Psychosocial Developmental Theory.
  • Bowlby's Attachment Theory.
  • Freud's Psychosexual Developmental Theory.
  • Bandura's Social Learning Theory.
  • Piaget's Cognitive Developmental Theory.

What are the three theories of development?

Roughly speaking, these theories can be categorized as

emotional, cognitive and moral

. Erik Erikson

What is an example of modernization theory?

Examples include

the cast system in India, many slave systems

, and this is also an aspect of extreme patriarchal societies. This can result in Fatalism – the feeling that there is nothing you can do to change your situation.

What is the first stage of modernization theory?

means of existence. The work is highly labour intensive due to the limited availability of advanced technology. food being eaten by the producers rather than being sold for profit. in the country so the development of other industries is restricted.

What is wrong with Rostow's theory?

Rostow's stages analysis only focuses the sequence of stages. It

fails to predict the course of events with regard to economic growth

. Also, what would happen after the 5th stage of growth is beyond the canvas of Rostow's growth analysis.

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.