Modernization Theory¶
Shift from traditional to “modern” similar to developed countries
- Formal education
- Market-based economics
- Focus on economic growth as primary indicator of development
- Political systems
- Democratic
- Decentralized
- Secular
- Religion should be unto individual choice
Claims that economic growth, cultural change, and political change go together
Emphasize on dualism:
Walt Rostov 5 Stages to Development¶
- Change from rigid traditional systems, and eliminate any resistance to them
- Preconditions for take-off
- Progressive leadership
- Greater flexibility
- Openness to new technology
- Greater diversity of products
- Take off
- Industrial growth
- Urbanization
- Drive to maturity
- Use of technology: Increase productivity and efficiency
- International trade: Bargaining power
- Emphasis on population
- Demographic dividend/disaster
- Education & Skill development
- Final Stage
- Mass consumption
- High incomes
- Majority of workspace in service sector
- Move towards welfare state
Limitations¶
- Euro-centric model and not easily applicable for other countries
- Assumes that all countries have the same resources and capability
- Does not account for problems that developing countries face
- Assumes that all countries can take such policies
- Focus on service sector causes scarcity in the agricultural and industrial sector, such as cleaning, etc
Criticism¶
- Not Value neutral and promotes capitalism and western values
- May increase inequality within countries
- Exploits unlimited resources for industrial expansion at the cost of ecological issues
- Devalues traditional values and social institutions
Case Study: Asian Tiger Economies¶
Implemented modernization without ensuring decentralization
IDK¶
- Capitalism
- Socialism
- Communism