Modernisation - Theory ppt-1

Modernisation theory
02 Adapted from S Moore

Introduction to Modernisation theory
• For a country to be seen as modern,

modernisation theorists say it has to
undergo an evolutionary advance in
science and technology which in turn
would lead to an increased standard of
living for all
Causes of lack of development or progress
towards modernisation?
• That some countries have not modernised

is seen to be the result of internal factors
such as (a) poverty and (b) inadequate
culture
Historical background to modernisation
theory
1. Post world war two’s deepening poverty

in some countries
2. Ideological competition from communism
3 Increasing unrest in some countries
4 The above posed a threat to capitalism,

and especially the USA
5 This led to the development of

modernisation theory (mainly by US
economists and policy makers)
Modernisation theorists aimed to:
a) explain why poorer countries failed to evolve
into modern societies
b) Reduce the spread of communism by

presenting capitalist values as the solution to
poverty
Modernisation theory has become

increasingly influential, especially since post
collapse of USSR
Rostow’s evolutionary ladder of
development (economic factors)
5 The age of high

Mass consumption
4 The drive to maturity: economic

and cultural factors lead to
increasing prosperity for all
2 Pre-conditions for take-

off: the West assists 3 Take-off: high economic
development through aid growth and investment in
and industrial investment infrastructure begins
1 Traditional society:
poverty, primary production
and traditional values
Parson’s (cultural factors block
development)
• Traditional values block a country from
developing e.g. valuing the extended
family, blocks geographical mobility
Traditional values Modern values

• Ascription Achievement
• Particularism Universalism
• Collectivism Individualism
Modernisation theory – role of the West in
developing countries
i. Western investment in
factories, expertise
and equipment – use
loans from World Bank
(Trickle down)
ii. Western funding to

introduce meritocratic
education (values of
universalism,
individualism and
competition (Hoselitz)
Modernisation theory – the West and the
developing countries (continued)
iii Mass media to
disseminate
modern ideas e.g.
nuclear families
(Inkles)
iv Urbanisation to be
encouraged
(Hoselitz)
With such help from the west poor
countries would develop
a. capitalist entrepreneurial middle class to

develop business opportunities
b. High mass consumption
c. An urban population
d. Lifestyles of conspicuous consumption

Criticism of modernisation theory
1. It is ethnocentric because
(a) it devalues traditional values and
social institutions e.g. extended families
(b) it ignores increasing inequality within
and between countries
(c) it is not a neutral theory as it suggests
(it promotes western capitalist values)
2 Education in
developing world
mainly benefits
small, local elites
(those at the top)
3 It assumes unlimited
natural resources for
industrial expansion.
(ignores ecological
issues)
4 There is no, one single way to advancement
and historical context is also important.
5 The cultures of developing countries e.g the

importance of the family, may be a
response to economic insecurity and low
levels of material well-being not the cause of
it. (Inglehart and Baker 2000)
Influence of modernisation theory today
1. Paternalism of NGO’s – ‘people first’

policies are based on western ‘help’ as it
is deemed that poor countries cannot
help themselves
2. Neo-liberals want a free market and

advocate ‘helping’ poor countries.
(Arguably they want it both ways
depending on what suits them.)
Neo modernisation theorists stress
importance of cultural values
• Huntington argues there are eight cultural

zones
• Christian traditions and values led to

economic prosperity for the Western zone
• Non western zones resent this prosperity

• Some may respond by rejecting
modernisation and return to
fundamentalism Eg the Arab World and
fostering of international terrorism (Sept
11th)
• Marxists say it is not cultural but

economic factors which matter most,
and western ideas about modernisation
are laden with capitalist values

Modernisation - Theory ppt-1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Modernisation - Theory ppt-1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Modernisation theory

02 Adapted from S Moore

• For a country to be seen as modern,

• That some countries have not modernised

1. Post world war two’s deepening poverty

4 The above posed a threat to capitalism,

5 This led to the development of

b) Reduce the spread of communism by

Modernisation theory has become

5 The age of high

4 The drive to maturity: economic

2 Pre-conditions for take-

Traditional values Modern values

ii. Western funding to

a. capitalist entrepreneurial middle class to

b. High mass consumption

d. Lifestyles of conspicuous consumption

5 The cultures of developing countries e.g the

1. Paternalism of NGO’s – ‘people first’

2. Neo-liberals want a free market and

• Huntington argues there are eight cultural

• Christian traditions and values led to

• Non western zones resent this prosperity

• Marxists say it is not cultural but

You might also like