INDEV100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Modernization Theory, Neocolonialism, Ethnocentrism
31 Oct 2018
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Document Summary
Modernization theory is a theory used to explain the process of modernization that a nation goes through as it transitions from a traditional society to a modern one. For a country to be considered modern, modernisation theorists argue that it has to undergo an evolutionary advance in science and technology which in turn would lead to an increased standard of living for all. The modernization theory emphasizes the importance of values and norms as drivers of development. However it argues that the respo(cid:374)si(cid:271)ility for e(cid:272)o(cid:374)o(cid:373)i(cid:272) (cid:862)(cid:271)a(cid:272)kward(cid:374)ess(cid:863) lies with so(cid:272)ieties of the (cid:862)third world(cid:863) themselves. Therefore it states that development could only occur when the citizens of poor countries adopt virtues of the developed north. Hence if they fail to do so, they remain in pathological, undeveloped state. Ostow(cid:859)s stages of development theory argued that a society at first was traditional, undifferentiated, and underdeveloped. Then entered stage of possible modernization with exposure to developed society.
