Modernisation Theory
Modernisation refers to a model of a progressive transition from a 'pre-modern' or 'traditional' to a 'modern' society. Modernization theory is used to explain the process of modernization that a nation goes through as it transitions from a traditional society to a modern one.
The theory looks at the internal factors of a country while assuming that, with assistance, "traditional" countries can be brought to development in the same manner more developed countries have. Modernisation theory also attempts to identify the social variables that contribute to social progress and development of societies, and seeks to explain the process of social evolution.
Modernisation theory however, is subject to criticism originating among socialist and free-market ideologies, world-systems theorists, globalization theorists and dependency theorists among others.
Modernization, industrialization, and development are often used interchangeably but in fact refer to distinguishable phenomena. Industrialization is a narrower term than modernization, while development is more general. Industrialization involves the use of inanimate sources of power to mechanize production, and it involves increases in manufacturing, wage labor, income levels, and occupational diversification.
There are many different versions of modernization theory. Here we will briefly discuss the opposing views of the Marxist and capitalist versions, a Western version, and a present day version of modernization theory.
Marxist and Capitalist Versions
Early theories were greatly affected by the political climate between the United States and the Soviet Union. During the Cold War era (1947 - 1991), two versions of modernization theory were prominent:
Marxist
Capitalist
The Marxist theory of modernization theorized that as nations developed, adopting a communist approach to governing, such as eradicating private property, would end conflict, exploitation, and inequality. Economic development and social change
The theory looks at the internal factors of a country while assuming that, with assistance, "traditional" countries can be brought to development in the same manner more developed countries have. Modernisation theory also attempts to identify the social variables that contribute to social progress and development of societies, and seeks to explain the process of social evolution.
Modernisation theory however, is subject to criticism originating among socialist and free-market ideologies, world-systems theorists, globalization theorists and dependency theorists among others.
Modernization, industrialization, and development are often used interchangeably but in fact refer to distinguishable phenomena. Industrialization is a narrower term than modernization, while development is more general. Industrialization involves the use of inanimate sources of power to mechanize production, and it involves increases in manufacturing, wage labor, income levels, and occupational diversification.
There are many different versions of modernization theory. Here we will briefly discuss the opposing views of the Marxist and capitalist versions, a Western version, and a present day version of modernization theory.
Marxist and Capitalist Versions
Early theories were greatly affected by the political climate between the United States and the Soviet Union. During the Cold War era (1947 - 1991), two versions of modernization theory were prominent:
Marxist
Capitalist
The Marxist theory of modernization theorized that as nations developed, adopting a communist approach to governing, such as eradicating private property, would end conflict, exploitation, and inequality. Economic development and social change