Rostow's Theory
Rostow 's Theory
Rostow identifies five stages of economic development. The traditional society is characterized by the dominance of agriculture, which is largely at the subsistence level, and the non-realization of potential resources. In the second stage, economic growth begins to speed up. There is an expansion of trade, perhaps an increase in external influences, and an introduction of modern methods of production, which are used along the more traditional techniques. The take off stage occurs when old traditions are finally overcome, and modern industrialized society is born. Investment rates rise from five percent of national income to ten percent, one or more major manufacturers emerge, political and social institutions are transformed, and growth becomes self-sustaining. The fourth stage sees the steady consolidation of the new industrialised society; investment continues to grow, some industries fade as others expand, large urban regions develop, and transport facilities become more complex. This progression reaches its zenith at stage five, which is characterised by mass production, the growth of quaternary occupations, and an increase in materialism and allocation of resources to social welfare.
Examples of the different stages of the Rostow model.
Stage 1: Traditional Society
• Primary activity, mainly subsistence agriculture
• Socially captured surplus lost on religious and military expenditures
AFGANISTAN NEPAL
% urban 18% 10% per capita income (?) $160 infant mortality 163 102/1000
(Examples continued)
Stage 2: Preconditions to take-off
• Young elite and role
• Infrastructure and its role
INDIA GHANA
% urban 26% 36% per capita income $290 $430 infant mortality 74 81/1000
Stage 3: Take-off
• Target sectors
• Channeling surplus
MALAYSIA THAILAND
% urban 51% 19% per capita income $3,160 $2,040 infant mortality 12 35/1000
Stage 4: The drive to maturity
• Broadening and
Rostow identifies five stages of economic development. The traditional society is characterized by the dominance of agriculture, which is largely at the subsistence level, and the non-realization of potential resources. In the second stage, economic growth begins to speed up. There is an expansion of trade, perhaps an increase in external influences, and an introduction of modern methods of production, which are used along the more traditional techniques. The take off stage occurs when old traditions are finally overcome, and modern industrialized society is born. Investment rates rise from five percent of national income to ten percent, one or more major manufacturers emerge, political and social institutions are transformed, and growth becomes self-sustaining. The fourth stage sees the steady consolidation of the new industrialised society; investment continues to grow, some industries fade as others expand, large urban regions develop, and transport facilities become more complex. This progression reaches its zenith at stage five, which is characterised by mass production, the growth of quaternary occupations, and an increase in materialism and allocation of resources to social welfare.
Examples of the different stages of the Rostow model.
Stage 1: Traditional Society
• Primary activity, mainly subsistence agriculture
• Socially captured surplus lost on religious and military expenditures
AFGANISTAN NEPAL
% urban 18% 10% per capita income (?) $160 infant mortality 163 102/1000
(Examples continued)
Stage 2: Preconditions to take-off
• Young elite and role
• Infrastructure and its role
INDIA GHANA
% urban 26% 36% per capita income $290 $430 infant mortality 74 81/1000
Stage 3: Take-off
• Target sectors
• Channeling surplus
MALAYSIA THAILAND
% urban 51% 19% per capita income $3,160 $2,040 infant mortality 12 35/1000
Stage 4: The drive to maturity
• Broadening and