a) Rostow's Model is useful when trying to understand a country's role in the world economy. At stage one, a country's role in the world economy is very slight, almost nonexistent. In fact, a country doesn't usually affect the world economy significantly until stage four of the model when international trade expands. To understand a country's role in the world economy, one need only consider which stage of Rostow's Model the country is in. Stage one is a subsistence economy based on farming. Stage two occurs when surpluses are grown and there is an emerging transport infrastructure. When something akin to the Industrial Revolution occurs, the country has reached stage three of the model. Rapid urbanization and the expansion of international trade mark stage four. Stage five is marked by high incomes and the widespread production of many goods and services.
c) Rostow's Model is also useful when trying to understand the cultural differences between countries. A country in stage one of the model may have a culture that focuses mainly on farming and family ties. A country in stage five of the model, however, may have a culture that focuses on material goods, networking, and the pursuit of wealth.
d) Social and class structures often revolve around your line of work. The stage of Rostow's Model that a country is in can help explain the social and class structures. Stage one is a subsistence economy based on farming. Almost everyone is a farmer, so there is no distinction of rank. Stage two occurs when surpluses are grown and there is an emerging transport infrastructure. The country has taken on new leadership, entrepreneurs emerge, and social ranks begin to form. When stage three occurs, there are now significant distinctions between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. South Asia is a prime example of the differences between the workers and big business owners. The bourgeoisie are making millions off of selling their products, whereas the workers who