Modernization theory is concerned with the study of the process of social evolution and the development of societies from a traditional structure to the modern civilized structure. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the overview of modernization theory and the strengths and weaknesses of the modernization theory
According to Rostow, modernization occurred in a series of developments that occurred in stages whose final result is the complexity in the industrial structure of the societies (Rostow, 1959) . The Traditional Society; this stage was dominated by farming production. The society, however, did not have the wealth capacity to invest in high volumes. This stage also lacked modern technology and modern tools to help in attaining more output. Therefore no inventions were realized.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
The Preconditions for take-off; this stage was characterized by the incorporation of the western values, practices, and technology into society. There was an enhancement of specialization production, increased dependence globally, expansion of finance field, and development in investment. Science and technology were introduced, infrastructure was developed, and foreign investors from the west founded factories.
The Take-off; this stage represents the achievement of spontaneous development in the sectors where the modern industrial techniques were applied. Modern industrial techniques were embraced as the new norm, and a new class of entrepreneurs based in the cities dominated investment. The transition from a subsistence economy to large scale economy occurs in this stage.
The Drive to Maturity; during the drive to maturity stage, the country started focusing on other sectors such as education and media. People moved from rural to urban areas.
Lastly, the Age of High Mass Consumption; the economic growth developments and production are purely western in this stage. The economy reached its peak, and the focus shifted to public measures such as security
The strength of Rostow’s theory is featured in three components he provides for; the first one is education which is the fastest way of adopting the new western ideas. The second one is the media; media would be responsible for further transmission of western ideas and practices. Ultimately, urbanization ensured that populations were herded to the cities. The weakness of the theory is that it adopts capitalist ideology, the western countries aid is not about helping the developing country but rather a modification of societies to ensure easier exploitation. Also, the theory is based on the fact that the country is dependent on outside aid to work. Lastly, the theory ignores the inequality which is a cover-up for crises of the theory.
In summary, the theory is sensible despite the few weaknesses because it explains the modernization relatable to a couple of countries who benefitted from the westerns influence.
Paradox of Democracy
Democracy refers to the rule of people by people. It is the most desirable for governance worldwide (Diamond, 1990). In the wake of the 1990s, most countries were fighting for freedom and independence. However, democracy is somehow poisoned, and it no longer contends with elements such as culture, nationalism, and race at the societal level. That has led to chaos in the world’s political systems, and somehow, every nation that embraces a democratic form of government has its way of running its affairs. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how these elements are conceptualized and how they affect democracy in the long run.
It is hard to tell whether democracy is in conflict or in accord. In the democratic rule, the masses elect the leaders through a competition which makes democracy a system based on competition and conflict. The conflict may go beyond dimensions and create political instability in a nation. People from a common race may team up to vote in leaders from their race and since elections are about competition hate may be propagated along the racial dimensions. In a normal set up, democracy is about peace and correlation among people from different cultures and racial background but then again to achieve democracy a degree of conflict should be included.
Similarly, democracy is supposed to be the rule of people by people but then since elections of representatives is a component of democratic governance it means the democratic rule is about electing a few to rule. Democracy is primarily against the concentration of power among a small group of people but then the elects from this small group that runs democratic governance. Democracy should be able to influence the mass and have extra power to act and some time to act promptly. The representatives represent the conflict masses which make decisions for and work for their good. A democratic government should be above its subjects.
Lastly, democracy is torn between consent and efficacy. For a fact, democracy should be the rule of people by people meaning the leaders should rule as per the demand of the subjects. Democracy is founded by consent but preserved by efficacy. For democratic governance to remain stable, it has to be legitimate in the eyes of the subjects. It has to be the best government in the way it deals with social and economic issues for the subjects to feel in power and control of the government and its functions.
In conclusion, although democracy rule should be perfectly a rule of people by people, there are few contradictions which make democratic governance different from one country to another.
References
Diamond, L. J. (1990). Three Paradoxes of Democracy. Journal of Democracy , 48-60.
Rostow, W. W. (1959). The Stages of Economic Growth. The Economic History Review , 1-16.
