Modernization Theory posited that societies progress through predictable and universal stages of development from traditional to modern. It was influenced by evolutionary and functionalist theories. Relatively modernized societies are characterized by specialization, rational cultural norms, and emphasis on markets, while relatively non-modern societies emphasize tradition, particularism, and self-sufficiency. Late industrializers have advantages like learning from others but also challenges converting resources and disappointing expectations. Theories assumed modernization was systematic, transformative, phased, and brought countries closer to Western models through diffusion, but critics argue it ignored foreign influence and need for indigenous values.

1. Modernization Theory Dr. Christopher S. Rice

2. Rise of the United States as a Superpower

3. Spread of a (perceived) united world Communist movement

4. Disintegration of the European colonial empires

5. Evolutionary Theory

6. Features of Classic Evolutionary Theory Assumed social change is unidirectional Imposed a value judgment on the evolutionary process Assumed that the rate of social change is slow, gradual & piecemeal (evolutionary NOT revolutionary)

7. Functionalist Theory

9. The Functional Imperatives (AGIL) Adaptation Goal attainment Integration Latency

10. Homeostatic Equilibrium

11. Criticism of Parsons

12. Parson’s “Pattern Variables” Affective vs. affective-neutral relationship Particularistic vs. Universal relationship Collective orientation vs. self-orientation Ascription vs. Achievement Functionally diffused vs. functionally specific relationships

13. Marion Levy Relatively Modernized Societies

14. How is Modernization defined?

15. Why does Modernization occur?

16. Relatively non-modern societies are characterized by: Low degree of specialization High level of self-sufficiency Cultural norms of tradition, particularism, & functional diffuseness Relatively little emphasis on money circulation & market Family norms such as nepotism One-way flow of goods and services from rural to urban areas

17. Relatively modern societies are characterized by: High degree of specialization & interdependency of organizations Cultural norms of rationality, universalism, & functional specificity High degree of centralization Relatively great emphasis on money circulation & market The need to insulate bureaucracy from other contexts Two-way flow of goods & services between towns and villages

18. What if you come late to the party?

19. Advantages Disadvantages Knowing where they are going Ability to borrow initial expertise in planning, capital accumulation, skills, & patterns of organization without the costs of invention. Able to skip some of the non-essential stages associated with the process. Problems of scale. Problems of conversion of resources, materials, skills, etc. from one use to another. Problems of disappointment. Many people get hurt in a society’s movement toward relatively modernized patterns.

20. Rostow’s Stages of Economic Growth “ Traditional Society” Precondition for takeoff growth Takeoff Drive to Maturity High mass-consumption society

21. How do you get the necessary capital for “Takeoff”? confiscatory and taxation devices PI from banks, capital markets, government bonds, & the stock market PI through foreign trade PI through direct foreign capital investment

22. Theoretical Assumptions of Modernization Theory

23. From Functionalist Theory Modernization is a systematic process Modernization is a transformative process Modernization is an immanent process

24. From Evolutionary Theory Modernization is a phased process Modernization is a homogenizing process Modernization is an Americanization (or Europeanization) process Modernization is an irreversible process Modernization is a progressive process Modernization is a lengthy process

25. Policy Implications

26. 4 Criticisms of Modernization Theory

27. Unidirectional Development

28. Need to Eliminate Traditional Values

29. Ideological Critique

30. “ These epistemological sins led to the theoretical errors of belief in incremental and continuous development, the possibility of orderly and stable change, the diffusion of development from the West to the Third World, and the decline of revolutionary ideology and the spread of pragmatic and scientific thinking.” Sydney Almond

31. 4 Epistemological Sins of MT Belief in the possibility of an objective social science free of ideology. Belief in the cumulative quality of knowledge. Belief in universal laws of social science. Export of these beliefs to the Third World countries.

32. Neglect of the Issue of Foreign Domination