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Limitations Of Modernisation Theory

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What is Modernisation Theory? Where does it come from? How is it implemented and why? Who are the drivers of this theory and what is its impact on its recipients? What are the major limitations or short-comings of this theory on third-world countries in today’s world? This essay will be addressing the above mentioned questions in an effort to expose the vast limitations of the modernisation theory. The essay will begin with a summary of what is modernisation theory and will further expand by using examples of how this theory has failed or has proved incompetent as a tool for development in third-world countries with use of a few examples. This text will conclude by providing a few possible solutions or rather alternatives for this theory with …show more content…

Perhaps nowhere is this need for conceptual equipment more pressing, however, than in that amorphous area of study that examines the broad range of social processes gathered under the rubric of ‘modernisation theory’. Depending on one’s perspective, or psychological, or social, or technological, or all of the above. Like in the old tale, the beast is different depending on who touches it and where.” (Salamon, 1970, pg. 83) Therefore it is easy to misinterpret the term modernisation theory which basically defines commuting from traditional ways to modern ways in terms of living standards. Modernisation theory suggests that third world or underdeveloped countries are so because of their antiquated traditional social, political and economic structures or institutions. Campbell (2013) also states that according to the theory, in order for these countries to develop, they have to industrialise and also urbanise. However, before they can industrialise they must overcome their traditional structures by shifting from traditional values to ones more affable to industrialisation. Huntington presents this notion as having characteristics to its process and at the second stage he illustrates that modernisation is a complex process. It cannot be easily reduced to single factor or …show more content…

And after the 2nd world war basically much attention was directed to three new realities: the first the creation of numerous new nations out of Europe colonies in third world countries; the second reality explicitly saw the bipolar division of world politics between the US and Soviet Union; and lastly the hegemonic leadership of much of the world by the US. During that era the most popular theory of development which had an influential role both in academia and government was the modernisation or diffusion theory. The theory was well in line with in line with American foreign policy objectives during the period. Campbell (2013) further goes to claim that the US sought a vision for the future, by which America could identify with the desires of developing nations, as well as an outline to achieve economic and political

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