What type of sociological theory is modernisation theory?
a functionalist theory
when did this theory start?
- from the 1960s during the cold war
the theory believes that if you are capitalist then you are…
developed
what did the theory offer to third world countries
it offered a way to ‘ develop’ however through investment
what was the modernisation theorys plans first big application?
The marshall plan
what did the marshall plan do ?
It offered loans (us loans) to european countries that were left devastated and run down after ww2. (Uk, France, germany, italy)
what did the marshal plan do to the countries that took the loans form the us?
-it tied the countries to the us, making them dependent on them.
How did the marshal plan effect the US?
- it Had a positive impact of the market for us goods and services because these countries would by off of the us using the loans the us gave them.
- As well as this the countries had to pay back the loans.
- the US made an investment as they were giving these countries loans which meant that they could buy equipment as well as then paying back the loan
- (The countries basically paid the twice)
Who is Rostow?
- an economist working for the US government.
- his staircase model describes how capitalism helps countries to develop. (backs up the modernisation theory)
- anti communist
What did Rostow subtitle his staircase model?
- ’ an anti communist manifesto’
what did rostow intend with his model?
he intended to draw european countries towards capitalism (America ) and away from communism (soviet)
What is Rostow mainly criticized for ?
his ethnocentric message , he believed that there was only one valid way for a country to improve itself and communism is a ‘state of disease’
who supports modernisation?
- functionalists
- new right
- economic liberals
who criticises modernisation ?
- marxist
- neo marxist
- socialists
- economic liberals
what does parsons believe development was from?
evolution
what type of sociologist is parsons
a structural functionalist
what does parsons think happens naturally
he believes that as society gets better or more advanced it naturally becomes capitalist.
what barriers of development did parsons believed needed to be destroyed ?
- traditional values + attitudes e.g kinships
- lacking meritocratic drive.
- high birth rates (not focusing on your job)
- lack of individuals desire to compete
- lack of modern technology
How long does rostow believe it takes to complete the 5 stages of hsi model ?
60 years
what way did Hoselitz 1952 believe western ideas could be spread?
-through both education and the mass media
- cities could be act as a center of the western values and spread them to rural areas
( a typical pattern of empire building)
the modernisation theory in the present day
- communism has been proved not to be a way to achieve development.
- rich countries still help/influence poor countries.
what three people are involved in the neo modernisation theory?
- Samuel Huntington
- Landes
- Sachs
what did Samuel Huntington believe ?
- he believed that culture had much more importance as a primary variable for development. (western culture was exceptional)
- in order to progress, developing societies need to develop modern immigration
what did landers believe ?
- europeans are the most rational, ordered and literacy
- european characteristics such as free speech should be adopted by developing societies to escape poverty
