preview

Modernization Theory And Its Relevance

Satisfactory Essays

Modernization Theory and Its Relevance to
Contemporary Development Communication Programmes

Introduction

The death of modernization theory has once been claimed by Immanuel Wallertein (cited in Latham, 2003, p.721). The absence of partnership or cooperation in its implementation is considered as the main reason of its deficiency (Mefalopulos, 2008, p.8). However, Mefalopulos (2008.p.5-6) argues that the importance and applicability of this theory are still debatable since ‘it has been part abandoned but a new paradigm has yet to be fully embraced’. Gendzier (1985) and Luke (1991) (cited in Baber, 2001, p.71) also said that this teory is still influential to world policy and is still widely practiced. As one of the main theory, it is true that the relevance of modernization theory has been one of the most essential discussion in the field of development communication. Thus, this essay will argue that despite all the critiques to modernization theory, to some extent, it is still pertinent to development communication programmes, however it can not be the one and only answer to adress the problems of development.

This essay consists of three parts. The first part will explain about the concept of modernization theory. The second part will elaborate the pertinence of modernization theory based on its implementation in contemporary context. Then eventually in the last part, the essay will draw a conclusions and provide some recommendations.

What is Modernization Theory

Get Access