Modernization And Dependency Theory

Pakistan with a population of 182,143,000 in 2013, it is one of the most populated countries in the world, but it is also one of the least developed (poverty in Pakistan) (WHO reference). Poverty is a prevalent issue through out Pakistan: “about one quarter of the population lives below poverty line” (Poverty in paki). Pakistani’s living in poverty being less common in the urban areas, and more common in the rural areas with about half of the rural population still under the category of absolute poverty (Poverty in paki). Poverty in Pakistan and throughout the world impacts the population’s ability to live healthy lifestyles. Without the means to acquire adequate nutrition, health care, and services, these people are unable to meet their individual health needs. Due to the link with poverty and health, it has remained priority in almost all national plans of Pakistan (Pakistan poverty).

Valenzuela and Valenzuela have determined that the dependency approach has a fundamental advantage compared to modernization theory (1978, p.552), dependency perspective is much more open to drawing from a broader body of evidence and range of phenomena, such as the relationship between “central” countries and the “periphery”, trade and class alliances. Modernization theory, which operates on a “simple conceptual framework and a reductionist approach”, such as the traditional- modern dichotomy (Valenzuela and Valenzuela, 1978, p.552),

Proud parents happily celebrating as their children are able to move onto a university level education, and continue into the job world well-equipped and ready to bring in a substantial income. Families escaping poverty after generations of impoverished relatives. If only life in Pakistan reflected this utopia. The reality is that thousands of tired, hungry children still struggle to get to school and receive a proper education. Families cannot send their kids, and the cycle of poverty proves inescapable. Until the government intervenes, there is no way for the country to pull itself out of an impoverished state and bring prosperity for future generations. With minimal federal intervention, Pakistan could swiftly increase the standard of living and level of education for its citizens. Every day, more and more young girls and boys could be trekking to newly constructed school buildings with a lunch in hand and the realization that they will learn substantial and relevant information with their newly appointed teacher. Literacy rates will spiral upwards, and the poverty strain will ease slightly. Although it will take time, this improved world can be achieved through the assistance of the federal government to already existing groups working to alleviate

Measurable changes in society, and the policies that drive them, spring from abstract strains of thought that develop over time. This is the case with many paradigms of development theory, such as that of Modernization Theory. Modernization theory is closely associated with modernity, a concept that is particularly difficult to define in concrete terms; however, there are several points that help one grasp its complexity. Giddens (1990) sees modernity as particular modes of social life that reflect 17th century European values of progress and enlightenment thinking. As well, one can view modernization as a continuous project, meant to liberate countries from their traditional ‘backward’ way of life and become more aligned with Western ideals (Cooper 2005). Modernization became a popular theory due to its roots in the sociological theory behind modernity and capitalism, as well as the perpetuation of its necessity by developmental economists. Modernization theory was considered an effective method for development due to the assumption that its success domestically, as shown by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1930’s, would be just as effective on foreign nations (Ekbladh 2002). Despite this, there are more recent criticisms that contest the efficacy of modernization in current development discourse regarding non-economic barriers to development and the theory’s inherent euro-centric underpinnings. The first section of this paper discusses Max Weber’s spirit

Nowadays the rapid development of the word and the growing integration of countries can hardly fail to affect the development of new theories which attempt to explain the relationship between countries and the existing inequality between developed countries and countries of the third world. In this respect, it is possible to refer to Modernization theory and Dependency theory which, being quite different, still have certain similarities in their views on the modern world and relationships between developed and developing countries.

Direct criticism to the modernization theory created the idea of the dependency theory. Scholars from Latin America theorized about what was the cause of their dependency and underdevelopment. The theory stated “the present underdevelopment of Latin America is the result of its centuries-long participation in the process of world capitalist development” (Frank 7). In ordinary terms, the drive to compete in the global economy deepened the hole of underdevelopment. The capitalistic pull of resources from underdevelopment countries to the development country perpetuated the conditions of

Globalization is the growth of interregional and worldwide linkages and the changes the linkages are bringing about (Pulsipher & Pulsipher 2012, G-3). The Structural Adjustment Policy (SAPs), when policies required economic reorganization toward less government involvement in industry, agriculture, and social services is a topic in globalization in Middle and South America (Pulsipher & Pulsipher 2012, 16). People rebelled on this attempt to globalization by electing governments. Now, SAPs has been joined by North American Free Trade and Mesocour to reduce tariffs and other barriers among neighboring countries and others (Pulsipher & Pulsipher 2012, 118-119). Throughout the region nearly everyone depends on the informal economy as a buyer or

As a first generation immigrant from a developing nation, I am no foreigner to the toxic consequences of a struggling economy like high unemployment rates, aid dependence, social inequality, and violence. Witnessing the detrimental effects of economic inequality has shown me firsthand that a sound economic policy is of paramount importance. A strong desire to address these problems has led me to pursue a degree in Economics.

Imperialism as a driving force behind the structures of capitalism and consumerism has stood as an extremely powerful tool taken on by many influential economic world powers. The occidentalist concept of importing goods for consumption from less developed peripheral nations, in recent history, has become a concept with heavy influence. This idea of creating a production dichotomy has become foundational to the modern and increasingly connected world and its means of efficient production by trade; unfortunately, this often results in imperialistic oppression to exacerbate this neoliberal concept’s effects of efficiency and productivity. To have maximum possible efficiency output, workers in developing nations under capitalist forces are

True Cost: Identify a character in the documentary whose view aligns with the Modernization Theory, as well as two characters whose views align with the Dependency Theory.

Ha-Joon Chang is a distinguished economist from Seoul, South Korea specializing in developmental economics. He attended the University of Cambridge in 1986 as a graduate student and earned his PhD for his thesis the political economy of industrial policy - reflections on the role of state intervention in 1992 and has taught as a professor of the Political Economy of Development at the University of Cambridge since 1990. He has served as a consultant to the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, as well as to Oxfam and various United Nations agencies. He is also employed at the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, D.C. and is on the advisory board of Academics Stand Against Poverty (ASAP). His approach to economics is so inspiring and continues to influence those in high power such as Rafael Correa, the president of Ecuador. His insight on economic policy has been spread worldwide through his numerous books that are still widely discussed today. It has earned him his many achievements, including his ranking as one of the top 20 World Thinkers in 2013 in Prospect Magazine.

Washing machines, refrigerators, cars, cellphones, and internet, these are all forms of technology, and although some technology is not only convenient, but helpful, could we live without these resources? Have we become slaves to technology? Shallow relationships, online bullying, and obesity are all negative effects of our blind dependence on technology. I believe that especially in the US, parts of Europe, and Asia people have become too reliant on technology. Will our children, and grandchildren look back at the generation we live in and be proud, or disappointed at what they behold?

1. What are the main differences between modernization theory and dependency theory? Does the human development approach represent a radical departure from both?

Pakistan displays some of Asia’s most magnificent landscapes as it stretches from the Arabian Sea, its southern border, to some of the world’s most spectacular mountain ranges in the north. Pakistan is also home to sites that date back to word’s earliest settlements rivaling those of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia . When Pakistan emerged on the map of the world as a sovereign and independent state in August 1947, it was like a baby in ICU with hardly any prospect of survival, on account of its extremely vulnerable defence and fragile economy. However, despite numerous setbacks, crises and turmoils of gigantic magnitude, it has so far been able to survive and make some progress due to several factors, perhaps the most important of which is

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