Modernization Theory of Rostow: Modernization is a process of social change that transforms an underdeveloped (pre-modern) society into a developed (modern) society. The study of the stages of development is the theory of modernization, which was written by Rostow. He argues that if developed countries invest in the development of developing countries, then the developing countries will also develop step by step, just like how today's developed countries became developed through stages. There are five stages: traditional society, transitional stage, takeoff, drive to maturity, high mass consumption. The factors of development are capital, investment, technology, industrialization, and universal modern practices, along with education, media, nationalist thought, secularism, social stratification, and good leadership.
Dependency Theory of Rodney: Rodney's dependency theory, a critique of modernization theory, is the study of the process of multidimensional (social, cultural, economic, technical, political, and colonial) dependency of underdeveloped countries on developed countries. According to this theory, the underdeveloped countries (periphery), which are now poor, were not poor before, but now they are poor because they are trapped in the cycle of capitalist exploitation by the first world (core). So, the essence of this theory is that the development and economic prosperity of underdeveloped countries are not possible unless they eliminate their dependency on developed countries. For example, the first world buys labor and raw materials at cheap prices from the third world and sells the products back to the third world at higher prices, but does not invest capital. Due to this exploitation, the first world is getting richer while the third world is getting poorer and more dependent. Therefore, self-reliance and self-production must be promoted.
Similarities:
1. Both theories focus on the gap between developed and underdeveloped countries.
2. Both theories believe in the existence of unequal relations between the global north and the global south.
3. Both theories telling us that developing countries follow western countries.
4. Both theories acknowledge the power of Western countries.
Differences:
1. Modernization theory is based on capitalism and industrialization, while dependency theory is critical on them.
2. Modernization theory focuses on rich/developed countries, while dependency theory focuses on poor/underdeveloped countries.
3. Modernization theory believes that rich countries are the solution to poverty, while dependency theory believes that rich countries are the problem/cause of global poverty.
4. Modernization theory claims that rich countries became wealthy through industrialization, while dependency theory states that rich countries became wealthy through colonialism and exploitation.
5. Modernization theory is a Europe & US-centric model, while dependency theory is based on Africa & Asia.
6. Modernization theory focuses on political and cultural change, while dependency theory emphasizes the restructuring of society and internal systems.
7. Modernization theory highlights systematic/stages of the development process, while dependency theory focuses on a new self-reliance revolution.
8. Modernization theory believes that deindustrialization and lack of technology are the causes of underdevelopment, while dependency theory argues that first-world countries and imperialism are the causes of underdevelopment.
9. Modernization theory supports Aid, while dependency theory is against Aid.
Overall, these two theories, Modernization and Dependency, present contrasting perspectives on the path to development and the underlying causes of underdevelopment. While Modernization Theory focuses on industrialization and stages of progress, Dependency Theory sheds light on the exploitative dynamics between developed and underdeveloped nations. Their differing viewpoints provide valuable insights into the complex global landscape, prompting us to consider a multitude of factors that shape the economic and social disparities between nations.
