Structuralism and Modernization Theory

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the nexus between modernization and development, the different aspects of modernism and its contribution to the discourse of development. It argues that the modernization perspective has been discursively significant in the development of the underdevelopment discourse and has been widely applied as a political tool in prescribing development for Third World societies.

From the Paper:

"The two great wars in the first half of the twentieth century fundamentally altered the way Europe dealt with its former colonies. As the rise of welfare states changed the economic orientations of states, the provision of humane conditions of living became part of state responsibility. The development project rose in the context of a post-colonial international system with the aim to modernize societies along the lines of the Western democracy-capitalism model. Governments in former colonies also known as third world countries faced dual pressures: how to fit in a Western balance of power-based state system and how to rapidly 'develop'. As observed, there is an enormous emphasis on the state in delivering a better quality of life for the people. This is the historical context of development. On the other hand, the discursive context of development comes from a realisation. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bello, Walden. 2005. Deglobalization: Ideas for a New World Economy (Global Issues), London: Zed Books.
• Escobar, Arturo. 1995. Encountering Development: The Making and Unmaking of the Third World, Princeton: Princeton University Press.
• Faulks, Keith. 1999. Political Sociology: A Critical Introduction, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
• Huntington, Samuel H. 1968. Political Order in Changing Societies. New Haven and London: Yale University Press.
• Nem Singh, Jewellord T. 2005. Development Frameworks in Post World War II Era. Unpublished Essay for Sociology 253 Class, pp. 4.

More papers on Structuralism and Modernization Theory:

• Research Paper # 94684 : "Structuralist and Modernist Theories"
• Comparison Essay # 25074 : "Structural Functionalism and Neo-Marxism"
• Analytical Essay # 27344 : "Modern Organization Theory"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: