Comparing and contrasting the core tenets of modernization and dependence theories

Introduction

According to Matunhu (2011) modernisation is about Africa following the developmental footsteps of Europe(largely the former colonizer of Africa). According to the concept, modernisation is a transitional process derived from the steps taken by Western countries during their developmental period.Dependency theory is a way of thinking about economic underdevelopment that focuses on the ostensible constraints imposed by the global political and economic order.

comparing and contrasting modernisation and dependency theory

These two principles will assist us in comprehending the relationship between developed and developing nations.According to Matunhu(2011), policies aimed at improving the poor's standard of living frequently include disseminating awareness and information about effective production techniques. The modernisation theory suggests that development is a linear evolutionary process that should follow the stages the way developed countries developed. According to modernisation theorist Rostow, traditional society must move through five major stages in order to become a modern society.

When speaking about similarities, Because of their higher degree of growth, Western countries are considered world leaders, according to the Modernisation and Dependency Theory.Both theories emphasize the disparity between industrialized and developing third-world countries. Both theories acknowledge a developmental gap between developing and developed countries.The difference between these theories is that dependency theory holds that some countries prosper at the expense of others, especially through colonization.While the modernisation hypothesis holds that as technology advances, all nations will become wealthier, and poor countries will be able to follow in the footsteps of the wealthier, more modernized nations.The dependency theory focuses on economically underdeveloped countries and claims that developed economies are the source of global poverty, while the modernisation theory primarily focuses on economically developed countries and claims that richer countries are the solution to the development challenges.

Finally, modernisation and dependency theory are two opposing viewpoints that attempt to describe the same phenomenon.

Reference

Matunhu, J., 2011. A critique of modernization and dependency theories in Africa: Critical assessment. African journal of History and Culture, 3(5), pp.65-72.