Modernization is crucial for the development of the economy and country in general, and in contrast with the dependency theory change is not that significant for a country that depends on other country for modernization and development.

The basic tenet of modernization theory maintains that countries fail to modernize because they lack certain qualities that first world countries possess, and that in fact is quite true because the first world countries focuses on the bigger picture which is the development of a country, for instance here in South Africa and Africa at large, there are acres of land that can be utilised for farming and building industrial sites for the development of the economy, but because third world countries lack certain values those vaccant lands are used as political battlefields and end up mushrooming into informal settlements. These lands could be used for producing different kinds of crops that can help eradicate poverty and pave way for modernization. The government has started the initiative of giving back the land to the people.

The very same people lacks the skill to put them to good use. The modernization theory maintains that poor countries are poor because they are yet to develop into modern economies and they fail because of internal factors. On the other hand the dependency theory suggests that all contemporary societies should be interested into a single world economic system which is capitalist. In comparison with the two theories, I think this will benefit the capitalist better because the  third world countries have the resources that the first world countries need in order to modernize and develop their economy.

The two theories are in conflict because they exploit other countries, while benefiting for themselves, hence inequalities of power and social class are totally ignored. It is like taking candy from a child and sell that candy for ones selfish benefit.