Modernization theory is a description and explanation of the processes of transformation from traditional or underdeveloped societies to modern societies Modernization theory has been one of the major perspectives in the sociology of national development and underdevelopment since the 1950s. Primary attention has focused on ways in which past and present pre modernised societies become modern (i.e., Westernized) through processes of economic growth and change in social, political, and cultural structures.

Dependency theory, sometimes called foreign dependency, is used to explain the failure of non-industrialized countries to develop economically despite investments made into them from industrialized nations. The central argument of this theory is that the world economic system is highly unequal in its distribution of power and resources due to factors like colonialism and neo-colonialism. This places many nations in a dependent position.

The dependency theory states that it's not a given that developing countries will eventually become industrialized if outside forces and natures suppress them, effectively enforcing dependency on them for even the most basic fundamentals of life.

Conceptualization and discussion of poverty

They get assistance from variety of sources such as the government, community organizations or from friends and neighbours. When you are poor in South Africa there is a certain relief grant that is given to every child and elders every month to buy necessary needs. You are able to get free medical assistance services and do not pay for tax whenever you make a little income, there is free education and children can get free lunch at school every day. Sometimes assistance may not come in a form of money such as getting government houses, food or transportation. There are also many community organizations that have set up programs to assist with various problems. 

When you are poor you develop skills that a wealthier cannot have or never being able to have, skills such as cleaning your own house, do auto repair, do gardening because you cannot outsource that work. You learn how to multi task and do more than one work at the same time, you understand the importance of a good networking and have strong ties with the community that you live in. When you are poor you do not feel the pressures of buying luxury cars, houses or bags because you buy less stuff things that you need, you know the struggle and can handle anything that faces you in life and can survive it