Evaluating Rostow's Modernization Theory: An Essay Analysis

This essay critically evaluates Rostow's Modernization Theory, which aimed to provide a non-communist solution for developing nations post-World War II. The essay argues that despite exposure to capitalism, many southern countries remained underdeveloped due to factors like limited market development and reliance on traditional consumption patterns. It explores how the theory advocates for adopting Western culture and values, promoting investment from multinational companies, and utilizing education to foster economic growth. The essay discusses the theory's impact on Asian economies, emphasizing the importance of eliminating cultural and economic barriers to trade. It also examines the role of modernization in transforming societies, improving living standards, and opening countries to business. The essay concludes by highlighting the theory's emphasis on urbanization, technological advancements, and the importance of individual and national development through modernization, while acknowledging the potential for exploitation.

Running head: ROSTOW'S MODERNIZATION THEORY

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Rostow's Modernization Theory
Student name
Date

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Essay topic
Critically evaluate Rostow's 'modernization theory' of development
Thesis Statement
There is lack of development in most of the southern countries despite those countries
being exposed to capitalism. This is what has necessitated the development of modernization.
This theory was developed in the late 1940s. This paper looks at the role that modernization
theory played in providing a non-communist solution which proved necessary in doing away
with poverty in the developing world after World War II.
Argument
Topic sentence
The aim of the modernization theory is to help explain why some nations are not
developed despite the fact that such nations have been exposed to capitalism. Poor countries in
the world are characterized by lack of development due to low rate of market development and
use of resources towards economic growth. Since, the countries in the world are dependent on
each other for sharing of resources including material resources, human resources and human
resources. When countries like Democratic Republic of Congo are under-developed, their market
also remains underdeveloped and dependent on developed and emerging markets for even the
basic requirements like food. These countries due to lack of market development fail to attract
investments and consequently generate very low revenue, thus contributing insufficiently to the
global revenue generation. As per Rostow’s modernization theory, nations take off towards
attainment of economic development when they start utilizing their economic capabilities like
generation of large revenue due to presence of large consumer base instead of sticking to their

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traditional business policies like restricting their consumption only to locally available goods.
And secondly, it creates a sustainable development solution which stands on equable distribution
of resources based on communism to help root out poverty by making constructive economic
changes through introduction of western culture as well as value for purposes of bringing about
modernization (Klinger, 2017).
Justification
According to Machado & Mata (2013), it was evident that after World War II, most of
the southern nations were still underdeveloped because their resources were used by developed
and more powerful nations which had colonies them for their own development. These southern
nations consequently, were not able to use their resources for their own development and have
remained underdeveloped in spite of being exposed to capitalism. Some of the barriers to
economic development were seen to be arising from the cultural practices of the people. These
cultural practices barred development. The southern nations like Congo were not developed
because of their increasing reliance on their traditional consumption pattern which was restricted
to local produce. Moreover, they did not have the financial resources or the technology required
to exploit their natural resources. This led their markets to be underdeveloped. Moreover, the
restriction of their governments on foreign companies repelled multinational companies form
other countries from entering their markets and investing in their development. Thus internal
cultural barriers to foreign companies in the southern nations were largely responsible their
underdeveloped markets.
The southern countries were mainly dependent on their traditional industry consisting of
agriculture which was old fashioned and equally in need of development. These countries owing
to their lack of financial resources could not exploit their natural resources like minerals. As a

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result their manufacturing industries were not developed and which they had to export to other
countries instead of utilizing for economic development of their own countries. The available
technology in such countries is also often outdated or either not sufficient in spurring
development. Societies with these kinds of characteristics have less wealth and thus cannot
invest appropriately. This slows down economic development and as a result poverty dominates
(Fägerlind & Saha, 2016).
The developing and the under developed nations can follow their theory of Rostow to
bring about further economic development in their markets. It has helped introduce the western
culture to developing nations and this has put these nations on the path to economic growth. The
western cultures have introduced new products in the underdeveloped market which broke the
traditional consumption patterns confined to their local produce. These new products served
more requirements of the consumers in the underdeveloped nations and paved ways for revenue
generation in the multinational companies making these products. The multinational companies
employed the local people thus creating employment opportunities in these countries. However,
they are reputed for exploitation of natural and human resources for their own business interests.
Thus entry of MNCs has brought about development in the markets of these countries, thus
boosting their GDP.
Topic sentence
Modernization in the underdeveloped countries consist of investment from multinational
companies from developed and emerging countries. These companies invest in natural and
human resources of these nations to bring about development in the market by creating new
products. These factors boosts revenue generation in the underdeveloped nations, thus gradually
making their markets more developed.

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Justification
Modernization theory points out ways in which countries can bring about their economic
development. Despite different nations having different development stages, modernization
theory is an appropriate theory. This theory proposes how richer nations can help the poorer
nations to bring about economic development, thus boosting the global development. However,
this also leaves scope for exploitation of the latter by the former.
Modernization provides the best non-communist solution to help end poverty in most
nations. This theory provides a very clear path for development. The concept of capitalism gave
rise to two types of nations in the world - the third world and the developing world. This divide
has brought about economic crimes such as exploitation of the poor nations by the rich nations.
This theory thus comes in as the best solution to help end this economic crime and domination
by rich countries.
Modernization employs the use of education as a tool to help in introducing western
values to the developing nations. Education helps speeds up competition, universalism and helps
in eradicating poverty. The use of education as a tool helps in diffusing western education into
traditional cultures. This helps in speeding up economic growth and development.
Topic sentence
The effect of world war left most countries undeveloped and also affected most
developed countries. This, therefore, led to the need for a successful formula for achieving
development. Modernization thus cames up as one of the best theories for development.
Justification

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The importance of modernization theory can be seen in most Asian economies. After
World War II, most of the Asian economies were still developing and were classified as third
world countries. In this regard, the United Nations was tasked to come up with proper policies
that could help spur the economic growth of these nations. However, none proved to be as
beneficial as the modernization theory which upon being adopted by most of the Asian
economies led to the emergence of strong economies in Asia. Most Asian economies adopted the
western form of education and training which they merged into their cultures. The introduction
of the western culture brought about the introduction of western values which eventually paved
way for economic development.
This theory does not assume that local economies must depend on other economies for
their survival. Such an approach could seem as demeaning to the traditional economies and
cultures. Rather, this theory seeks to promote what is good and productive to be used as
compared to that which is not productive. Siphoning of goods from countries that are poor yet
are endowed with resources can only be stopped with the help of modernization theory as other
theories have failed in this endeavor.
Promotion of universalism is good for economic development. Specialization thrives only
in the event that there is universalism where those who specialize in one area can have the
opportunity to sell their products in other nations. Such a situation can be made possible if
countries can have the opportunity to trade together and this can only be possible if different
nations can effectively understand the cultures of the other nations (Deb, 2015). This can help in
eliminating cultural barriers. Effective trade needs cultural and economic barriers to be
eliminated in order for the world market to be level for effective competition from different
competing nations.

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Topic sentence
Modernization brings about the transformation of the society. The change from
traditional or agrarian society to urban society is essential for economic development and the
general improvement of living standards of the people.
Justification.
As the population within a society grows, several services are required. Some of these
services include quality medical care, transportation, and proper housing among others. All these
will require a better economy in order for these to be achieved. A better economy is thus one that
involves the use of current technology in addressing the needs of the people. Such an economy
can only be realized with the help of western values and cultures. Culture change is very
important in that it helps change the mindset. Development starts with the mind.
With the expansion of industrialization, several western economies were able to develop.
Doing business became easy and the general living condition of the people improved. Countries
that have embraced the western culture appreciate the role of women. Women are thus allowed
to work. This also has increased the number of people who are available for work. This has
therefore made labor affordable. The more labor is available the more work can be done and an
economy gets to grow faster.
With modernization there is a change in lifestyle, industrialization picks up, both social
and political changes emerge and bring about development. A modern society is a growing
society.
Topic sentence

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Modernization helps to open up countries for business. A country that is closed to other
countries has no trading partners and cannot sell its products in the market. Through
modernization, such barriers are eliminated.
Justification
Modernization is a constant activity. Through modernization, countries have more open
discussions that yield better results as compared to less modern societies. The more modern a
society is the more it gets exposure and competes with other nations of the world.
Modern societies are free from domination by traditional practices. Modernization sets
people free and gives liberty of conscience and movement. Through liberty, nations get to
develop as people’s creativity is revealed and helps in bringing about innovation. Several
innovations were discovered in the Western nations due to the freedom of thought.
The essence of this theory is that it helps in providing some level of understanding that
can help in effectively analyzing a set of factors within the economy. Development is key to the
success of a nation. Each nation must find a successful plan by which it can launch its agenda.
This can be done through modernization theory.
Topic sentence
The modernization seeks to understand and explain why there is variation when it comes
to development. This theory seeks to do away with traditional structures both political, social and
economic. It stresses the need for different locations to urbanize. The aim is to shift the attention
of nations from their traditional practices to modernism.
Justification

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Through modernization, countries have adopted new technologies. These technologies
have brought about a speedy and accurate production of goods and proper service delivery both
locally and internationally. Global trade has also increased as a result of modernization
This can be seen in most of the developed countries as well as those that are coming up.
Through modernization, natural resources are now being processed in the most modern
way possible. This is helping minimize waste and enhances the production of quality goods fit
for the international market. Through modernizations, countries have also managed to discover
oil which is helping drive several economies of the world.
The development of an individual depends wholly on the development of a nation. If a
nation chooses to accept modernization then it helps its individual citizens to grow. Individuals
who have better and enhanced lives are productive and bring more into the country through
quality service delivery and quality goods production.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that after the Second World War, different nations were at
different levels with regard to development. One sure way of harmonizing economic
development is through modernization theory. This is the only theory which easily eliminates
economic and cultural barriers (Klinger, 2017). It is clear from the above argument that different
nations have different cultures, and this led to the emergence of Third World concept. This
concept changed the course of developmental discussions globally. The United Nations failed to
come up with the proper formula for dealing with the slow pace of development in these
developing nations Barton (2012).

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The development of modernization theory helped developing nations to realize some of
the mistakes that they were doing that hindered development. By being in a position to see their
own faults, these nations were able to start on the right path to development through investment
in education and training of the citizenry.
According to Jones, (2013), the best way to help spur development was through the
elimination of western domination. This domination could only end by understanding the culture
and traditions of the developed nations. The lack of development could only be done achieved
with the help of education, training, and culture change. The best way to help in changing the
mindset is the beginning of economic development. In this regard, modernization theory stands
out as one of the best means by which a nation can grow.

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