Modernization Theory

Zoey Weinstein
Mr. Roddy
GPHC
12/6/19

GPHC HW: Blog Theories of Development

This blog will discuss the definition, implications and critiques and examples of the modernization theory. The modernization theory came to be in the 1950’s to explain how developed countries like the U.S. and other Western nations developed successfully. By the end of WWII, many African, Asian and Latin American countries didn't develop and modernize like said Western nations. There was also a fear amongst these Weatern nations that communism would spread to these countries at the expense of the U.S.’s power. Thus, the modernization theory emerged, aiming to provide a non-communist resolution to worldwide poverty. The idea was to do this by specifically industrialized capitalist way of development, heavily including the promotion and spread of democratic and other Western values. There are two aspects to this theory: an understanding of why these poorer countries are undeveloped and a solution. The argument to why these underdeveloped countries were underdeveloped because they were being held back by their traditional values, which I personally don't like this idea. The modernization theory states that in order for these countries to develop, they need to mimic the west and adopt their cultural values and industrialize so their economies can grow and prosper. This proposed solution required aid from the west from their governments and companies in the form of goods and investment. The theory is in support of a capitalist and industrial development model because it believes that the free market provided efficiency and a fast move to factory-based production. 
An example of the modernization theory (kind of) working is in Indonesia. Indonesia engaged in modernization theory in the 1960’s. They did this part by accepting loans from the World Bank. While this was going on though,  their President Suharto (Dictator), ruled a violent regime that is often referred to as “one of the worst mass murders of the 20th century” and has even been compared to hitler and Stalin, although it gets way less attention. Although this was going on, the World Bank has praised the economic transformation of Indonesia that occurred under President Suharto. 

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