Values And Strengths Of Modernization And Dependency Theory

Superior Essays
This essay will explain both modernization and dependency theories by highlighting some significant forces and values and evaluate both strengths and weaknesses of the two theories.
Modernization theory can be defined as a system of ideas intended to explain the process of development within the context of societies. The theory refers to a model of transition from poor countries countries to rich countries. The theory’s center of interest is on the conversion of institutional structure in terms of culture in underdevelopment countries (Sharia, 2015, p. 79). In order to reform conventional agricultural production, it requires innovative technologies to increase yield to meet mass consumption of global population (Binns, 2018, pp101). According
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Generally, dependency theory refers to a criticism of modernization theory which economic development factors of underdeveloped countries or “periphery” is being controlled by developed countries or “core” or developed countries (Feraro, 2008, p 59). Dependency theory was originated by Raul Prebish, the Director of the United Nations Economic and Commission in 1950 theory (Vincent Ferraro, 2008, p58). Prebish explained straight forward that that poor countries exports raw material to rich countries. Such primary product were used by rich countries to produce more expensive products then sold back to the poor (Ferraro, 2008, p 58). Therefore, this mechanism leads to inequalities between developed and underdeveloped countries. It seems that modernization theory fail to solve inequalities as it promoted. This means that dependency theory values equality rather than inequality.
To begin with, there are some strengths of dependency theory. Firstly, the theory point out inequality between the rich and the poor countries. Underdevelopment countries has become backward in the process of integration into the global system .One example of this is the use of institutional movement to trap underdeveloped countries in debt and impose changes in social, political and economic structures (Mackay, 2016, 60).

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