For most of the last century, nations around the globe have been attempting to modernize their societies to eventually develop into developed countries; countries developed to a level such that they experience high levels of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), literacy, life expectancy, and low levels of poverty, income inequality, and infant mortality. As World War Two drew to a close, it had become apparent that capitalist policies towards economics, society, and governance had been successful in helping countries achieve development (Thompson). These policies draw from the modernization theory of development, which, although has led to some successes, has failed too, as in the case of the construction of the Belo Monte Dam in Brazil.
The theory …show more content…
It then suggests that the societies almost give up these belief systems and focus on shifting to more modern systems which are highly industrialized (Campbell). Modernization theory also seeks to tackle low economic development caused by the lack of investment. It proposes that, here, governments should intervene by investing in the economy, thus creating the infrastructure needed for future growth. The theory also offers that a foreign aid could help supplement a government’s investment in a ‘backward’ society. This attempt to modernize was seen as a way to start the process of development as explained by Rostow (Reyes). As mentioned above, the application of this theory of development in the case of the Belo Monte Dam Project in …show more content…
The need for this 11.2 GW-hydroelectric power plant arose due to the increase in Brazil’s GDP, with GDP growth predicted to increase further from the then rate of 1.2% (CountryEconomy). As Brazilian economy started to take-off in the early 2000s (Factbook), the need for electricity increased at an exponential rate, due to both industrial and domestic needs (Economist). The construction of the dam would add valuable energy to Brazil’s power grid that would help power factories and homes, thus helping the country fulfill its economics potential. The $14 billion investment was predicted to increase Brazil’s GDP by 5% each year for the next ten years. (Osava) This, in Rostow’s model, is considered the stage when the state is ready to give up its traditions to pursue economic interests. Additionally, at the time, Brazil was assumed to be a rather ‘backward’ (Bank) society, with average annual income at $3,290. This was very low compared to more developed countries like the USA and the UK experiencing average income levels at $36,840 and $28,630, respectively (Bank). The Belo Monte Dam Project would also add 19,000 jobs to the Brazilian economy, aiding to reduce unemployment, and eventually achieve high levels of economic growth. Moreover, as the dam was planned to be constructed deep in the Amazon basins, it
The theory …show more content…
It then suggests that the societies almost give up these belief systems and focus on shifting to more modern systems which are highly industrialized (Campbell). Modernization theory also seeks to tackle low economic development caused by the lack of investment. It proposes that, here, governments should intervene by investing in the economy, thus creating the infrastructure needed for future growth. The theory also offers that a foreign aid could help supplement a government’s investment in a ‘backward’ society. This attempt to modernize was seen as a way to start the process of development as explained by Rostow (Reyes). As mentioned above, the application of this theory of development in the case of the Belo Monte Dam Project in …show more content…
The need for this 11.2 GW-hydroelectric power plant arose due to the increase in Brazil’s GDP, with GDP growth predicted to increase further from the then rate of 1.2% (CountryEconomy). As Brazilian economy started to take-off in the early 2000s (Factbook), the need for electricity increased at an exponential rate, due to both industrial and domestic needs (Economist). The construction of the dam would add valuable energy to Brazil’s power grid that would help power factories and homes, thus helping the country fulfill its economics potential. The $14 billion investment was predicted to increase Brazil’s GDP by 5% each year for the next ten years. (Osava) This, in Rostow’s model, is considered the stage when the state is ready to give up its traditions to pursue economic interests. Additionally, at the time, Brazil was assumed to be a rather ‘backward’ (Bank) society, with average annual income at $3,290. This was very low compared to more developed countries like the USA and the UK experiencing average income levels at $36,840 and $28,630, respectively (Bank). The Belo Monte Dam Project would also add 19,000 jobs to the Brazilian economy, aiding to reduce unemployment, and eventually achieve high levels of economic growth. Moreover, as the dam was planned to be constructed deep in the Amazon basins, it