Third-World Under-Development

Paper Summary:

The paper compares and contrasts the modernization and dependency theories, which explain third-world under-development. The paper assesses the strengths and weaknesses of each. The paper determines that the dependency theory is more effective at illustrating why so much of the world continues to lag behind North America and Europe.

From the Paper:

"Before proceeding too far, it is necessary to understand what each of the theories means and where each is both strong and weak. To start with, modernization theory holds that economic development and progress is intimately connected to the socio-political institutions and general attitudes of a society. As a result, developing countries which seek to "modernize" and accrue the trappings of western nations must eschew "antiquated" values and traditions in favor of modern sensibilities which disdain "traditionalism," fatalism, and unbending kinship relationships. To elaborate more fully, "modern" societies are merit-based in their dispensation of "spoils", emphasize social mobility (both up and down), emphasize also entrepreneurship and ambition, and emphasize participation by individuals in the shaping of society. Finally, modern societies privilege and "make way for" capital accumulation - the sort of accumulation which makes development possible (Webster, 49-53)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Galeano, Eduardo. "Lust for Gold, Lust for Silver." The Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent. Transl. Cedric Belfrage. USA: Monthly Review Press, 1973. pp.29-33.
• Isbister, John. "Explanations of Under-development." Promises not Kept: the Betrayal of Social Change in the Third World (edition number not provided by client). USA: Kumarian Press (?), 1998?
• "Modernization Theory." Remaining bibliographic information not provided by client.
• Webster, Andrew. "Modernization Theory." Introduction to the Sociology of Development, 2nd Edition. Ed. Andrew Webster. Atlantic Highlands, NJ: Humanities Press International, 1990. pp.49-53.

More papers on Third-World Under-Development:

• Analytical Essay # 134549 : "Climate Change in the Developing World"
• Analytical Essay # 129880 : "Dependency v. Modernization Theory"
• Research Paper # 105089 : "Climate Change and Developing Countries"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: