Modernisation and Taiwan CS

Modernisation -WHAT?

• Walt Rostow
• 1971
• Idea that societies evolve through predictable stages
• Capitalist model, see western societies and ideas as 'developed'
• There are 5 stages

1) Traditional Society

• Is the 'underdeveloped society' to western ideas
• Economy is subsistence farming
• Little wealth to invest, little access to science, technology and industry.
• Cultural barriers (large families, religion, tribal systems) 'Impedes modernisation'
• Examples: Kenya, has tribal culture, subsistence farming, it struggles to develop.
• But China/Japan are strong economies and hold onto cultural connections.

2) Pre-conditions to take off

• Intro to western practises
• Science and technology used in agriculture.
• Communication and transport systems improved
• Manufacturing begins, with help of aid and FDI

3) Take Off

• Modern practises become norm = economic growth
• Able to reinvest
• Entrepreneurial and urbanised classes emerge
• Demand for goods increases and the standard of living
• Wealth trickles down as jobs increase
• Example: Mexico and the MINTs are at this stage but there is still a wealth gap.

4) Drive to maturity

• Continued economic growth and investment
• Especially education, birth control and mass media
• Economies benefit from export earnings
• Strengthened place in international trading

5) High mass consumption

• Ultimate stage
• Production and growth are high at western levels
• Living in urban areas, office or high skilled factory jobs
• high life expectancy
• access to healthcare and free education
• Examples: UK, USA, EU

Criticisms of modernisation

• Suggests traditional society has little value and western are superior
• Pushes capitalism which isn't necessarily best
• Ethnocentric
• Industrialisation = Environmental degradation
• Copying EU history isn't realistic and unsustainable
• Suggests all countries evolve this way when every country is different

Taiwan Case Study on Modernisation

• Taiwan follows Rostow since the 30's. It is either in Stage 4 or Stage 5. Because it is not independent from China, argued it is not entirely developed.
• Stage 1) 30's. Military force stopped aboriginal uprising and took power from the aboriginal tribes. Since there has been no more uprising. Represents Traditional society moving to Take off.
• Stage 2) Late 30's, early 40's was Land reform. First steps to industrialisation
• Stage 3) 40's, 50's began industrialisation and specialisation in toys and factory production
• Stage 4) 7.52% in economic growth. TNC's embrace free trade.
• Stage 5) Urban population, higher property prices, access to health and education BUT no free elections / independence from China