Modernisation Theory - Evaluation

Modernisation Theory - Evaluation

1. Good

   • Western intervention has improved life expectancy, literacy etc. So colonialism did , in the long term, have some benefits for the developing world
     • Goldthorpe
   • much of western esp US FOREIGN AID policy is shaped by this theory
     • Moore- "No other sociological theory can claim to match its influence on global affairs - not even marxism".
   • People first policies of NGO's such as Oxfam are still based upon the notion of intervention in cultural practices and traditions
   • Highly influential regarding the neo liberal thinking in the 90's

2. Bad

   • Ethnocentric in 4 ways:
     • Exclusion
       • Excludes contributions from sociologists located in the developing world.
     • Democracy
       • Reflects western propaganda and ideology. Western models of development and generally tend to assume democratic forms of development more suitable
     • Ignorance
       • Crisis of modernism in underdeveloped world. Problems of wealth, poverty, homelessness, high rates of crime and drug abuse and suicide . Poverty has not be eradicated.
     • Western
       • Western forms of civilisation are technically and morally superior. Some defined as backward if they insist on retaining some elements of culture and belief
   • Education only benefits a minority
     • Evidence that educated elites monopolize top positions, restict upward mobility and engage in human rights abuses in their desire to retain power
   • Ecological limits
     • Existing process of modernisation cannot be extended to all societies due to the limits of the planet
   • Ignores crisis of modernism and social damage