Dependency vs. modernization theory - Essay Example

DEPENDENCY vs. MODERNIZATION THEORY The Third World countries have experienced massive variation in the economic development since after the end of Second World War. Currently, Modernization and Dependency theories are the two worldwide accepted speculations illuminating the diversification in the economic growth of these countries. Modernization theory explains the processes involved in conversion of underdeveloped societies to modern societies. According to this optimistic theory, the only way which the Third World countries should follow to develop themselves is to adapt the modern i.e. western values.

The Dependency theory was in response to the former one. In reference to the Dependency theory, the world economy is under the control of modern countries and the economic development of Third World countries is forcibly dependent on them (Farmer 100-7). The developing countries are forced to follow the paths and conditions of western countries because a large advancement gap prevails between them. The modern societies make the law and order for the world and if the underdeveloped countries do not go on this track then their political, social and economical stability are in jeopardy, foreign aids are immediately ceased and sometimes their existence is even subjected to threat (Schelkle, Krauth, Kohli, and Elwert 253-91).

The Third world countries are directly or indirectly dependent on the western countries. They cannot prove themselves worthy to the world until and unless they do not take development steps on their own. Today, advanced and develop countries have made their intrusion in all the underdeveloped countries. Undeniably, the western policies are dominant and the countries which have desire to stabilize themselves should, in one way or other, keep track of these policies. The lack of development in most of the Third world countries is not due to the resources as they are enriched by natural assets but it is because of capitalization of modern societies.

As the developed countries have leadership supremacy therefore the underdeveloped countries are under pressure and they are not permitted to craft any decision on their own. As a result these countries are subjected to political, social and economical unstabilites. Even though the Dependency theory is not applicable in some situations but it has clearly explained the reasons of economic variations in the Third World countries. Works Cited: 1. Farmer, Brian R. The Question of Dependency and Economic Development.

A Quantitative Analysis. United States Of America: Lexington Books, 100-7. eBook. 2. Schelkle, First, First Krauth, First Kohli, and First Elwert. Paradigms of social change: Modernization, development, transformation, evolution.United States Of America: St. Martin's Press, 2000. 253-91. eBook.