Assignment 1: Does Modernization of a Less Developed Country Using Western Ideals Work Sociology 300

Modernization theory refers to bringing a traditional country up to the same development as a more developed country. Modernization affects the development of a Third World Country by helping them become self-sufficient economically, politically and socially. One of the issues with Third World Countries is their education. Not everyone has access to an education and basic things such as being able to read and write are luxuries. Education is something that the wealthy have access to in these underdeveloped countries. "Third World poverty tends to correlate with poor social conditions such as high infant mortality and low literacy rates, which in turn narrow opportunities for human development in other areas (Handelman, 2011)." An educated workforce affects many areas of development. It contributes to higher labor productivity, by producing laborers that can read instruction manuals to trained professionals; it also expands mass political participation, and contributes to greater government accountability to the governed (Handelman, 2011). Howard Handelman states that cultural bias is one of the major criticisms of modernization theory. It suggests that the Western more industrialized world is the source good values, and attitudes. The girls in the group believe that the Western culture is better than their own, but they also struggle with being accepted in their own society. This is evidenced by the fact that they show up to performances dressed in culturally acceptable attire, and then change into what is considered Western clothing. Democracy in Myanmar does not seem to be important to all of the citizens. Democracy seemed very important to the girls, but not the whole citizenry. The majority of the citizens still abide by the rules that are in place in terms of dress and what is considered acceptable behavior. For the girls, democracy would allow them to be able to dress as they please, and not have to worry about reaching home at an acceptable hour. It would change the way the whole citizenry thinks and behaves. There is definitely a clash between Western ideals and Eastern beliefs. Here in the United States, individual opinions count, and citizens can protest freely if they disagree with their politicians. In places such as Myanmar, this is frowned upon. They are not allowed to express themselves freely, and rights that US citizens have would be considered luxuries in many Eastern countries.
I do not believe that the modernization of a Less Developed Country using Western ideals work. I say this because to become modernized, many of these countries must lose what makes them unique. They give up their values, culture, and traditions to accept those of another country. Becoming modernized also introduces new problems to the citizenry. One such example is pollution. Becoming industrialized introduces chemicals into the environment that were not there before. It causes pollution of the land and water and now adds to the problem. Who says that the Western way of doing things is the correct way? Yes, things like reading, writing, and being able to provide for one’s family should be accessible to everyone. These things can be accessible to everyone, but they should not be accessible at the cost of losing one’s cultural identity.

References
Handelman, Howard (2011). The Challenge Of Third World Development. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.