Using material from item A and elsewhere assess the usefulness of modernization theory as an explanation for differences in the levels of development of different societies. (18 marks)

When the Second World War ended, it became clear that countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean were remaining poor despite exposure to capitalism and the rational scientific ways of thinking that underpinned this economic system. There was also the concern by the leaders of the wealthier countries that widespread poverty, encouraged by the strong mass appeal of communism, could lead to social unrest across the world. This political instability was seen by US politicians likely to limit the growth of the US economy as communist ideology was anti capitalist and likely to impede US trade interests. As a response to these potential developments the theory of modernization was born.

The roots of modernization theory lie in the work of 19th century sociologists, Durkheim and Tonnies, who argued that societies move forward through predictable stages towards modernity.

Walt Rostow saw the process of development as an evolutionary process in which countries progress up a development ladder of five stages. This model of development follows the pattern of development that developed countries allegedly experienced between the 18th – 20th centuries.

Rostow argued that at the bottom of his ladder were the traditional societies whose economies were dominated by subsistence farming. Subsistence farming is producing crops in order to survive rather than make a profit which results in the countries having little wealth to invest which means they have limited access to science, technology and industry. Rostow argued that it wasn’t just these economic barriers that were preventing the development of these countries as there were a number of cultural barriers that