History of modernisation theory

Emile Durkheim

American Progress (John Gast painting)

Shanghai-pudong panorama

History of Modernisation Theory

The History of Modernisation Theory is a significant aspect of sociology, political science, and economic history that emerged prominently in the mid-20th century. This theory attempts to explain the process and effects of modernisation within societies, particularly focusing on the transition from traditional to modern societies. Modernisation theory has its roots in the Enlightenment period but was formally developed as an academic theory in the post-World War II era, primarily by American social scientists.

Origins and Development

The origins of modernisation theory can be traced back to the works of European philosophers such as Adam Smith, Max Weber, and Émile Durkheim, who laid the foundational ideas about social progress, economic development, and the role of religion and ethics in society. However, it was not until the aftermath of World War II that modernisation theory was explicitly articulated and promoted, largely in response to the decolonization process and the Cold War context.

In the 1950s and 1960s, scholars like Walt Rostow, Talcott Parsons, and Samuel P. Huntington became key figures in the development of modernisation theory. Rostow's stages of economic growth model, Parsons' theory of social evolution, and Huntington's political order in changing societies were instrumental in shaping the theory's framework.

Key Concepts

Modernisation theory encompasses several key concepts, including:

• Economic Development: The transition from agrarian-based economies to industrial and service-oriented economies.
• Cultural Change: The shift from traditional values and norms to those that favor individualism, rationalism, and secularism.
• Political Development: The evolution of political institutions from autocratic and colonial regimes to democratic and bureaucratic states.
• Social Mobilization: The process by which societies undergo significant changes in social structure, including urbanization and literacy.

Criticism and Evolution

Despite its widespread influence in the mid-20th century, modernisation theory has faced significant criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that the theory is ethnocentric, overly deterministic, and fails to account for the complexities of development, including the roles of colonialism and global economic disparities. Dependency theory and world-systems theory emerged as significant critiques, emphasizing the importance of global economic structures and the exploitation of peripheral countries by core countries.

In response to these criticisms, modernisation theory has evolved over time. Newer approaches have attempted to incorporate insights from its critics, focusing on the multidimensional aspects of development and the importance of local contexts and global interconnections.

Legacy and Contemporary Relevance

Today, modernisation theory continues to influence academic discussions and policy-making, particularly in the fields of development studies and international relations. While its Eurocentric bias and deterministic outlook have been moderated, the theory's core premise—that societies develop through similar stages towards modernity—still finds resonance in certain contexts.