Knowra Modernization theory Modernization theory Modernization theory explains social change as a broadly similar transition from traditional structures toward industrial economies, urban life, and modern institutions.
Economic development : The process by which an economy increases productive capacity, incomes, and material well-being. Modernization theory treats rising productivity and income as major drivers of social transformation.
Talcott Parsons : An American sociologist whose structural functionalism analyzed social systems and institutional change. His account of differentiation helped frame the contrast between traditional and modern societies.
Dependency theory : A theory that explains underdevelopment through unequal economic relations between powerful and dependent countries. It disputes the assumption that poorer countries can follow the same path as industrial powers.
Development economics : The branch of economics that studies how low-income economies can improve living standards and productive capacity. Modernization theory influenced its mid-century debates about growth and structural change.
Industrialization : The expansion of production based on machinery, factories, and large-scale manufacturing. The shift from agrarian production to industry is a central stage in the theory.
Walt Rostow : An American economist and historian who proposed a staged model of economic growth. His stages of growth offered a prominent, policy-facing version of modernization.
World-systems theory : A theory that analyzes global history through a capitalist system divided into core, semiperipheral, and peripheral zones. It shifts explanation from national stages to countries' unequal positions in a world economy.
Foreign aid : The transfer of resources, expertise, or assistance from one country or institution to another. Modernization frameworks helped justify aid programs intended to accelerate development.
Urbanization : The growth of cities and the increasing share of a population living in urban areas. Industrial employment draws people into cities, changing social ties and everyday life.
Daniel Lerner : An American social scientist who studied modernization, communication, and social change in the Middle East. His work connected mass media and urbanization to the formation of modern social attitudes.
Show all 22