The Meaning of the Modernization Theory and the Arguments That the Modernization School of Thought Advances in Explaining Why Developing Countries Are Not Developed.

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INTRODUCTION Every country whether developed or not has under gone same stages in development. After the Second World War, various theories were inverted to help the newly independent countries to achieve rapid economic development. Even the so called developed countries passed through the stages where less developed countries are now passing. One of the many theories that have been used to explain why less developed countries are at a slow rate of development as compared to developed countries is the modernization theory. Therefore, this essay seeks to discuss the meaning of the modernization theory and the arguments that the modernization school of thought advances in explaining why developing countries are not developed. It will indicate to what extent the author agrees to the claims that modernization theory holds and finally a conclusion will be drawn from the discussion. DEFINITIONS OF KEY WORDS/ CONCEPTS The main concept of modernization describes development from traditional to modern societies (Wehler, 1975). It simply means to adopt modern ways, ideas or style. Modernization therefore, implies the adoption of western type of values. A theory is a properly argued idea meant to explain something or an event. It is a set of interrelated propositions that seeks to explain a phenomenon. A theory is a systematic body of knowledge organised to offer logical explanations of interrelationships among different variables (Schefer 1992:529) Developing countries is a term used to describe nations with low level of material well being. According to Todaro etaal (2006), developing countries are nations that are characterised by a wide disparity between the rich and the poor and an unhealthy balance of trade. Developing countries are also referred to as “less developed” or “third world” countries. BACKGROUND OF MODERNIZATION THEORY Modernization

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