Rostow’s version of modernization theory was used during the Cold War to describe what progression? What are the four stages of modernization theory that countries must go through according to Rostow’s model?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Rostow’s theory of modernization argued that low-income countries have to abandon their traditional values and ways of life in order to improve their economic standards of living. Countries progress through four stages on a linear path to economic development: 1. Traditional stage is when people in traditional societies have lived their lives the same way for many generations and know only the lives of their ancestors. They often include hardship and lack of material comforts. People are encouraged to follow the path of others in their families and communities. These societies do not incentivize working harder to get ahead. 2. Takeoff stage. This is when people in poor countries start to abandon traditional values and think more ambitiously about their future. They move toward greater individualism and begin to work with developing markets and economic growth. 3. Drive to technological maturity. This is when a country begins to bring in more advanced industries and higher levels of investment, more urbanization, and higher standards of living. People demand more material comforts and more education. 4. High mass consumption. This is the fully modernized version of the country, which includes high levels of consumption and a high standard of living. Absolute poverty falls and people come to be used to conveniences.