Answer to Question #293053 in Sociology for ser

Question

In a sentence or two, discuss the thesis of the Modernization Theory. Then list and discuss all four stages. Next, in a sentence or two, discuss the thesis of the World Systems Theory. Then list and discuss each economic zone. Lastly, discuss a limitation/weakness of each theory.

Answer 1

Modernization theory suggests that traditional societies will develop as they adopt more modern practices. Proponents of modernization theory claim that modern states are wealthier and more powerful and that their citizens are freer to enjoy a higher standard of living. Some modernization theorists that subscribed to the capitalist version of modernization thought developing nations followed 4 stages of development: Tradition, Pre-conditions for take-off, Take-off, and Mass production or mass consumption.

Traditional Society stage is characterized by a subsistent, agricultural based economy, with intensive labor and low levels of trading, and a population that does not have a scientific perspective on the world and technology. In Preconditions to Take-off, a society begins to develop manufacturing, and a more national/international, as opposed to regional, outlook. The Take-off stage has a short period of intensive growth, in which industrialization begins to occur, and workers and institutions become concentrated around a new industry. Finally, Age of High Mass Consumption stage a country's economy flourishes in a capitalist system, characterized by mass production and consumerism.

The world systems theory, developed by sociologist Immanuel Wallerstein, is an approach to world history and social change that suggests there is a world economic system in which some countries benefit while others are exploited. The world systems theory suggests that while the world economy is ever changing, there are three basic hierarchies of countries: core, periphery, and semi-periphery. Core countries dominate and exploit peripheral countries. Peripheral countries are dependent on the core countries for capital. The semi-peripheral countries share characteristics of both core and peripheral countries.

The most crippling weakness of the modernization theory is its oversimplified view of social change. On the other hand, World-systems theory has attracted criticisms from its rivals; notably for being too focused on economy and not enough on culture and for being too core-centric and state-centric.