In what historical context did modernisation theory emerge?

It developed in the United States after the Second World War, as newly independent states appeared and Western governments sought an alternative to the communist model of development.

What is the central claim of modernisation theory?

It claims that poor countries are poor because they retain traditional structures and values, and that they will develop by following the path the West has already taken.

How did Parsons distinguish traditional from modern values?

He contrasted status by birth, obligation to kin and personal loyalty with status by achievement, universal rules and impersonal specialised roles.

What did McClelland argue was missing in poor societies?

He argued that development requires a widespread need for achievement, and that societies lacking it must foster entrepreneurial attitudes through education and child-rearing.

WJEC A-Level Sociology 601-5237-0

Culture and the Social Construction of Culture

Topic overview Culture as a way of life Norms, values and beliefs Roles, status and role conflict Aspects of culture: dress, language, food and music Heritage and cultural tradition in Wales High culture, popular culture and global culture Nature, nurture and the social construction of culture Cultural diversity and sub-cultures

Socialisation and Its Agencies

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Socialisation and Identity

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Families and HouseholdsAcquiring Culture

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Research Methods: Primary and Secondary

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Key Concepts and Theories of Research

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EducationUnderstanding Society

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MediaUnderstanding Society

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ReligionUnderstanding Society

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Crime and DeviancePower and Control

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World SociologyPower and Control

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Social Inequality: Evidence and Patterns

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World Sociology

Modernisation theory and its critics

3 things to know
A2 Unit 3

Overview

Central claim of modernisation theory, rostow's five stages of economic growth and historical criticism of modernisation theory.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

Set out Rostow's account of take-off and the objection raised from east Asia.

Process

Name Rostow's five stages of economic growth.

Process

What happens at the take-off stage in Rostow's model?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
In what historical context did modernisation theory emerge?
Model answer
It developed in the United States after the Second World War, as newly independent states appeared and Western governments sought an alternative to the communist model of development.
2
What is the central claim of modernisation theory?
Model answer
It claims that poor countries are poor because they retain traditional structures and values, and that they will develop by following the path the West has already taken.
3
Name Rostow's five stages of economic growth.
Model answer
Traditional society, the preconditions for take-off, take-off, the drive to maturity and the age of high mass consumption.
4
What happens at the take-off stage in Rostow's model?
Model answer
Investment rises to a level at which growth becomes self-sustaining, new industries expand and the economy no longer depends on outside injections of capital.
5
How did Parsons distinguish traditional from modern values?
Model answer
He contrasted status by birth, obligation to kin and personal loyalty with status by achievement, universal rules and impersonal specialised roles.
6
What did McClelland argue was missing in poor societies?
Model answer
He argued that development requires a widespread need for achievement, and that societies lacking it must foster entrepreneurial attitudes through education and child-rearing.

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