Core to the modernisation argument, is that development follows a evolutionary path. This is argued by Rostow, who outlined a evolutionary ladder which countries followed to modernisation. Firstly, LEDCs move from economies dominated by subsistence farming to more industrialised societies, after heavy aids and technological investment from the west. Secondly, traditional attitudes are replaced with western ones – so achievement replaces ascription and more focus on the nuclear family. Thirdly, more investment into industry and technology to archive steady growth. Finally, comes the age of mass consumption and modernity, with good healthcare and access to education for the populations and countries able to pursue high levels of consumption, welfare support and military spending. A strength, in this aspect of the modernisation argument is the recognition of economic growth and it's relation to development. However, it can be argued that the mode theory is being ethnocentric: arguing that the LEDCs are lacking is some respect, and they have “deficit model” of development. Moreover, it can be argued that some MEDCs retain their traditional values, this is especially visible in the newly industrialised countries such as India and China. The dependency theory would argue that this process of development would exploit the LEDCs; and bring upon them a new form of Western imperialism. Frank argues that this would create a “chain of dependency” , between the core (MEDCs) and periphery (LEDCs).The worlds system theory (Wallerstein) would look at this on a global scale and argue that the MEDCs would use this system to exploit the LEDCs. What' more, the neo-liberals would be critical of so much government intervention. It is evident, that Rostows process of development offers a optimistic outlook for LEDCs, however, it is ethnocentric. It is evident that countries can retain traditional values and modernise. What's more, it mostly looks at economic factors whereas, other modernisation theorist believe cultural factors to be more important, therefore giving the theory a more whole and accurate definition of development.
Some aspects of the modernisation theory looks more at cultural factors to explain poverty in LEDCs. For example, Parsons argued that LEDCs are dominated by traditional religious beliefs which prevent development and make them fatalistic about their future. In addition Parsons criticised extended kinship systems because they encourage traditional norms and values such as ascription, collectivism and particularism which undermine modernity by discouraging geographical mobility and achievement. This view is supported by Smelser, who also outlines many non-economic factors in the process of modernisation. Such as, the movement to democracy, secularisation, shift to nuclear family and greater social mobility. However, this view is again ethnocentric, it creates a victim and places the blame on the LEDCs. Furthermore, it can be argued that traditional religious values and modernisation can both work together. For example, the USA arguably the most industrialised country in the world, is ironically very religious, as are Western European countries such as Spain and Italy. Moreover, the dependency and world systems theory would argue that the economic issues are more important. Once the MEDCs have control over the LEDCs economies, cultural changes would follow. Although, the modernisation theory does look at cultural issues it still being too deterministic and ethnocentric. One could argue that traditional values and modernisation can work together. Yet, the modernisation theory continues to endorse western values and beliefs as the essential requirement for modernisation.
It is evident, that the Modernisation Theory holds the Western world as superior to LEDCs, as the theory continues to propound the view that LEDCs need to adopt Western norms and values. Therefore, the modernisation theory believes there a number of “motors”, that drive drive development, all coming from the west. Hence, Rostow argues that Western companies could bring expertise and equipment to allow LEDCs to build factories. Furthermore, Hoselitz believes that the introduction of a meritocratic education system would spread Western values such as individualism and competition needed more a mobile workforce. What's more, Inkeles believes that the media is crucial in spreading western ideas needed for development. A strengh of this view is that, it does seemed to have worked in the West, However, modernisation theory overlooks the problems that development brings, which is evident in MEDCs. Issues such as homelessness, crime, drug abuse do exist. One, could argue that the modernisation theory has a optimistic outlook on the development of LEDCs, however, they assume LEDCs need subservient their culture and tradition to achieve modernity. The dependency theory would argue that the “motors”, driven by the West, serve to take control and exploit the LEDCs. Putting them under a new form of economic and Western imperialism. In addition, the neo-liberals would discourage such intervention, and favour the free market and competition as being the best way for LEDCs to develop.
Overall, it is evident that the modernisation theory can provide a fairly accurate view of development in the world today. However, it assumes that traditional values and norms of the LEDCcs hold them back, making their argument ethnocentric. In addition, the modernisation theory is too simplistic, and overlooks many factors. For example, the dependency theory would argue that the core (MEDCS), simply hold and exploit the peripheries (LEDCs)., via “neo-colonialism. What's more, the world systems theory would arguer that the whole global system needs to be examined, with a focus on economics. Yet, despite the criticisms- neo-modernisation theorist's have hit back. Modernisation theorist's such as Eisenstadht and Dahrendorf have come to different conclusions from the earlier theorist's – Parsons and Rostow. They argue that Modernisation can be used with local traditions rather than just looking at Western models, with a more value-based approach. Together, they offer a much more accurate definition of development, than the simplistic modernisation theory alone.
