Modernization and Dependency Theory

Modernization and Dependency Theory

Golden Oldies

David E. Apter. The Politics of Modernization, 1965. Ch. 1-3

Modernization is special kind of hope.

Modernity as choice – originates when a culture embodies an attitude of inquiry and questioning about how humans make choices

Models of government –

Hierarchy / Pyramid
Consummatory
(sacred) / Mobilization
(sacred-collectivity):
potentiality, unity of people / Theocracies
Instrumental
(secular) / Modernizing Autocracies or neomercantilist / Reconciliation
(secular – libertarian):
ability to reason, know self-interest, competition
Accept modest change

Different polities employ different mixtures of coercion and information in trying to maintain authority, achieve stability and increase efficiency.

Characteristics of Modernization:

utilize information only when they possess sound interpretative mechanisms.

results in a secular tendency toward increasing differentiation and complexity

caused by commercialization and bureaucracy (not technology)

creates a catch-up psychology and sense of being placed at a disadvantage that generates motivation for change and demand for more.

creation of roles and changes in roles

Development as a proliferation and integration of functional roles in a community. Secular norms of conduct are universalized. Modernization is a type of development. Industrialization is a special aspect of modernization.

Present inequality necessary but temporary.

Problem of intellectuals and youth – propellers of modernization but desire equality.

Tradition

Traditionalism as validation of current behavior by reference to immemorial prescriptive norms.

Instrumental systems – can innovate without appearing to alter their social institutions fundamentally.

Consummatory systems – hostile to innovation. Religion is pervasive as cognitive guide. Resist all changes.

Case studies – Instrumental/Consummatory with Hierarchical, Pyramidal, Segmental (ordered anarchy) Authority Line in Africa.

Consummatory values make it more difficult for systems to absorb exogenous change and modernization.

Joseph R. Gusfield, “Tradition and Modernity: Misplaced Polarities in the Study

of Social Change” 1967.

Tradition and modernity are not polar opposites.

There exist many possible interrelations between new and old aspects of social, economic and political life. Traditional symbols and leadership forms can be vital parts of the value bases supporting modernizing framework.

Seven Fallacies of Tradition-Modernity Polarity

Developing societies have been static societies.

Traditional culture is a consistent body of norms and values.

Traditional society is a homogeneous social structure.

Old traditions are displaced by new changes.

Traditional and modern forms are always in conflict.

Tradition and modernity are mutually exclusive systems.

Modernizing processes weaken traditions

Tradition and Nationhood

Tradition shaped to meet present and can become ideology.

Unified and nationalized society makes use of tradition to form consensual base for political authority and economic development.

Revival of indigenous tradition as phase of nationalistic and independence movements.

What is Modernity?

Modernity is ambiguous term

Modernity represents an ideology and aspiration of a specific culture.

Pitting tradition and modernity against each other as opposites overlooks the mixtures, blends and diversity of reality.