Describe the modernization theory on development. How did the under-development theorists counter it?

Core Assumptions of Modernization Theory:

1. Evolutionary perspective: It views development as a linear, evolutionary process. Societies move from 'traditional' to 'modern' stages.
2. Internal Factors: Underdevelopment is seen as a result of internal barriers, such as traditional values, lack of technology, and lack of capital.
3. Role of Tradition: Tradition is considered an impediment to development. Concepts like achievement-orientation (Parsons) are seen as essential for progress.
4. W.W. Rostow’s Stages of Economic Growth: This is the most prominent model, which posits five stages:
   • Traditional society
   • Pre-conditions for take-off
   • Take-off
   • Drive to maturity
   • Age of high mass consumption
5. Diffusion of Technology: Modernization occurs through the diffusion of Western technology, values, and institutions to developing nations.

Critique by Under-development (Dependency) Theorists:

Under-development theorists, such as A.G. Frank, Immanuel Wallerstein, and Samir Amin, challenged the modernization paradigm, arguing that it ignored historical context and the global structure of power.

1. External Factors (Global Capitalism): They argued that underdevelopment is not a 'natural' or 'original' state, but a result of historical processes of colonialism and imperialism.
2. The Metropole-Satellite Model (A.G. Frank): Frank argued that the world is divided into a 'core' (developed nations) and 'periphery' (developing nations). The core extracts resources and labor from the periphery, leading to the development of the core and the underdevelopment of the periphery.
3. Dependency: Developing countries are structurally dependent on developed countries for capital, technology, and markets, preventing autonomous development.
4. Rejection of Linearism: They rejected the idea that developing nations would follow the same path as Western nations. Instead, they argued that the success of the West was built on the exploitation of the rest of the world.
5. World Systems Theory (Wallerstein): Wallerstein viewed the world as a single capitalist unit where the semi-periphery acts as a buffer. Underdevelopment is a feature of the system, not a failure of the developing nation.