Modernization And Development Towards Democracy - 1544 Words

This research paper uncovers the study of modernization and how it correlates to political development towards democracy. First, it examines the development and origins of the modernization theory that encompass a number of explanations that connect economic, social and cultural changes with shifts in political systems. Modernization puts forth the idea that economic development will lead to cultural and social changes that transform the political behavior of a country’s citizens that can ultimately lead to democratic governments. Subsequently, the paper moves to the empirical evidence supporting the modernization theory and critiquing the theory’s broader applicability. Some critics would suggest that certain types of economic development could actually destabilize society, rather than progressing the cultural and social components that provide the starting point for democratic societies. Meanwhile, others have advocated that wealth does not explain the emergence of de mocracy, and that the likelihood that a country remains democratic is higher in richer countries. Finally, it will look into future avenues in research on the correlation between political development and modernization. Modernization theory refers to a set of explanations that link economic development and social changes with the type of political regime that emerges. As countries economically modernize, they shift from agricultural to industrial societies. Industrialization results inShow MoreRelatedModernization Of The Chinese Government And Democracy Essay1484 Words   |  6 PagesModernization of the Chinese Government and Democracy In the past 35 years, China has experienced significant transformation and modernization of its democracy and governance. 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It is also believed that democratization brings high living standards, peaceful environm ent and overall happiness to the state; and The United States andRead MoreEconomic Theory, Democracy, and the Progressive Church690 Words   |  3 PagesEconomic Theory, Democracy, and the Progressive Church The overriding difference between modernization theory and dependency theory is that where modernization theory contends that there are universal practices that result in economic success, dependency theory states that poor countries are subordinated by wealthier ones in order to maintain the status quo. To this end, modernization theory involves the belief that by adopting principles of wealthy nations, such as technology and mass cultureRead MoreModernization Theory And Development Of Human Beings1463 Words   |  6 Pagesessential for the development of human beings. In order for individuals to be free, societies must guarantee a healthy environment which enables citizens to be governed by leaders that represent their interests. The system of government which allows for this is democracy. But democracy, which is a term that comes from the greek demos and kratos â€Å"rule of the people†, will only thrive under appropriate conditions. Modernization theory claims that econ omic and technological development are the factorsRead MoreModernization Of The Nation s Government And Democracy Essay1478 Words   |  6 PagesChina became a capitalist, which resulted in modernization of its government and democracy, through the first two decades of reform after Chairman’s Mao death. These major reforms that redefined and shaped the nation’s government and democracy include†¦ Revitalization of State Sector and Socialism As previously mentioned, Chairman Mao had commenced considerable transformation of China through the Cultural Revolution and socialism a decade before his death. During the post-Mao era, one of the majorRead MoreThe Sociology of Development: Case Study of Myanmar1247 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿The present papers aim is to consider the sociology of development as illustrated in the case study of Myanmar, with special focus on the causes of underdevelopment that can be correlated with the modernization and dependency theories, along with comparing the country of study with U.S.A. in terms of democracy, and finally offering insight into the close relationship between state and religion. Starting with 1970, theorists referred to the dependency theory by arguing that trade with wealthy countriesRead MoreModernization668 Words   |  3 Pagesmajor assumptions of the modernization theory of development basically are: Modernization is a phased process;Modernization is a homogenizing process, in this sense, we can say that modernization produces tendencies toward convergence among societies, for example, as time goes on, they and we will increasingly resemble one another because the patterns of modernization are such that the more highly modernized societies become, the more they resemble one another. Modernization is a europeanizationRead MoreThe Current Chinese Government Fits Into The Category Of Authoritarian Regimes856 Words   |  4 Pagesefforts should be made to redistribute economic wealth as much as possible and that a single political party should direct the government and control the state. After 1978, Mao’s successor Deng and other leaders focused on market-oriented economic development and by 2000, output had quadrupled. Therefore, after 1978, China changed the system of government to allow more freedom for citizens instead of the total control over citizens by the coercive mobilization.For much of the population, living standardsRead MoreModernism And Postmodernism1207 Words   |  5 Pagesmodern day have become skeptical about the emancipatory potential of modernity but Habermas still believes and continues to insist on the idealistic utopian potential of modernity as the â€Å"child of enlightenment†. As modernism take has influences from democracy and reason, Habermas sees it as an unfinished project. By this Habermas is trying to state that there is still so much to be done in the domain of modernism before contemplating a move to the post-modern world. Marx influenced Habermas as he hadRead MoreEssay: to What Extent Was Japan Modernized by 1920s?1024 Words   |  5 PagesEssay: To what extent was Japan modernized by 1920s? Modernization is a process by which human beings progress in political, economic, social, intellectual and military aspects for the betterment of society as a whole. In the early 20th century, Japan achieved different levels of modernization in political, social, economic and cultural aspects. Although Japan still kept many traditional beliefs, it was the most modernized country in Asia at that time. Here, I will evaluate to what extent was