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Please also note that the author of this document will not be responsible for any plagiarism you
commit.
1. Provide an explanation of modernisation theory and decolonial theory and the context in
which they emerged.
Introduction
Development theories have evolved over time, reflecting changing global dynamics and historical
contexts. Two prominent perspectives—modernisation theory and decolonial theory—offer
contrasting views on how societies progress and achieve development. Modernisation theory
emerged in the post-World War II era, advocating for a linear, Western-centric path to economic
growth, while decolonial theory arose as a critique of colonial legacies, emphasizing the need for
context-specific, justice-oriented approaches. Understanding these theories and the historical
circumstances in which they developed provides insight into the diverse ways development has been
conceptualized and pursued.
Modernisation Theory
Modernisation theory, associated with scholars like W.W. Rostow, posits that development occurs
through a series of linear stages, mirroring the historical trajectory of Western nations. Rostow (2000)
argues that economic growth, though initially exacerbating inequality, eventually leads to
widespread prosperity. This theory gained prominence after World War II, during the Cold War,
when the U.S. and its allies sought to promote capitalist development as a counter to communism.
The Truman Doctrine (1947) and the Marshall Plan exemplified this approach, framing
Western-style modernization as the ideal path for newly independent nations, often former colonies.
Proponents viewed development as a universal process, with industrialized nations serving as the
model for others to emulate.
Decolonial Theory
Decolonial theory challenges the assumptions of modernisation theory, highlighting how colonialism
and imperialism have historically perpetuated underdevelopment and injustice, particularly in Africa
and other formerly colonized regions. This perspective argues that Western-centric development
models ignore the unique histories, cultures, and sociopolitical realities of postcolonial societies.
Instead, decolonial thought advocates for a human-centred approach rooted in principles of social
justice, human rights, and economic equity. The theory emerged during the mid-20th century, as
newly independent nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America sought to forge their own
development paths outside Cold War binaries. The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), initiated at
conferences like Bandung (1955) and Belgrade (1961), embodied this resistance to dominant
Western and Soviet ideologies, emphasizing self-determination and collective solidarity among
formerly colonized peoples.
Please also note that the author of this document will not be responsible for any plagiarism you
commit.
1. Provide an explanation of modernisation theory and decolonial theory and the context in
which they emerged.
Introduction
Development theories have evolved over time, reflecting changing global dynamics and historical
contexts. Two prominent perspectives—modernisation theory and decolonial theory—offer
contrasting views on how societies progress and achieve development. Modernisation theory
emerged in the post-World War II era, advocating for a linear, Western-centric path to economic
growth, while decolonial theory arose as a critique of colonial legacies, emphasizing the need for
context-specific, justice-oriented approaches. Understanding these theories and the historical
circumstances in which they developed provides insight into the diverse ways development has been
conceptualized and pursued.
Modernisation Theory
Modernisation theory, associated with scholars like W.W. Rostow, posits that development occurs
through a series of linear stages, mirroring the historical trajectory of Western nations. Rostow (2000)
argues that economic growth, though initially exacerbating inequality, eventually leads to
widespread prosperity. This theory gained prominence after World War II, during the Cold War,
when the U.S. and its allies sought to promote capitalist development as a counter to communism.
The Truman Doctrine (1947) and the Marshall Plan exemplified this approach, framing
Western-style modernization as the ideal path for newly independent nations, often former colonies.
Proponents viewed development as a universal process, with industrialized nations serving as the
model for others to emulate.
Decolonial Theory
Decolonial theory challenges the assumptions of modernisation theory, highlighting how colonialism
and imperialism have historically perpetuated underdevelopment and injustice, particularly in Africa
and other formerly colonized regions. This perspective argues that Western-centric development
models ignore the unique histories, cultures, and sociopolitical realities of postcolonial societies.
Instead, decolonial thought advocates for a human-centred approach rooted in principles of social
justice, human rights, and economic equity. The theory emerged during the mid-20th century, as
newly independent nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America sought to forge their own
development paths outside Cold War binaries. The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), initiated at
conferences like Bandung (1955) and Belgrade (1961), embodied this resistance to dominant
Western and Soviet ideologies, emphasizing self-determination and collective solidarity among
formerly colonized peoples.
