DVA1501
ASSIGNMENT 1
DUE 28 MARCH 2025
,Table of Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................... Page 2
Modernisation Theory ....................................................................... Page 3
2.1 Explanation of Modernisation Theory
2.2 Key Principles
Decolonial Theory .............................................................................. Page 5
3.1 Explanation of Decolonial Theory
3.2 Key Principles
How Decolonial Theory Challenges Modernisation Theory ................ .Page 6
Deforestation: Impacts on Society and Sustainable Development ...... Page 7
5.1 Positive Impacts
5.2 Negative Impacts
The Significance of Literacy on Employment .......................................Page 10
The Role of World Bank and IMF .............................................….……Page 11
7.1 Policies of the World Bank and IMF
7.2 Impact on Poverty and Inequality
Conclusion .......................................................................................... Page 14
References .......................................................................................... Page 15
1
,Introduction:
Development studies help us understand how countries grow and improve over time.
Two main ideas that explain how countries develop are Modernisation Theory and
Decolonial Theory. Modernisation Theory says that countries should follow the same
steps that rich countries took to become successful. These steps include things like
building big factories and having modern technology. But Decolonial Theory disagrees
with this. It says that the history of colonization still affects many countries today, and to
develop, we need to look at how power and history shaped the world.
Other important things to think about when studying development are issues like
deforestation (the cutting down of trees), literacy (being able to read and write), and the
role of big organizations like the World Bank and the IMF. Cutting down trees can harm
the environment, but literacy helps people get good jobs. The policies of the World Bank
and IMF, which are meant to help countries, can sometimes make things worse for poor
nations, making it harder for them to improve.
Modernisation Theory and Decolonial Theory mean, how they are different, and how
things like deforestation, literacy, and the World Bank’s policies affect countries trying to
develop.
2
, DVA1501
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025
Questions:
Question 1: Explanation of Modernisation Theory and Decolonial Theory
(10 marks)
Modernisation Theory
Modernisation theory emerged in the post-WWII era, influenced by the success of the
Marshall Plan in rebuilding Europe. It posits that development is a linear, Western-
centric process where societies progress from "traditional" (subsistence agriculture) to
"modern" (industrialized, urbanized) stages. Key figures like Walt Rostow proposed a
five-stage model of economic growth, culminating in mass consumption akin to Western
nations.
The theory assumes economic growth and industrialization are primary drivers of
development.
Western values, institutions, and technologies are superior and universally applicable.
Benefits of growth "trickle down" to uplift all societal segments.
Context: Rooted in Cold War geopolitics, modernisation theory aimed to counter
communism by promoting capitalist models. Institutions like the World Bank and IMF
endorsed grand development plans (e.g., five-year plans) to replicate Western success
in the Global South.
Decolonial Theory
It critiques Western hegemony and colonial legacies, arguing that colonialism persists
through coloniality systems of power, knowledge, and being that privilege Eurocentric
norms. Key concepts coloniality of power and global hierarchies perpetuating
exploitation e.g., control of African resources by Western institutions.
3
ASSIGNMENT 1
DUE 28 MARCH 2025
,Table of Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................... Page 2
Modernisation Theory ....................................................................... Page 3
2.1 Explanation of Modernisation Theory
2.2 Key Principles
Decolonial Theory .............................................................................. Page 5
3.1 Explanation of Decolonial Theory
3.2 Key Principles
How Decolonial Theory Challenges Modernisation Theory ................ .Page 6
Deforestation: Impacts on Society and Sustainable Development ...... Page 7
5.1 Positive Impacts
5.2 Negative Impacts
The Significance of Literacy on Employment .......................................Page 10
The Role of World Bank and IMF .............................................….……Page 11
7.1 Policies of the World Bank and IMF
7.2 Impact on Poverty and Inequality
Conclusion .......................................................................................... Page 14
References .......................................................................................... Page 15
1
,Introduction:
Development studies help us understand how countries grow and improve over time.
Two main ideas that explain how countries develop are Modernisation Theory and
Decolonial Theory. Modernisation Theory says that countries should follow the same
steps that rich countries took to become successful. These steps include things like
building big factories and having modern technology. But Decolonial Theory disagrees
with this. It says that the history of colonization still affects many countries today, and to
develop, we need to look at how power and history shaped the world.
Other important things to think about when studying development are issues like
deforestation (the cutting down of trees), literacy (being able to read and write), and the
role of big organizations like the World Bank and the IMF. Cutting down trees can harm
the environment, but literacy helps people get good jobs. The policies of the World Bank
and IMF, which are meant to help countries, can sometimes make things worse for poor
nations, making it harder for them to improve.
Modernisation Theory and Decolonial Theory mean, how they are different, and how
things like deforestation, literacy, and the World Bank’s policies affect countries trying to
develop.
2
, DVA1501
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025
Questions:
Question 1: Explanation of Modernisation Theory and Decolonial Theory
(10 marks)
Modernisation Theory
Modernisation theory emerged in the post-WWII era, influenced by the success of the
Marshall Plan in rebuilding Europe. It posits that development is a linear, Western-
centric process where societies progress from "traditional" (subsistence agriculture) to
"modern" (industrialized, urbanized) stages. Key figures like Walt Rostow proposed a
five-stage model of economic growth, culminating in mass consumption akin to Western
nations.
The theory assumes economic growth and industrialization are primary drivers of
development.
Western values, institutions, and technologies are superior and universally applicable.
Benefits of growth "trickle down" to uplift all societal segments.
Context: Rooted in Cold War geopolitics, modernisation theory aimed to counter
communism by promoting capitalist models. Institutions like the World Bank and IMF
endorsed grand development plans (e.g., five-year plans) to replicate Western success
in the Global South.
Decolonial Theory
It critiques Western hegemony and colonial legacies, arguing that colonialism persists
through coloniality systems of power, knowledge, and being that privilege Eurocentric
norms. Key concepts coloniality of power and global hierarchies perpetuating
exploitation e.g., control of African resources by Western institutions.
3
