THEORIES OF INDUSTRIALIZATION

THEORIES OF INDUSTRIALIZATION

MODERNIZATION THEORY

This is a theory that advises the non-industrial world to follow the ways of the industrial world in order to be industrialized. They believe that for one to be modernized, they have to follow the same path the western world uses or follows. Spencer is one of the proponents of this theory. Talcott Parsons pattern variables are also used by this theory. These variables (achievement and ascription) Say that the Europeans follows the achievement patterns and that is why they are modernized while the Africans who mostly rely on the ascription variable and therefore, makes them remain backward.

            Martin also used the end-achievement module to make the modernization more pronounced. If you want to be modernized, the end achievement must be followed. It is the psychological syndrome that pushes one seeks for achievement and for achievement and that the Africans lack such syndrome therefore, they are not modernized.

            .......................? takes the economic stages to implement the forces of product; the first stage is Traditional Stage up to the last stage of product for mass consumption. The traditional is the stage where cruel implements of the products are used. The pre-condition takeoff is the next stage where there is specialization, at this stage there is development of transport where goods are moved and also labour moves from one place to another. The take-off stage is the 3rd stage and in this stage, there is a shift from agricultural products to manufacturing. Emphasis is still on agriculture but manufacturing is very vital then; the next stage is the production for mass consumption. Africans don’t pass through this stage that is why they are backward and if they want to be modernized, they must follow these stages.

DEPENDENCY THEORY

States that the problem of our non-industrialization should be traced to Europe; if we are to be industrialized, our values and cultures must not be neglected because before the Europeans came, the Africans where really creative and prospering in their various fields. The contact with the Europeans brings the whole process down, instead of progress, there is retardation. Rodney argued that we should look at the history of Africa prior to their contacts with the Europeans. The Africans where sold out who were very promising (i.e. blacksmiths, farmers, well able men etc) and therefore left us with unproductive members.

            Samir Amin, Williams etc. said that Africans should not be blamed for their underdevelopment, but the Europeans; because since they follow their own ways and developed, they should allow the Africans to also follows their own ways and prosper. They argue that all society are moving from non-industrialization to industrialization and that those at the front should not blame those following as underdeveloped because they are all moving at their own pace.