Modernization theory is defined as a “term shorthanded for variety of perspectives that
were applied by non-Marxist to the Third World in the 1950s and the 1960s” (Harrinson,
1998:1).
In groups of 5-6 members:
1. From your own understanding of Rostow’s evolutionary scheme, which societal type
would you classify QwaQwa in?
- Provide at least five (5) reasons for your choice.
2. Briefly discuss Wallerstein’s World System Theory. The discussion should include
its origins and the categories that Wallerstein classified the different countries as
and why. The discussion should also include the critics that were made against this
theory.
1. From our understanding of Rostow's evolutionary scheme, we would classify QwaQwa as being in the traditional society stage. This is based on the following reasons:
- QwaQwa is a small region located in South Africa that was historically marginalized and underdeveloped.
- Traditional social structures and customs still play a significant role in the daily life of the people in QwaQwa.
- Economic activities in QwaQwa are predominantly focused on agriculture and subsistence farming, indicating a lack of industrialization and modernization.
- Access to basic services such as healthcare and education is limited in QwaQwa, pointing to a lack of development in these areas.
- Infrastructure in QwaQwa is underdeveloped, with limited access to roads, electricity, and other essential amenities.
2. Wallerstein's World System Theory is a perspective that views the world as a global capitalist system in which countries are classified into core, periphery, and semi-periphery categories based on their economic and political power. The theory originated in the 1970s and was developed by Immanuel Wallerstein. Core countries are economically and politically dominant, periphery countries are economically dependent on core countries and provide cheap labor and raw materials, while semi-periphery countries have characteristics of both core and periphery nations.
Critics of Wallerstein's World System Theory argue that it oversimplifies the complexities of global economic relations, neglects the agency of individual nations, and fails to account for cultural and historical factors that influence development. Additionally, some critics argue that the theory reinforces unequal power dynamics and may not accurately reflect the changing nature of the global economy in the 21st century.