In today’s world, the rapid development and increasing globalization of countries inevitably impact the emergence of new theories that aim to explain the connection between countries and the persistent inequality between developed and developing nations. Among these theories are Modernization theory and Dependency theory, which, despite their differences, share some similarities in how they perceive the contemporary world and the dynamics between developed and developing countries.
Comparing these theories is important for gaining a deeper understanding of international relations and future perspectives. It also helps to objectively assess the current situation and relationships between developed and undeveloped countries. The Dependency theory emerged as a response to the Modernization theory, as its supporters criticized the latter.
Both Modernization and Dependency theories have similarities despite their main difference which is determined by the emphasis they put on the gap between developed and undeveloped countries.
To be more specific, both Modernization and Dependency theory agree that Western countries are global leaders because of their advanced level of development, which impacts various aspects such as economics, politics, society, and even culture. This creates a significant connection between developed and developing nations (Leys, 210).
Both theories agree that developed countries play a crucial role in the development of developing and undeveloped countries. Despite striving to progress in alignment with developed nations, these countries are unable to narrow the gap and consistently lag behind in global development. In contrast, developed countries significantly contribute to advancing global development, and the integration of all nations into the global economy serves as a significant form of interaction between developed and developing countries. Both theories also acknowledge that this interaction continues to expand over time.
Both Modernization and Dependency theories recognize the existence of an unequal relationship between developed and developing countries, with developing countries depending on developed ones to some degree. However, they have contrasting views regarding this dependence. Nevertheless, both theories highlight the dominant role of Western countries in the present world and do not contemplate alternative paths for development outside of the western model, which is regarded as the only strategy in shaping the global economy’s future.
Both of these theories are ethnocentric in that they largely overlook the potential for developing countries to pursue alternative paths of development. Instead, they maintain that developing countries will inevitably model their own development after that of Western countries, whether willingly or unwillingly. Consequently, these theories fail to acknowledge the alternative development possibilities for Third World countries (Preston, 137).
China’s economy is rapidly advancing, but its development differs greatly from the western approach. Additionally, China does not align with the fundamental principles of Modernization theory or Dependency theory. Despite some similarities, the disparities between these theories are significant and can be seen in their perspectives on global development and international relations, specifically regarding developed and developing nations.
The distinctions between Modernization theory and Dependency theory arise from the fact that Dependency theory was formulated as a response to Modernization theory. Examining these disparities involves emphasizing that Modernization theory views global development and the connections between developed and developing nations as potentially equal, but at varying stages of advancement.
To clarify, Modernization theory argues that western nations are highly developed and that their approach to development is seen as the most successful and promising. It suggests that there are few other viable options for development. As a result, supporters of this theory advocate for increased cooperation between developed and developing countries, with the goal of bringing the latter closer to the former. The core idea behind Modernization theory is the belief in the significance of Third World countries learning from the experiences of western nations (Scott 196).
The suggestion is for developing countries to follow the example of more advanced western nations in order to achieve economic, social, and cultural prosperity. To accomplish this goal, collaboration between developing countries and western nations is essential across various areas including economy, politics, culture, education, and social relations. Conversely, the more advanced western countries should assist developing nations in reaching their utmost level of development by offering education, technological support, and consultancy services to Third World countries.
The Modernization theory argues that developing countries can only overcome their backwardness by emulating the socio-economic and political development of western countries. It perceives the western model of progress as the exclusive route to prosperity. Conversely, the Dependency theory highlights that the relationship between developing and developed nations is primarily characterized by developing countries relying on developed ones, rather than through collaboration.
The proponents of Dependency theory claim that developing countries do not adopt the development model of western nations out of genuine belief in its superiority. Rather, they are forced to do so in order to become part of the global community and evade isolation or potential intervention by western nations.
According to Dependency theory, developing countries are compelled to adhere to western standards and norms by developed countries because of the threat of economic sanctions or military intervention (Schelkle, 231).
Dependency theory, unlike Modernization theory, rejects the idea that adopting Western development methods is the solution to all problems. It does not believe that the choice to westernize is a conscious decision supported by the people and elite of developing countries. Instead, it sees Westernization as a violent intrusion by developed nations into the Third World. This leads to increased dependence on developed countries and hinders any possibility of socio-economic progress.
In contrast, Modernization theory suggests that the modernization of developing countries’ socio-economic and political life, as well as their closer cooperation with developed countries, can lead to prosperity. This is seen as a voluntary effort by developing countries. Therefore, it can be concluded that Modernization theory and Dependency theory share similar perspectives on the modern world.
In essence, both theories recognize the leadership of western nations and their present dominant position in the contemporary world, with underdeveloped countries being identified by their socio-economic and political backwardness. Simultaneously, both theories acknowledge that the collaboration between western countries and developing nations is continuously increasing and results in their integration.
Modernization theory states that developing countries choose to cooperate and integrate with more advanced western countries in order to overcome their existing backwardness. They see modernization in the western style as the only way to achieve this. On the other hand, Dependency theory argues that developing countries are forced into cooperation and integration by advanced western countries. These advanced countries seek to benefit from their relationship with developing countries, and the westernization of developing countries becomes a means of exerting control and increasing dependence on developed nations.
Despite their existing differences, both theories still address the significant issue of the relationship between developed and developing countries and the dominant presence of western countries and western civilization in the modern world.
