The theory of modernization was concocted by social scientists in the mid-20th century to see how western countries, especially North America and Western Europe, could develop in such a way. The western countries studied are considered successful in becoming modern after going through identifiable stages, although the development is now increasingly complex. Growth is measured here by the rate of economic growth and technological innovation . Including political changes towards democracy and democratization.
Modernization theory sees a series of processes that occur as a prerequisite for moving from traditional to modern conditions. These processes include industrialization, urbanization, rationalization, bureaucracy, consumption, and democracy . Practically, this process can be seen from the development of infrastructure in almost all fields, transportation and communication systems that encourage people to become more mobile, and the construction of social institutions such as formal schools and mass media which are important components of strengthening the democratic system. In terms of demographics, population figures in several countries have decreased or increased, but not significantly.
Modernization theory creates an economic system whose mechanism is based on market needs . Capitalism is automatically pushed into the center. Rationalization as part of the modernization component encourages bureaucratization. The division of labor must be carried out through a bureaucratization process. Modernization theory sees all social structures and systems that have not experienced bureaucratization, meaning that they have not changed so that they are considered not modern or can be said to be still traditional. Modernization theory is also often used as a justification for comparing the conditions of countries that are labeled ‘developing’ or ‘underdeveloped’ with modern Western countries.
Read also Social Change: Examples and Causes of Factors Modernization theory makes measures of a country’s progress based on economic growth, technological progress and the political system of democracy. To be modern means to be advanced, so that those who are still “developing” or even “backward” are encouraged to become advanced. The justification of modernization theory is not sterile from the harsh criticism made by critical social scientists .
One of the sharp criticisms often made on the explanation of modernization theory is the neglect of modernization theory which explains that the processes and mechanisms that brought the western world to modernity are through the process of exploitation, colonialism , slavery, imperialism, and dehumanist practices in so-called “backward” countries. In other words, the development of western countries comes at the expense of other countries in other parts of the world. Automatically, modernization theory cannot be applied to other countries except through a process of exploitation that is detrimental to other countries. Read also: Sociological Theory
