Theories On Devoloping A Nation

            To mend the country into a modern one, political and economical factors will be at play. Taking the third world country and transforming it into a country that is worthy of calling it a mirror image of that of a western one, is difficult. However, the transformation is not of impossible in that it cannot be done. There must be a fine balance in transforming a country to a modern one. There are two major approaches in developing a third world nation. The modernization and dependency are the two theories" that are most predominant in transforming the third world. .
             The modernization theory follows the idea that a country should try to emulate a modern western country. "After all, Western industrialized democracies had also started out as underdeveloped countries" (Handelman 15). The modernization theory believes in the political and economic development, which in return would modernize the country. By adopting modern ideas such as widespread attendances in school, the development of a mass media and in return a newly developed culture will emerge. The modernization theory focuses much on the political and economic enhancement that will allow a country to grow. .
             Developing the modernization theory could be great when a country wants to improve all aspects of its society. Meaning, if a society wants to give up certain cultural values in return of new political and economic freedoms, the modernization theory is perfect. In addition, the modernization theory is great when the country has fully embraced it. The modernization theory when fully embraced, will allow new rights, economic freedoms, and a newly developed culture. People may find themselves living better lives, better institutions for schooling, and have more confidence in the government. .
             However, there are sticky points with the modernization theory. For one, some societies may want to hold onto older traditions. For example, as said in class by Professor Robinson, many of the Middle Eastern states want the economic freedoms enjoyed by the west, but could do without Britney Spears.