The modernization theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The modernization theory - Essay Example This multi-dimensional orientation of the concept give it a much wider and bigger scope to cover and discuss many important and critical issues of the modern world and specially those faced by the developing countries. In effect, Modernization theories study the impact of modernization process on the human communication and in doing so explore many critical and important issues which may serve as the reconciliation points between the developed and developing world. However these modernization and development theories are controversial also as the most underdeveloped societies due to their strong cultural, religious and economic values find it hard to embarrass a change which has not emerged indigenously. This study will explore the modernization and development process besides providing a critical analysis of the theoretical framework and the impact of cultural invariance on the modernization and development process and the societies. The historical orientation of the modernization and development process suggest that it is a macro-theory with historical and sociological inspirations. (Universiteit Twente). It is believed that the theories of modernization and development were developed in order to assess its impact on the human communication. Gidden defined modernization as â€Å"the appearance of the modes of social life of organization which emerged in Europe from about the seventeenth century onwards and which subsequently became more or less worldwide in their influence† (Giddens). Therefore in effect, modernization defines the changing ways of the communication taking place in modern and traditional society. In its essence the modernization and development theories suggest that the western values and practices are best and that if replicated by the developing countries can prove beneficial to the long term