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Five Theories of Development Explained

The document outlines five theories of development: Modernization, Dependency, Critical Theories, Empowerment, and Emancipation, each with distinct purposes. Modernization theory describes the transition from traditional to modern societies, while Dependency theory explains the economic reliance of poorer nations on wealthier ones. Critical theories focus on power relations and social inequalities, leading to frameworks of Empowerment and Emancipation that aim to enhance individual agency and promote social justice.

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angelinelizabeth00
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7 views2 pages

Five Theories of Development Explained

The document outlines five theories of development: Modernization, Dependency, Critical Theories, Empowerment, and Emancipation, each with distinct purposes. Modernization theory describes the transition from traditional to modern societies, while Dependency theory explains the economic reliance of poorer nations on wealthier ones. Critical theories focus on power relations and social inequalities, leading to frameworks of Empowerment and Emancipation that aim to enhance individual agency and promote social justice.

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angelinelizabeth00
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Angeline 傅安琪

英文二
412110114

There are five theories of development and each theory have their purpose. Modernization,
dependency, critical theories, empowerment, and emancipation is the five theories of development.

The definition of Modernization theory is the process by which societies move from traditional or
pre-modern conditions to those of modernity, characterized by industrialization, urbanization, and the
growth of a mass society. Modernization theory posits that underdeveloped states are in a situation to
that of developed states sometimes in the past.
Purpose : as a uniform evolutionary route that all societies follow, from agricultural, rural, and
traditional societies to postindustrial, urban, and modern forms.

Dependency: It explains how poorer nations remain economically reliant on wealthier nations due to
an unequal global system where recources, labor, and trade benefit industrialized countries.
Purpose: Seeks to explain why some nations remain underdeveloped while others develop.

Critical theories: It is a perspective that examines power relations, social inequalities, and how
dominant ideologies influence development processes and outcomes.
Purpose : It is a social theory oriented toward critiquing and changing society as a whole, in contrast
to traditional theory oriented only to understanding or explaining it.

Empowerment: It’s a framework that enhances individuals and communities control over their lives. It
focuses on recourses, skills, confidence, and participation.
Purpose : To take control, self sufficient, influence people to be taking their life into the direction that
they deemed fit.

Emancipation: Emancipation is the act of setting free from the power of another, from slavery,
subjection, dependece, or controlling influence; also, the state of being thus set free; liberation; as, the
emancipation of slaves; the emancipation of minors.
Purpose: The purpose is to foster freedom and agency, empowering individuals and communities to
overcome domination and achieve social justice.

Modernization theory sees development as a step-by-step process where some society develop to
modern and some society lack behind. This idea has been lead to dependency theory, which argues
that many countries remain underdeveloped. The factors is not just because they are behind, but also
because they’ve historically exploited and their economies are not as stable as developed nations.
From that, it builds critical theories that dig into how power, inequality, and dominant ideologies keep
these systems is place. These critical theories lead to empowerment and emancipation, it’s about
giving people the tools and also voices to take control their own lives. Together these five theories es
more just, inclusive, and self-determined paths to development.

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