The theory that argues, “countries are more likely both to become democratic and to stay democratic as they develop economically”, is known as
Classic Modernization theory
Understanding Theories Linking Economic Development and Democracy
The question asks to identify the theory that proposes a strong link between a country's economic development and its likelihood of becoming and remaining democratic. Several theories in political science and sociology explore the relationship between economic factors and political systems.
Let's examine the core ideas of the theories presented in the options:
- Dependency Theory: This theory focuses on the unequal relationships between developed and developing countries. It argues that the economic development of richer "core" nations often comes at the expense of poorer "periphery" nations, leading to the underdevelopment of the latter. This theory primarily explains global inequality and underdevelopment, not the link between a country's own economic development and its internal political structure like democracy.
- World Systems Theory: Developed from dependency theory, world systems theory views the world as a single capitalist system divided into core, periphery, and semi-periphery areas. It emphasizes the historical development of this system and the roles different regions play within it. Like dependency theory, its main focus is on international economic structures and inequality, not directly on domestic economic development leading to democracy within individual states.
- Classic Modernization Theory: This theory suggests that societies undergo a process of modernization as they develop economically. As a country industrializes, urbanizes, and educates its population, social structures change. Modernization theorists argue that these changes often create conditions favorable to democracy, such as a growing middle class, increased literacy, improved communication, and stronger civil society organizations. The theory posits that economic development leads to social and political changes that make both the transition to democracy and its stability more likely. This directly aligns with the statement in the question.
- Theory of Underdevelopment: This is closely related to dependency theory and focuses on the reasons why some countries remain poor and do not achieve sustained economic growth. It often attributes underdevelopment to historical factors, colonialism, and integration into the global capitalist system in a subordinate position. It explains the lack of economic development, but doesn't primarily focus on the link between achieving economic development and becoming democratic.
Based on the core arguments of these theories, the one that explicitly links economic development to the likelihood of adopting and maintaining democracy is Classic Modernization theory.
Classic Modernization theory suggests a sequence where economic growth leads to social changes, which in turn facilitate political changes, including democratization. While this theory has faced criticism and revisions over time, its central premise is precisely what the question describes.
Let's summarize the focus of each theory:
| Theory | Primary Focus | Link to Economic Development & Democracy |
|---|---|---|
| Dependency Theory | Global economic inequality, exploitation of periphery by core | Focuses on external constraints causing underdevelopment, not internal link between development and democracy |
| World Systems Theory | Global capitalist system structure (core, periphery), historical development | Focuses on global economic hierarchy, less on internal dynamics leading to democracy |
| Classic Modernization Theory | Societal progression through stages, transition from traditional to modern | Argues economic development leads to social changes that favor democratization |
| Theory of Underdevelopment | Reasons for persistent poverty and lack of growth in certain countries | Explains lack of development, not the political outcome of achieving development |
Therefore, the theory that argues countries are more likely to become and stay democratic as they develop economically is Classic Modernization theory.
Revision Table: Key Theories on Development
Here is a quick revision table highlighting the main points of the relevant theories:
| Theory Name | Main Idea Regarding Development | View on Democracy |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Modernization Theory | Linear progression from traditional to modern society; economic growth is key driver. | Economic development brings social changes that make democracy more likely and stable. |
| Dependency Theory | Underdevelopment is a result of exploitation by developed nations within the global system. | Political systems often serve the interests of the core; democracy may be superficial or unstable in periphery. |
| World Systems Theory | Global capitalist system structures development and underdevelopment based on position (core, periphery, semi-periphery). | Political structures within nations are influenced by their position in the world system. |
Additional Information: Nuances of Modernization Theory and Democracy
While Classic Modernization theory posits a strong link between economic development and democracy, it's important to note that this relationship is complex and not always straightforward. Some points to consider:
- Correlation vs. Causation: While there is a correlation between higher levels of economic development and democracy, establishing direct causation is challenging. Other factors like culture, history, institutions, and external influences also play significant roles.
- Variations: Not all economically developed countries are democratic, and some less developed countries have transitioned to democracy, although stability can vary. This has led to refinements and criticisms of the classic theory.
- Defining Democracy and Development: The definitions of both "democracy" and "economic development" can vary, affecting how the relationship is studied and understood.
- Mechanisms: Modernization theory suggests mechanisms like urbanization, education, emergence of a middle class, and improved communication as drivers of political change towards democracy. These factors can increase civic engagement and demand for political participation.
Despite criticisms, the idea that economic conditions influence political possibilities, particularly the emergence and stability of democracy, remains a central theme in the study of comparative politics and development.
Important Questions from Comparative Political Analysis
The process in which the dictatorial ruling elite introduces liberalizing reforms that ultimately lead to a democratic transition is known as
Find out the correct one with regard to "Failed state".
A. Sierra Leone is a failed state.
B. A failed state is unable to provide the functions that define them as states.
C. A failed state is able to coerce the inhabitants.
D. A failed state is able to successfully control the inhabitants.
What is the main argument of philosophical anarchism?
Find out the different waves of democratic transition given below in ascending order:
A. First reverse wave
B. First waves of democratization
C. Second wave of democratization
D. Second reverse wave
E. Third wave of democratization
Find out the correct definition of different scholars on party systems
A. Modern democracy is a party democracy (Katz)
B. Democracy is unthinkable save in terms of parties(Schumpeter)
C. Parties are the core institutions of democratic politics(Lipset)
D. The existence of political parties is often as a necessary condition for the existence of modern democracy(Robert Dahl)
