Lecture Notes: Modernization Theory and Democracy

Overview

• Liarda Reading: Focuses on the quest for a grand theory, specifically modernization theory.
• Modernization Theory: Key theory in political science linking modernization with democracy.
• Key Figures: Seymour Morton Lipset, Sam Huntington.

Modernization Theory

• Origin: Emerged as a cornerstone in comparative politics, democracy theories.
• Lipset's Article: "Some Social Requisites of Democracy" (1959).
  • Published in the APSR, regarded as foundational.
  • Theory: Modernization leads to democracy.

Key Concepts

• Middle Class: Essential for democracy.
  • Earns through market economy, not inheritance.
  • Political power, invests in state infrastructure.
• Modern Countries: Developed economically, socially, politically.
  • Examples: US, UK, France, Germany, etc.

Critiques of Modernization Theory

• Cultural Critique: Fails to account for different cultural, historical contexts.
  • Theory often applies Western standards globally ("apples to oranges").
• Conceptual Stretching: Erroneous application of criteria across different contexts.
• Peter Wich's Criticism: Applying theories from developed countries to developing ones is flawed.
• Giovanni Sartori (1971): Termed "conceptual stretching."

Historical Context

• Cold War Influence: Modernization theory linked with Western agenda during the Cold War.
• Decolonization: New countries post-colonial era, questioned applicability of theory.

Challenges and Adjustments

• 1970s Shifts: Recognition that many countries did not fit theory's predictions.
• Cultural Factors: Acknowledgement that culture, religion, language matter.

Modernization Theory Today

• Western-Centric Bias: Recognizes democracy may not be a universal outcome.
• In Search of Alternatives: Need for regional, historical context in theories.
• Potential for All Countries: Every country has potential for democracy, given conditions.

Future Directions

• Reassessing Political Science: Shift towards acknowledging history, culture.
• Focus on Qualitative Studies: Emphasis on understanding the societal context.
• Challenges of Grand Theory: Modernization theory's limitations highlighted the need for nuanced approaches.

Conclusion

• No Universal Model: Grand theories may not be feasible, need tailored approaches.
• Cultural and Historical Considerations: Essential for understanding potential for democracy.
• Democratic Potential: All countries can theoretically become democratic with right conditions.