Identify the 5 linear stages that Rostow asserted all countries must pass through to modernize.
Recognize how the model applies the historical experience of the West to developing countries.
Evaluate the primary criticisms of Rostow's Model (assumes linearity, ignores resource theft via colonialism).
Key Concept
Proposed by W.W. Rostow in 1960, this is a Modernization Model. It famously assumes that all countries are capable of modernizing through exactly the same discrete steps, fueled largely by an injection of foreign investment and technology.
Tags
Human GeographyRostowModernizationDevelopment
The 5 Stages of Development
Current StageStage 1: Traditional Society
Navigate Stages
Traditional Society
Economy is purely agricultural (subsistence farming). High percentage of national wealth goes to "non-productive" activities like religion and military. Strict social hierarchy inhibits mobility.
Pre-Conditions for Take-Off
An elite group initiates innovative economic activities. The country starts investing in new technology and infrastructure (like water supplies and transportation), often stimulated by external investment. Commercialization of agriculture begins.
Take-Off
Rapid growth generated in a limited number of economic activities, such as textiles or food products. These few industries achieve high technical advances and become productive, while other sectors remain traditional. Urbanization massively accelerates.
Drive to Maturity
Modern technology rapidly diffuses to a wide variety of industries (not just the initial few). Workers become highly skilled and specialized. The economy diversifies and is woven firmly into the global international economy.
Age of High Mass Consumption
The economy shifts fundamentally from heavy industry to consumer goods and tertiary (service) sector jobs. Disposable income allows citizens to abundantly purchase non-essentials. (e.g., United States, Japan, Western Europe).
Quick Quiz
What is the most common critique by geographers of Rostow's Stages of Economic Growth?