Critique of the Modernization Theory’s Conceptions of Underdevelopment: A Theoretical Approach

Abstract

The conceptualization and understanding of underdevelopment remained a fundamental issue in any discourse of development studies. The modernization theory conceived underdevelopment as either systemic in the Third World's culture or even a natural phenomenon. This paper aimed to critique the position of the modernization theory's conceptions that underdevelopment is a natural phenomenon, and intended to advance other reasons for underdevelopment. To achieve this, an attempt has been made to analyse and critique some dominant modernization theories. The paper adopted the underdevelopment and dependency theory developed by Andre Gunder Frank as a theoretical framework. The methodology adopted for this paper was purely documentary where existing works on the subject matter have been consulted and analysed critically. The study revealed among others that underdevelopment is never a ‘natural phenomenon’ as the modernization theorists wanted us to believe, rather it is a product of historical antecedents and continues economic, political and social relationship by the Third World Countries with the so-called developed countries. The present underdeveloped countries were developed at the same level as the so-called developed countries before their contact with the West. The study further, confirmed the position of Andre Gunder Frank, that until the ties between the two blocs are weakened or completely halted, underdevelopment will perpetuate itself in the Third World Countries.