Rostow’s Modernization Model aka: Ladder of Development

Traditional society – characterized by subsistence agriculture or hunting & gathering; almost wholly a "primary" sector economy – limited technology; – A static or 'rigid' society: lack of class or individual economic mobility, with stability prioritized and change seen negatively

Pre-conditions to “take-off” – external demand for raw materials – development of more productive, commercial agriculture & cash crops not consumed (largely exported) – widespread and enhanced investment in infrastructure (i.e. irrigation, canals, ports) – increasing spread of technology & advances in existing technologies – changing social structure, with previous social equilibrium now in flux – individual social mobility begins – development of nationalism enhanced by shared economic interests

Take off – manufacturing begins to rationalize and scale increases in a few leading indusries, as goods are made both for export and domestic consumption – the "secondary" (goods-producing) sector expands and ratio of secondary vs. primary sectors in the economy shifts quickly towards secondary – Textiles, apparel, and shoes (in this the general order) are the basic "take-off" industries

A country's making it through this stage depends on the following major factors: 1.Existence of enlarged, sustained effective demand for the product of key sectors. 2.Introduction of new productive technologies and techniques in these sectors. 3.The society's increasing capacity to generate or earn enough capital to complete the take-off transition. 4.Activities in the key sector should induce a chain of growth in other sectors of the economy, that also develop rapidly

Drive to maturity – diversification of the industrial base; multiple industries expand & new ones take root quickly – manufacturing shifts from investment-driven (capital goods, usually exported) towards consumer durables & domestic consumption – rapid development of transportation infrastructure – large-scale investment in social infrastructure (schools, universities, hospitals, etc.)

Chacteristics 1.Work force composition in the agriculture shifts from 75% of the working population to 20%.The workers acquire greater skill and their wages increase in real term. 2.The character of leadership changes significantly in the industries and a high degree of professionalism is introduced 3.Environmental and health cost of industrialization is recognized and policy changes are thus made.

High Mass Consumption – the industrial base dominates the economy; the primary sector is of greatly diminished weight in economy & population, – widespread and normative consumption of high-value consumer goods (e.g. automobiles) – consumers typically (if not universally), have disposable income, beyond all basic needs, for additional goods

Compare: Ladder of Development with Demographic Transition Model

How does Rostow Model fit with World Systems Theory?

World Bank definitions: Low income countries had GNI per capita of US$1,005 or less. Lower middle income countries had GNI per capita between US$1,006 and US$3,975. Upper middle income countries had GNI per capita between US$3,976 and US$12,275. High income countries had GNI above US$12,276.

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic used to rank countries by level of "human development", taken as a synonym of the older term standards of living, and distinguish "very high human development", "high human development", "medium human development", and "low human development" countries