Rostow’s Modernization Model By:Luanna Rincon

What is it ? Rostow proposed a five stage model of development in the 1950s. Then in the 1960s several countries adopted this approach of the five stages of development. The five stages were the following: 1.the traditional society 2.The preconditions for takeoff 3. The takeoff 4.The drive to maturity 5.The age of mass consumption

The traditional society This stage is more described for the Least Developed Countries(LDCs).This stage is for the country that hasn’t started a process of development. They contain a very high percentage of people in agriculture and a high percentage of national wealth , in which Rostow calls “nonproductive” activities, such as the military or religion. An economy on this stage has limited production function. States and individuals utilize irrigation systems in many instances, but most farming is still purely for subsistence. An example would be the U.S. prior to independence.

The preconditions for take off The economy undergoes a process of change for building up of conditions for growth and take-off. Under the influence of these well-educated leaders, the country starts to invest in new technology and infrastructure, such as water supplies and transportation systems. This will increase productivity. In this transition there 3 important dimensions: first the shift from an agrarian to an industrial or manufacturing society. Second, trade and other commercial activities of the nation broaden the markets reach not only to neighboring areas but also far flung regions, creating international markets. Last, the surplus attained shouldn’t be wasted on the conspicuous consumption of the land owners or the state, but be spent on the development of industries, infrastructure and therefore prepare for self-sustained growth of the economy later on. Example: The U.S. in the first half of the nineteenth century.

The Takeoff This stage is where a country makes dynamic economic growth. Rapid growth is generated in a limited number of economic activities, such as textiles or food products. The countries achieve technical advances and become more productive with few take-off industries. The main goal in this stage is rapid, self-sustained growth. Example: The U.S. during the middle of the nineteenth century.

The Drive to Maturity Modern technology diffuses to a wide variety of industries, and this cause the country to experience rapid growth. The workers in the country become more skilled and specialized. Rostow defines this stage as the period when a society has effectively applied the range of modern technology to the bulk of its resources. Example: U.S. during late nineteenth century.

The age of mass consumption In this stage the economy shifts from production of heavy industry, such as steel and energy, to consumer goods, such as motor vehicles and refrigerator. The country tries to determine its uniqueness and factors affecting it are its political, geographical and cultural structure, and also values present in its society. Example: U.S during the early twentieth century

What was the goal for this model ? Rostow’s theory was that this five stage model would apply for every country and the country could see if it is able to develop economically by focusing on the resources that are in short supply in order to expand beyond local industries to reach global market and finance development to bring about economic growth.

Conclusion Every society is supposed to go through all the five stages of development. The stages happen at varying lengths from country to country. Its important in the sense that they foster economic self reliance for development of all sectors to bring about modernization. The model was based on two factors. First, the development countries of Western Europe and Anglo-America had been joined by others in Southern and Eastern Europe and Japan. Second, many LDCs contain an abundant supply of raw materials sought by manufacturers and producers in MDCs.

Which countries are in which stages? The most Developed countries tend to be at the 4 and 5 stage and the least developed countries are usually in the first 3 stages of the modernization model.