Rostows Theory of Economic Development Essay Example

need for change in socio-political structures and that the only changes required were in economics and technical dimension. This situation was experienced in North America, New Zealand and Australia. Transition at this stage occurs in three dimensions; First there must be a shift from agrarian to industrial society. Secondly trade and industrial activities should be broadened as to invite international market. Lastly any surplus attained should be utilized in development of industries, infrastructure and preparation of a self sustained growth rather than be wasted in consumption.

However all these changes would be effective only if there is basic change in society attitude towards risk taking, changes in environmental work, and changes in political structures.

Stage 3: Takeoff

This stage is characterized by dynamic economic growth that began due to sharp stimulus of either economic growth that began due to sharp stimulus of either economic and political changes or technological nature. Take off will only occur if the following requirements are met.

First, the rate of productive investment should rise from approximately 5% to over 10% of natural income. This occurred in Argentina before 1914. Secondly there must be a high rate of growth to the existing substantial manufacturing sector. Finally, the existing political, social, and institutional framework should exploit impulses that lead to expansion of modern sector of economy. The source of capital for this stage originates from shifts from income flows such as taxation and land reforms as well as ploughing back profits that have been earned from foreign trade.

However, takeoff will only succeed if there is existence of enlarged effective demand and introduction of new production functions. After takeoff a country will take as long as 50

-100 years to reach maturity.

Stage 4: Drive to Maturity

According to Rostow, this is the period that effectively applied to modern technology. During this stage there were structural changes that were experienced in three ways: a)Work force composition in agriculture shifted from 75% of the working population to 20% b)There was introduction of high degree professionalism and leadership qualities. )Policy change on environmental and health cost of industrialization were made This transformational and diversity changes lead to reduction in poverty rate and increased living standards.

Stage 5: Ages of High Mass Consumption

Rostow defined this stage as a period of contemporary comfort afforded by many western nations. Therefore a country tries to determine its uniqueness and factors affecting it are its political, geographical and cultural structure as well as value present in its society.

Historically, Rostow considered United State to have reached this stage first, followed by other western European nations and Japan in 1950’s. Critics to the theory After a critic analysis on Rostow’s theory of development, some limitations were realized. Therefore it was critically analyzed as follows:

1. Rostow is historical in the sense that the end result is known as the outset and is derived from the historical geography of a developed beaucratic society.
2. Rostow is mechanical in the sense that the underlying motor of change is not disclosed and therefore the stages become little more than a classificatory system based on data from developed countries.
3. His model is based on America and European history and defines the American norm of high mass consumption as integral to the economic development process of industrialized society.
4. His model assumes the inevitable adoption of Neoliberal trade policies which allows the
   

manufacturing base of a given advanced policy to be revocated to lower wage regions.