Part I: Development Theories: Examination of Different Perspectives
Throughout the course, I have learned that modernization theories emphasize more on the importance of industrialization process in economic development and growth. In this case, social, political, and cultural consequences of economic growth, including other significant factors that drive industrialization must come into play.
- Economic Development and Modernization Theory
In the topic “Economic development and modernization theories,” it shows that sociologist has an essential role in promoting modernization. At the beginning of the topic, I thought modernization and positive change in the standards of living of people are solely depended on the authorities. However, at the end of the topic, I realize that sociologists have an essential role in transforming society. For example, holding that many leaders in the developing world have diverging and dissecting views on modernization and the influence of political, economic, and cultural consequences on social development, sociologists have the role of emphasizing on the importance of essential matters not being considered in the modernization of the society. In this regard, since most of the underdeveloped communities do not have sufficient consciousness that enhances social development, sociologists should advocate for the international actions and attention that will spark the right awareness, particularly in adopting the western lifestyles and attitudes. Generally, the topic on “Economic development and modernization theory” changed my thoughts from viewing economic development and modernization as a government-led change to a universal change that requires the attention of all stakeholders, including the international community.
- Modernization and Social Development
In the topic “Modernization and social development,” there is an emphasis on the need of improving the well-being of individuals, as a means of helping the members of the society to attain their full potential. In this case, the topic was more focused on eliminating the barriers that hinder people from achieving self-sufficiency. This topic was essential in changing my thinking about how human empowerment can lead to self-sufficiency. At the beginning of this topic, where I had little idea about the impact of human development in social development. However, at the end of this topic, I learned that social development and modernization goes hand in hand equipping people with the necessary resources that will help them meet their basic needs and be successful for the rest of their lives. For example, investing in early learning can be crucial in ensuring that society is prosperous. Therefore, in my efforts to minimize poverty, we have a role in adopting a social development approach that will make people more empowered. This means that we have to go beyond what the leaders and the government is doing and find the ways we can use to enable people and society. In other words, we have to share the responsibility with local leaders and other well-wishers in improving the well-being of the individual members of the community; hence, reduction of poverty and social development.
- Sustainable Development and Global Challenges
In this unit, I learned that the world is faced by numerous challenges—that range from social, environmental, and economic—that hinder sustainable development. Today, there are millions of people—especially from the underdeveloped nations—who are living under extreme poverty. At the same time, unsustainable consumption and production patterns have led to unsustainable social costs that result in unsustainable development. In this regard, I have learned that attaining sustainable development will require worldwide actions that will help in the delivery of reasonable inspiration that can trigger economic growth. Moreover, sustainable development, we need a complete process that will consider the unique needs of the most vulnerable. Therefore, as sociologists and human rights activists, we should consider action-oriented approaches that will reduce the prevalence of unsustainable development and strengthen economic empowerment.