Discuss the Modernization theories of the governments of Africa

Modernization has to do with individual mobility, controlling communal identities and setting
rules for resource allocation. Socially modernization entails reorganization of society on the
basis of class interests as opposed to ethnic or tribal identities. It also symbolizes increased living standards by citizens and access to education, health, housing and Medicare. In political terms, modernization has to do with institutional expansion, and political participation.
The ideas of Spencer, Durkheim and Weber were the basis for the growth of the theory of
modernization. This theory emphasizes the process of increasing structural and institutional
differentiation of components of the state. It highlights psychological and cultural
characteristics of organ that form a state. This theory brings out increasing differentiation and social complexity where subgroups are interlinked to differing socio-economic functions that entail self interests and pluralism. It assumes that once social inequalities are kept constant, higher levels of socio-economic differentiation lead to enhanced levels of civil and political rights.
- Identify, describe and explain theories of state in Africa.
- Discuss strengths and limitations of using these theories in studying governments in specific African countries.

The core argument of this theory is based on the premise that societies in Africa are in the
process of progressing from traditional to modern national entities. Modernity
symbolized efficiency and use of scientific logic whereas traditional implies African
cultural beliefs and systems that cannot be rationalized. Modernization has three aspects,
namely; economic, social and political.

Political scientists who used this theory to study African politics focused on the following
issues;
- Identifying common sense of purpose among several different cultural groups.
- Consensus on instruments of political authority. Studies on political parties werecommon.
- Inclusion of citizens in decision-making process.
- Use and development of state apparatus to promote effective government presence
among the people.
- National growth, resource mobilization and security.
The assumption in this school of thought was that politics should create conditions for equitable growth by ensuring social order. Critics of modernization theory have pointed out the
following limitations:
- Emphasis on industrialization, ignored the central role agriculture plays in Africa
- This theory supported elitism and status quo.
- This theory lacked tools of analysis to examine transformations and evaluate implications of ongoing processes.

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Titany answered the question on October 28, 2021 at 08:22