I was thrilled to read your wonderful responses on my first post. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
For the next few posts, we will explore a few economic geography concepts. Here is the first: Rostow's Five Stages/Model of Economic Development
a. Identify Rostow's Five Stages of Economic Development and briefly describe one stage.
b. Why did you choose that stage?
c. Give one reason why Rostow's model relevant or not relevant to Economic Geography? (Do not repeat a reason that has already been stated.)
d. What unique fact did you find out about the development of Rostow's model? (Do not repeat a fact that has already been stated.)
e. Explain why it is important for you and your students to know about this theory. How do you expect to use this information in the future?
For the next few posts, we will explore a few economic geography concepts. Here is the first: Rostow's Five Stages/Model of Economic Development
a. Identify Rostow's Five Stages of Economic Development and briefly describe one stage.
b. Why did you choose that stage?
c. Give one reason why Rostow's model relevant or not relevant to Economic Geography? (Do not repeat a reason that has already been stated.)
d. What unique fact did you find out about the development of Rostow's model? (Do not repeat a fact that has already been stated.)
e. Explain why it is important for you and your students to know about this theory. How do you expect to use this information in the future?
1. Traditional Society
ReplyDelete2. Preparatory society
3. The “Take Off’ Stage
4. Drive to Maturity
5. Mass Consumption
Mass consumption- at this stage of development the per capita income of the country is at such a high level that people’s consumption increase beyond what is required for survival such as food, clothing, shelter to more luxuries (such as various forms of entertainment) on a large scale. Changes in lifestyles become apparent as people begin to prefer more consumption of luxuries and higher lifestyles of living. Mass consumption encourages the development of new types of industries which produces consumer goods to satisfy the increasing demands. These new industries become the leading sectors of the economic growth for example the mobile phone industry.
B. I choose to explain the 5th stage of the model because it is this stage that I can relate to the most. In my opinion I believe developed and some developing countries such as the USA, Dubai and others have reached this stage of mass consumption. Evidence of this can be seen in the luxurious lifestyles of the wealthy who has several cars, houses and who purchase much more than they need for basic survival. Many people even in Trinidad which is classified as a developing country engages in behaviors representative of the 5th stage of Rostow’s model for instance their choice of mobile phones. Although the general spending pattern may be reflective of stage 5 the economy of the Trinidad may still be at stage 3 or 4.
C. Economic geography capsulate a variety of topics inclusive of economic growth and development of countries. As such the Rostow’s model is relevant to Economic Geography to a certain extent as it provides a framework which geographers can utilize as basis on which they can build and expand the concepts relevant to economic growth of a country. The model may not necessarily be applicable to every country in the world because of the economies which it was based upon (Western, European) as well as the time period in which it was developed. However, the model can be utilized to compare and classify economic development of countries which share similar characteristics to the each other as well as the stages described in the model. Researchers therefore will be able to use the model as a building block to classify and study the economic status of a country.
D. Rostow’s model has its roots in political and historical context of the time it was developed in the 1960 at the peak of the Cold War. A staff member of the USA president Kennedy administration, Rostow was against communism and promoted his model based on western capitalist countries as part of the U.S. foreign policy in an effort to aid developing countries and to emphasize the US. dominance over the Russians.
Nice explanation amira!
DeleteGOOD JOB! I like how you explained thoroughly and did further research.
DeleteIn the opinion of Ackoff, “a model may be regarded as the formal presentation of a theory or law using the tools of logic, set theory and mathematics”. Various themes in geography can be examined and studied scientifically by means of hypotheses, models and theories. As such the basic aim of all models is to simplify a complex situation and thus make it simpler for others to understand. In relation to Rostow’s Model it presents a foundation on which, further exploration of the various topics which falls under the umbrella of Economic Geography can be executed. As a prospective teacher of geography, it is critical for me to know this model as it is a part of Economic Geography which I will be required to teach my future students. If I am not aware of the models used to aid the explanation of concepts in economic geography, then how am I to effectively teach students about these concepts?
DeleteMy students should also know about this model as it would aid in their understanding of some concepts of economic geography. Rostow’s Model can also allow them to examine their country’s economic development through the years and be able to recognize and appreciate the struggles their parents and fore parents endured in order develop the country thereby allowing them to enjoy better opportunities and standards of living today.
I expect to use this information in the future to teach my students as well as to monitor the development of Trinidad and Tobago and other countries of the world in relation to the model.
Great post and discussion by classmates.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletea. Rostow's Five Stages of Economic Development are:
ReplyDelete(i) The traditional society
(ii) Pre conditions for take off
(iii) Take off
(iv) The drive to maturity – In this stage of Rostow’s Five Stages of Economic Development, standards of living rise, use of technology increases, and the national economy grows and diversifies. There is an increase in the number and type of industry. Additionally, there are few primary industries, a stable secondary industry exists and there is a growing tertiary industry.
(v) High mass consumption
b. I chose the drive to maturity stage because I believe that the economy of Trinidad and Tobago already entered this stage of economic development due to the diversification in different sectors. For example, there have been developments in the following sectors the energy sector (eg. natural gas and petroleum) the manufacturing sector (food, beverages and steel) and the services sector (eco-tourism, transport and communication). However, the economy of Trinidad and Tobago have been experiencing several challenges in recent times due to a reduction in economic activity in the various sectors mentioned especially in the manufacturing sector. This makes me wonder whether or not we have already entered this stage of development or are we still at the take off stage. Nevertheless, according to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, in the Review of the Economy 2016, growth in the transport, storage, communication, education and cultural services sector was expected. Furthermore, there was an increase in the tourism industry with the increase in total air and cruise passengers who travelled to Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, an article published by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago indicated that there was growth in the services sub-sectors which include finance, insurance and real estate. Thus, this suggests that there is a growing services sector in Trinidad and Tobago.
c. The model can be applied to countries across the world to determine which stage of development a particular country has reached. In relation to Economic Geography, I may want to investigate the economic and geographic factors that may have caused that particular country to reach to that stage of development. For example, if Trinidad and Tobago has reached the drive to maturity stage I may want to investigate the economic and geographic factors involved. Is it due to government policies, access to transportation, availability of land, raw materials, and climate? Therefore, there is some relevance between Rostow's Five Stages of Economic Development and Economic Geography.
d. Rostow's Five Stages of Economic Development received many criticisms by economists and scholars’. For example, some have suggested that not all countries develop in a linear manner and indicated that some countries have skipped steps to the path of development or have taken different paths to development.
I think I share similar sentiments to you as it relates to trying to define which stage of the model Trinidad would most likely fit into. I believe it is especially difficult to place a country into a particular stage through the mere use of descriptive parameters. In my readings I have yet to see quantitative parameters which delineates the characteristics of a country in each of the 5 stages of Rostow's model.
DeleteYou did a nice job linking your answers back to references such as the Central Bank article.
Good point GhanyGeo! Thanks for your comment.
DeleteExplain why it is important for you and your students to know about this theory. How do you expect to use this information in the future?
e. Every country goes through a stage of development or have gone through a stage of development. Some countries however have developed or have been developing at a faster rate than others. At the CAPE level, students are required to learn about Rostow's model which focuses on global disparities in development.
According to the syllabus, students are required to explain disparities in development between Britain and the Caribbean with the use of Rostow's model. Therefore, it is quite important that my students and I know about the model and are able to apply the model in an attempt to understand why disparity exists. In the event that I do get assigned to teach a Form 6 class, I expect to use the information of this model to generate discussions among my students regarding the factors which may contribute to the existence of disparities between Britain and the Caribbean.
Interesting interpretations and comments.
DeleteA. The Rostow's Five Stages of Economic Growth Model are :
ReplyDelete1. Traditional Society
2.Pre-conditions for Take off
3.Take off
4.Drive to Maturity
5.Age of Mass Consumption
The stage that i choose to briefly explain is called The Take-Off stage it is the second stage among the five from Rostow's Model.This stage focuses on how agricultural products becomes very merchandised and due to this increase in merchandised there is more produce to be traded in this particular stage. Together with the increase of mechanized, this stage also increase savings as well as open avenues for investment both external and internal.This stage also reflects it name "the take off stage" because according to Rostow this is where the actual development and growth of an economy kicks off.
B. I choose the second stage of the model because this was one of the stage that i could have understood from a personal level and relate to easily due to the fact that i came from a small agricultural based family where farming began on a small scale and over a peroid of time with more crops being produce, more savings accumulating and more investment into the practice it took off into a blooming business.
C. Rostow's Model is most relevant to Economic Geography and is somehow interalated. If using a case study like Trinidad's Economy, one can be able to study and relate using Rostow explanation of each stages to understand and identify the different stages to which Trinidad's Economy have passed through and to determine which stage that country is currently at.Additionally, due to the fact that Trinidad Economy was once based on agriculture from small private farmers we can apply Rostow Model to understand the advancement of its economy through the years.
D.In my reading and understanding of Rostow Five Stages of Economic Growth Model i found that even though Rostow's Model is about structural modes of growth, and its theoretical framework is part of the school of economics it is still very essential to modern growth when it is applied in a order to maximize and form of consumption, and also due to geographic locations of different countries Rostow Model does not insure that all countries experience all five stages of development.
I really like the points you brought out in your explanation of the Part C. Trinidad economy has indeed begun as a Traditional Society where cultivation of
Deletecassava, yams and maize were cultivated for survival and not for trading purposes by the indigenous people. Trinidad also experienced conditions described in the second stage of the model where the cultivation of sugar cane, cocoa and coffee amongst other crops were the main source of revenue for the country. The model did not take into consideration sources of revenue which were obtained from the extraction of oil and gas as was the case with Trinidad. In keeping with stages described in Rostow's Model I truly believe the economy of Trinidad ought to be at stage 5 as a result of the oil and gas industry, the revenue from which ought to have propelled Trinidad's economy forward and even allow it to skip a stage due to the high amount of revenue generated during the era where there was a boom in the oil and gas industry.
thaank you GhanyGeo for your shared ideas as well
DeleteWith regards to the added question, The Rostow's Theory is very important to know but more so to understand both as a teacher and as a student.Also it will be vital that my students understand this theory so that as citizens of a country are able to assess the progress and determines which stage our country may be at or whether or not a particular country has experienced Rostow's Model as determine by him that every country must go through these stages in order to mature and progress. Also as a teacher if my students are aware of this theory we are able to have more open class discussions rather than just "talk and chalk" within the classroom.
DeleteTrinidad's economy has been at a flat line for some time now. I really think that Trinidad's economy is at the take-off stage. Yes there are some of the few factors that makes it appear to be on the drive to maturity stage. analyst have been saying that we need to diversify and move away from the dependency on the energy sector. I believe a diversified economy can never be affected when one aspect has declined or has become unviable. Remember when the price of oil reduced, there was a tremendous change in the budget, The finances hat some ministries received were cut significantly. Schools now receive 1/3 the budget they received in previous years. The ministry of finance didn't have money to purchase paper to print pay slips. Government printer's biggest machine broke down and there is no money to replace or fix it. We have photo-copied mark books and roll books for this term. there is a shortage of medications at the health centers. So a country that is on the mature stage wouldn't have hiccups especially in two important areas health and education if they are in stage 4 of the model. Public servants also received a salary freeze and subsidies were removed from several commodities that our country produces. There is also the re-introduction of the property tax all in the light of a declined economy. There have also been the loss of thousands of jobs hence the increase in crime.
DeleteSeeta, thank you for clearing up the misconception I had. Your explanation was quite helpful to me. great job
DeleteI like how your post generated a good discussion, Kristy. Well done!
Deletea. Five stages of Rostow's Models of Development:
ReplyDelete1. Traditional Society
2. Transitional Stage- Preconditions for Take OFF
3. Take OFF-
4. Driven to Materity
5. High Mass Consumption
a (1). Take OFF- Is a short period of extensive growth, it occurs when sectors led growth becomes common, where society is driven more by economic processes than Traditional. However at this level, the norms of economic growth are well established. Also stage is referred to the Development of Manufacture Sector, that of Growing investment, Regional growth, Political changes and basically Industrialization.
b. I chose the Take OFF (3rd) of the model, because its one I also can relate to on a personal and having some sort of experience in. Similarly like Ms. Bhagoutie, having come from a small family where Agriculture/ Farming on small scales is a part of us. Within this stage we experience more manufacturing in products (Crops) and increase towards sales (profits).
c. Economic Geography is the study of spatial organization of economic actives in and around the world, that of development and growth of an economy. Rostow’s model is quit relevant towards Economic Geography, in that it shows the transitions and development occurring within the Economies of various countries. For examples countries adopting to this of developments include areas in East/ Southeast Asia (Singapore, South Korea) and Arabian Paninsula (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates)
d. One unique fact I found in the Development of the Rostow’s Model, would be my discovery of Mr. Walt Whitman Rostow most famous book on Economy, which entitles “ The stages Of Economic Development “. The book thoroughly explains the Rostow’s Model.
Also, I would like to add, Rostow’s Model has become a fundamental subjects in many introductory classes on Economics and Human Geography. This, I can Testify of!1`
. Explain why it is important for you and your students to know about this theory. How do you expect to use this information in the future?
DeleteThis theory is important, because as a prospective Social studies/ Geography teacher and for scholars of the future generation, we must be cognizant of our economic growth and development. The theory illustrates the transition from one stage to the other quit precisely, which would assist us in comprehending how the model functions. One way,I intend to used this information would be in the investigation of an country's economic growth and development, primarily with the use of case studies, statistical data and other relevant information.
Marissa, I admire your in depth detailed explanation on each state. You would make a wonderful teacher. Tour students would not have a problem in capturing the concept. Well done!
DeleteMarissa, I admire your in depth detailed explanation on each state. You would make a wonderful teacher. Tour students would not have a problem in capturing the concept. Well done!
DeleteMerissa, insightful discussions based on an informative post.
DeleteThe five stages of Rostow’s model of Economic Development are:
ReplyDeleteTraditional society.
Preconditions for take-off.
Take-off.
Drive to maturity.
Age of high mass consumption.
I would be choosing the second stage of this model: the preconditions for take-off because at this point social political and economic changes take place within an organization, more emphasis is on the agriculture sector as it helps to stimulate the industrial section of a country and it also helps in the development of the society creating different avenues such as employment and a more complex economy. Many less developing country find themselves at this stage today in the world.Rostow’s five stages of development is relevant to society because it helps to show at what stage a country and its economy is at based on the stages of development. It can also show whether or not the country is making progress or if it is declining or at a stagnant position where little or no work is being down to help its economic activities boost for the enhancement of the country’s industrial sector and the wider society. A unique fact about this model is that it is indeed easy to comprehend and follow and there are different sections in the model where one can differentiate the strong and weak areas of a country. For example, one can see where economic growth has reached where investments have been made, how is the society coping with what is going on in the economy, what is going on the industrial sector, what is happening politically, how is the government and opposition going to help keep up the good work or help the country move from on stage to the next.
It is important for my students and I to know about this theory because it would apply to us when studying other models in geography to compare and contrast countries and their economic growth based on the models and suggest ways in which they can improve to help carry the country from one stage to the next. Also students need to know these models when reading and research case studies as they would be lost when they see certain terms and may not be able to understand what I going on or explain themselves when presenting or writing an exam.
DeleteInteresting thoughts Andrea.
Deletea. Identify Rostow's Five Stages of Economic Development and briefly describe one stage.
ReplyDeleteWalt Rostow took an historical approach in suggesting that developed countries have tended to pass through 5 stages to reach their current degree of economic development.
These are:
1. Traditional society.
2. Pre-conditions for take-off.
3. Take-off.
4. Drive to maturity.
5. Age of mass consumption.
The traditional society is an agricultural economy of mainly subsistence farming, where they will be providing for their household and some can be traded for other goods. The size of the capital stock is limited and of low quality resulting in very low labour productivity and little surplus output left to sell in domestic and overseas markets. Due to the fact that the people is producing for their own survival as well as for a means of income, little is being earned and it’s mostly family members that are used as labour. I'm sure most of us here can agree to this since we brought up to produce for ourselves.
b. Why did you choose that stage?
I chose this stage because before industrialization, people still found ways to meet their needs for survival. Looking back at how hard people worked to provide for their family, it showed how much the little harvest would be greatly appreciated. Crops were grown and animals were reared, this is what most countries started off as and even today it is still practice in some places. Likewise, now everything is so developed and people take everything for granted because you no longer have to grow your own food, you can simply go into a store and purchase anything that you want. Most of our traditions and values are being lost with this new age of transformation.
c. Give one reason why Rostow's model relevant or not relevant to Economic Geography?
One reason why Rostow’s model is relevant to Economic Geography is with all the stages of development, one can use it to determine which stage various countries are at and how they can reach it’s maximum growth. Some countries like Haiti and Liberia can be examine to see which stage they are at and what they need to ensure that they can be fully developed.
d. What unique fact did you find out about the development of Rostow's model?
I found out that development don’t necessarily has to been from stage to stage, you can skip ahead to reach the age of high consumption mass. You don’t have to take the pattern and follow each stage you can jump ahead reach development. Rostow’s model can be use as a guide for a country to see where they are and determine how long it would take them with the correct resources to become developed.
e. Explain why it is important for you and your students to know about this theory. How do you expect to use this information in the future?
It is important for my students and I to know about this theory because it will enable us to look at our own country and determine which stage it is at and where it can go to. Also in geography this model will come in handy for the human part to show how many topics like urbanization, industrialization and migration can be interconnected to this model. I will use this information to teach and make linkages with different topics and how this model could have been a factor influencing the topic.
Thanks for your response, Keisha.
Delete
ReplyDeletea. Rostow’s 5 stages of development are:
1) Traditional Society,
2) Preconditions for take-off,
3) Take-off,
4) Drive to Maturity
5) Mass consumption.
Traditional Society- this is the first stage of Rostow’s models. It is based on a society rooted in agriculture where the individuals have no access to modern technology and science. Although majority of resources are allocated towards agricultures, the output is limited to the amount of labour. There is little to no surplus as this type of agriculture is sustainable agriculture, meaning that what is harvested is meant to feed its population. This stage is not completely static as expansion of lands and the use of new and more resistance crops can increase the output, however Rowtow describes a belief such as “long-run fatalism” where individuals of such society believe that no economic progress is possible.
b. I chose the Traditional Stage because I think agriculture is taken for granted and most individuals give it no value, however it is the foundation and was the starting point for a lot of developed societies. We tend to look down at farmers and people who do hands-on work in muddy fields but go to restaurants and purchase expensive salads.
Added to this, agriculture is the reason behind the people of Trinidad. The indigenous people began with their sustainable agriculture and after them there were the Africans, the Indians and the Chinese. Agriculture is the reason we have such a diverse history and a unique type of people.
c. Rostow’s model is relevant to Economic Geography as it can be applied to a country to determine its stage of development. Economic Geography encompasses a spatial view on the location and distribution of goods and services, in so doing it shows the relations of countries via economies all over the world, therefore the stages of Rostow’s model would need to be considered when looking at the association, benefits and disadvantages of a country. What is requires of the society for it to move to the next stage? or Why has a country been at the same stage for a period of time?
d. One unique fact about Rostow’s model, is that the stages of his model may overlap. The stages may not be a mutually entity among all population of a country, while there may be some advancement in cities and within the proximity of cities, there will still be small population of primitive mind set and technology.
e. It is important for both my students and I to be well informed on this theory in order to assess the levels of development within a population or society, this can be linked back to equality and equity with investments for development. It will also aid in the understanding of economic trends and political agreements.
In the future I expect to use this information as reference in explain the development of countries, as well as why and how certain political decisions are made.
A. The five stages in Rostow's model of economic growth are:
ReplyDelete1. Traditional society.
2. Pre-conditions for take off.
3. Take-off.
4. Drive to maturity.
5. High mass consumption.
b. The traditional stage is the stage of subsistence farming and a society producing enough to support its community, there is not enough for export. Almost every society would have experienced this stage, even in ancient civilization and later with the agrarian revolution. Society's ability to farm and support themselves were extremely important for their survival. We saw when they were unable to do so because of floods and climate change they had to move on to another area.
C. Although Rostow's model was highly criticized for being modeled after the Western Capitalist countries, it can be applied to the economic development of most countries. Sometimes a country is deemed a developing or developed country based on parameters that have flaws. According to his model a country goes through these stages but not all may experience the same stages of development upon reaching the stage of high mass consumption and the characteristics of drive to maturity is that the people have disposable income. Singapore for example,is highly urbanized and industrialized yet it has the highest income disparities in the world. The model assumes that each country is given the same opportunities or have the same resources.
D. Rostow's model was penned in 1960 in the height of the 'cold war' by an American economist who was also a government official. Rostow worked along side President Kennedy in trying to assist lower income countries in their developmental process.
E. students having an understanding of models will be able use each one with its appropriateness. Each model can be applied and use for different situations.
DeleteD. Rostow's model was also based on interaction from geography, economics and politics.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your answers Seeta.
Delete
ReplyDeletea. Identify Rostow's Five Stages of Economic Development and briefly describe one stage.
1.Traditional society.
2. Pre-conditions for take-off.
3. Take-off.
4. Drive to maturity.
5. Age of mass consumption.
b. Why did you choose that stage?
Take-Off
The Manufacturing industry assumes greater importance, although the number of industries remains small both the political and social institutions start to develop but unfortunately much external finance may still be required. Savings and investment grow, perhaps to 15% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
In this stage Agriculture assumes lesser importance in relative terms although the majority of people may remain employed in the farming sector. There is often a dual economy apparent with rising productivity and wealth in manufacturing and other industries contrasted with stubbornly low productivity and real incomes in rural agriculture. I chose this stage because manufacturing is a major part to this model.
c. Give one reason why Rostow's model relevant or not relevant to Economic Geography? (Do not repeat a reason that has already been stated.)
Economic geography is a sub-field within the larger subjects of geography and economics. Few Researchers within this field study the location, distribution and organization of economic activity around the world. Economic geography is important in developed nations such as the United States because it allows researchers to understand the structure of the area's economy and its economic relationship with other areas around the world. Rostow's model of economic growth is extremely relevant to economic geography as it deals with economic activities which directly impact the growth and development of a country. This model can also determine the status of growth and development to the economy of a country.
d. What unique fact did you find out about the development of Rostow's model? (Do not repeat a fact that has already been stated.)
One thing I viewed while studying this model before is that Rostow's Stages of Growth model is one of the most influential development theories of the twentieth century. Knowing the importance of this theory this would be very helpful for many students to know of.
e. Explain why it is important for you and your students to know about this theory. How do you expect to use this information in the future?
This theory is very important for my students to know as it deals with major areas associated to the growth and development of a country as well as the economic status of a country. This model can also teach them as there are diverse types of models of development where they can understand the importance of knowing this information and it would also give them the opportunity to interpret it in their own way.
Good Night all.
ReplyDeletea. Identify Rostow's Five Stages of Economic Development and briefly describe one stage.
1.Traditional society
2.Preconditions for take-off
3.Take-off
4.Drive to maturity
5.Age of high mass consumption
The Traditional society is an agricultural economy that consists mainly of subsistence farming, little of which is traded seeing that the agriculture produced is intended for individuals withing the population (village). Whatever is planted it is simply for survival. In the traditional society the size of the capital stock is limited and of low quality, this is as a result of no technology and the standard of living. This however, leads to a very low labour productivity and little surplus output left to sell in the domestic and overseas markets.
b. Why did you choose that stage?
I choose this stage because I felt as if it has not been recognized and appreciated despite it being the first stage of Rostow's Model. It is not of much value and has been listed as non significant. I believe that some sort of importance should be given to this stage as agriculture was not and is still not an easy task. I believe that every one serves an important role and we should not judge and discriminate. As if we do not have farmers then we do not have food, if we do not have garbage collectors then we have pollution and likewise if we do not have teachers then we do not have doctors and lawyers.
c. Give one reason why Rostow's model relevant or not relevant to Economic Geography?
Economic geography is important because it allows researchers to understand the structure of the area's economy and its economic relationship with other areas around the world. The purpose of Rostow creating this model is to ensure that all countries pass each step in order to be listed as developed. Hence Rostows model is relevant to Economic Geography as its purpose is to ensure the level of development economically within an area. And it can be used to compare and contrast different economic development as well hence it is of relevance.
d. What unique fact did you find out about the development of Rostow's model?
Rostow's model illustrates a desire not only to assist lower income countries in the development process, but also to assert the Unites States' influence over that of communist Russia. Equality and Equity is clearly evident with the intentions of Rostows model. This reminds me of my personality hence I thought this was unique.
e) Explain why it is important for you and your students to know about this theory. How do you expect to use this information in the future?
The process for development within a country is of great importance. My students would study this theory as it would assist them in understanding the steps taken to become developed as well as they would be able to relate it to their country directly. One way in which I would use this information is by having my students investigate a country that became developed via the use of Rostows model.
Interesting ideas. Great activity for your students.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletea. Identify Rostow's Five Stages of Economic Development and briefly describe one stage.
ReplyDeleteTraditional Society
Preconditions to Take off
Take-off
Drive To Maturity
Age of High Mass Consumption
Traditional Society: This stage is characterized by a subsistent, agricultural based economy, with intensive labor and low levels of trading, and a population that does not have a scientific perspective on the world and technology.
b. Why did you choose that stage?
Society and civilization all began on the basis of a traditional society. It can be considered the foundation of societies today in that was society or civilization depended upon farming or hunting and gathering. Here in Trinidad for example, the first people (Amerindians) were farmers, hunters and gatherers. Before Trinidad became on oil based economy, Trinidad’s economy was based on agriculture. In the early 1800s, Trinidad's agricultural economy was based on highly productive cane fields and on coffee, cacao, and other export crops. Trinidad's average sugar plantation was larger than that in other Commonwealth Caribbean islands. However, Trinidad and Tobago entered the twentieth century with the fortuitous discovery of oil in 1907. The discovery changed Trinidad's patterns of economic development.
c. Give one reason why Rostow's model relevant or not relevant to Economic Geography?
Rostow’s model is relevant to economic geography. Rostow's economic growth theory holds good when we read the history of economic development of so-called rich or advanced countries. Economic geography is important in developed nations because it allows researchers to understand the structure of the area's economy and its economic relationship with other areas around the world. Rostow's Stages of Economic Growth model is one of the major historical models of economic growth. Different countries in the developing world are at very different stages of development. Countries are often grouped together as if they were steps on a development 'ladder', such as in Rostow's model. As their development improves, they move up the ladder.
d. What unique fact did you find out about the development of Rostow's model?
In particular, Rostow rejects the Marxian foresight which maintained the prognosis of revolutionary communism as the rational and inevitable outcome of history. Rostow performs his own inversion, so to speak, by arguing that the age of high mass-consumption is the “inner” tendency of modern history, while communism, was merely a “kind of disease which can befall a transitional society if it fails to organize effectively those elements within it which are prepared to get on with the job of modernization. To abate the “disease” of communism so-called developing countries needed to integrate and maximize the preconditions of modernization that would lead to “take-off.
e. Explain why it is important for you and your students to know about this theory. How do you expect to use this information in the future?
Rostow’s Economic development theory is important for my students and myself to know because it seeks to explain and predict how economies develop (or not) over time, the barrier to growth can be identified and overcome. All these are things that I would want my student to know and analyse. Students knowing this information later on, may be able to bring new ideas to the table in helping maybe governments induce (start), sustain and accelerate growth with appropriate development polices.
I would allow my students to do their own research on rostow's model. Have them critique it based on their knowledge.
Thanks for posting
ReplyDelete