Rostow’s modernisation theory argues that societies develop by moving through a series of stages from a traditional society to an age of mass consumption. In the first stage, societies are mainly agricultural, with limited technology and strong traditional values. They then develop the preconditions for take-off, such as better infrastructure, education, investment and more entrepreneurial attitudes. The take-off stage happens when industrialisation accelerates and economic growth becomes more rapid. This is followed by the drive to maturity, where technology spreads across the economy and industries become more diverse. Finally, societies reach the age of mass consumption, where higher incomes allow people to buy more goods and services. For AQA Global Development, Rostow is useful for explaining modernisation theory, but it can also be criticised for assuming that all societies should follow a Western path of development.
In this activity, you will apply Rostow’s modernisation theory to the fictional nation of Lumeria. You will read a set of mixed-up case-study snapshots showing Lumeria at different stages of development, then place them into the correct order on a timeline. This will help you practise AO1 knowledge by recognising the five stages of Rostow’s model, and AO2 application by linking each stage to evidence from the fictional case study. As you complete the activity, think carefully about the features of each stage: is Lumeria mainly rural and traditional, preparing for industrial growth, experiencing take-off, diversifying its economy, or becoming a consumer society? The final step is to consider evaluation: does Rostow’s model explain development clearly, or does it oversimplify how countries actually change?
Modernisation Theory Case Study Timeline
Rostow’s modernisation theory suggests that countries move through five stages of economic growth, from traditional society to mass consumption. In this activity, you will apply Rostow’s theory to the fictional nation of Lumeria by placing its development snapshots into the correct order.
Fictional case study: Lumeria
Lumeria is a fictional island nation used for this activity. It begins as a mainly rural society with limited technology and gradually changes through investment, industrialisation, diversification and consumer growth. Your task is to decide which snapshot best matches each stage of Rostow’s model.
Rostow stage guide
Mixed-up Lumeria snapshots
Build Lumeria’s modernisation timeline
Correct order: Lumeria through Rostow’s model
- Traditional society — Lumeria begins as a rural, agricultural society with limited technology and strong traditional values.
- Preconditions for take-off — infrastructure, education, banking and investment begin to prepare Lumeria for growth.
- Take-off — manufacturing expands rapidly and industrial growth becomes the main driver of change.
- Drive to maturity — technology spreads across the economy and Lumeria diversifies beyond one or two industries.
- Age of mass consumption — high incomes and a larger middle class lead to consumer goods, services and leisure becoming widespread.
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