Problems Of Modernization In Developing Nations Essay

, Research Paper

Problems of Modernization in Developing Nations

The economic situation which exists in the developing world today, is the

result of the relationship between the modern, and developing nations of the

world. Modernized nations benefited from this relationship because it gave them

access to natural resources. However, because of this relationship, many

developing nations now suffer from severe problems. These nations are

attempting to change the situation in which they struggle.

A political cartoon I have recently seen illustrated the economic relationship

between the industrialized world and the developing world. It shows that the

industrial nations, The United States and Europe, are located in the northern

hemisphere. On the other hand most of the developing world, Central and South

America and Africa, are found in the southern hemisphere. The “well fed”, well

dressed individual holding the industrialized world indicates that the

modernized nations of the world are prosperous, and have a high standard of

living. The skinny, poorly dressed individual holding the developing world

indicates that the developing nations of the world are not prosperous, and have

a lower standard of living than do industrialized nations. Both individuals are

supporting each other in such a way that if one is removed, the other will fall.

Without resources to use, industry would not be able to maintain its existence.

Likewise, without a market for their resources, or the products of industry, the

developing world would not be able to maintain its existence.

Two current problems which exist in the developing world today are political

instability, and rapid urbanization. Political instability causes economic

problems in places such as Africa, and South America, where many governments are

being overthrown. When a government is inconsistent, a tax system cannot be

established and revenue can’t be collected. If a government doesn’t receive

revenue, it cannot provide sanitation, or health care, and cannot build or

repair roads or buildings. Also, political instability can result in the

control of a nation “switching hands”. For example, frequently in Latin America,

Coup d’etat occur and military dictators take control.

The second problem which exists in the developing world today is rapid

urbanization. Rapid urbanization can be defined as the sudden growth in city

population. It results in problems such as congested streets and poverty. For

example, when people flock to city to find jobs, not all of them are able to

find work, these people remain unemployed. Those who manage to find work, face

long hours and low pay. With so many people there is a shortage of food,

housing, and health care. Also, sanitation is poor if there is any at all, and

the water is contaminated because of the sewage running through it. This is why

political instability and rapid urbanization cause problems in the developing

world today.

Nations within the developing sections of the world have attempted to improve

their situation in many ways. For example, these developing nations want to

promote economic diversity and education. Economic diversity can be defined as

producing various kinds of crops and goods so that the nation is not dependent

on a single export.

By promoting education, governments set up schools to train students in the

skills needed in a modern industrial economy, therefore creating more skilled

workers for jobs in the management field as opposed to labor. The examples of

economic diversity and education are ways in which nations within the developing

world have attempted to change their situations.

In conclusion, the economic situation which exists in the developing world today,

is dependence on the industrialized world. They are dependent because they need

a market for their resources, and the products of industry. This situation

contributed to problems such as political instability, and rapid urbanization.

Developing nations are attempting to change these situations through the

promotion of economic diversity, and education.