What is modernization theory?

Modernization theory describes the development and process of modernization in societies, particularly in regard to the industrial societies of North America and Western Europe. It posits that the development of a society can be predicted in stages from its inception to its growth into a fully modern culture.

Typically, the introduction of technology is the catalyst for a traditional society's growth into modernization. Once technology is introduced, social and cultural changes shortly follow. As a result, increased education develops, as well as the advancement of mass media. In addition, the evolution of transportation and communication begin to make the society more sophisticated and complex.