Introduction
This paper tries to explain why development projects experts who follow the modernization theory fail to implement and sustain development projects when they do not consult and involve project beneficiaries in the planning. At times, these projects even become a burden for beneficiary communities. External factors usually greatly influence development to the Third World. This paper suggests ways beneficiaries can participate in their projects. This paper will explain the origin of modernization theory, literature pertaining to the theory, and a case study of an Internet project in Sengerema, alternative perspectives on development in the Third World, as well as conclusions and recommendations.
Literature
The origin of modernization theory can be traced to developments after the Second World War. At that time, the Third World had also emerged. At that time, there was a Cold War period; so in order for the US to prevent Third World countries from becoming socialist, the US introduced modernization theory to combat the socialism influence from the former USSR. So, the modernization theory was the result of the US’ effort to prevent the spread of socialism (Hague, 1999).
In that period, American graduate students and social scientists shifted their interest on issues like cultural change, economic development, social change and political stability to the Third World. However, all in all the modernization theory carries the ideas of Western advancement and development which usually are keys to examine and determine the political, cultural, social and psychological realities of Third World countries (Hague, 1999).
Consequently, modernization theory is often utilized to explain the past experiences and the current features of Western nations ...