Essay/Term paper: Problems of modernization in developing nations

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Social Issues

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.