IS

Rostow’s Model of Development

What is Rostow’s Model?

A model of economic development that describes a country's progression which occurs in five stages transforming them from least-developed to most-developed countries.

Stage 1: The Traditional Society

Based on subsistence farming and extraction of goods.

Country examples:

  • U.S. - Pre Independence
  • Sub-Saharan Africa

Stage 2: Pre-conditions for Takeoff

Building infrastructure that is needed before development can take place. Needed items include:

  • transportation network

  • money from farming

  • power supplies

  • communication

    Country Examples:

  • U.S. - Mid 1800’s

  • South Sudan + most of Sub-Saharan Africa

Stage 3: Take Off

Introduction and rapid growth (Industrial Revolution) of manufacturing industries, ==better infrastructure, financial investment, and culture change/shift.==

Country Examples:

  • U.S. oil + steel industries in the 1880’s
  • India

Stage 4: Drive to Maturity

New ideas and technology improve and replace older industries, ==economic growth spreads throughout the country==

Country Examples:

  • U.S. - late 1800’s
  • China

Stage 5: High Mass Consumption

People have more wealth and so buy services and goods (consumer society), ==welfare systems are fully developed, trade expands.==

Country Examples:

  • U.S. - Early to Mid 1900’s
  • South Korea