Which of the following statements might be offered as arguments against modernization? Select all that apply.

Question

A. Investment in peripheral nations has increased their access to HIV/AIDS medications, tuberculosis treatment, and mosquito nets that reduce cases of malaria.
B. Investments in technology, infrastructure, and industry have raised the standard of living, increased wealth, and improved the quality of life in peripheral nations.
C. Businesses investing in developing countries can maintain ownership of factors of production.
D. When undertaking projects in peripheral nations, investors can avoid the expense of training unskilled local workers by filling high-paying positions with their own current employees.
E. Modernization promotes investment in education, in turn leading to improved health, higher productivity, and greater economic opportunity.

Answer 1

Arguments against modernization are typically centered around the negative impacts or shortcomings of the process. From the statements provided, those that might be offered as arguments against modernization include:

C. Businesses investing in developing countries can maintain ownership of factors of production.
D. When undertaking projects in peripheral nations, investors can avoid the expense of training unskilled local workers by filling high-paying positions with their own current employees.

These statements highlight issues related to control and employment practices that can be seen as exploitative or indicative of neocolonialism, which are key points often raised by critics of modernization theories.

The other statements (A, B, and E) generally represent positive outcomes associated with modernization and would not typically be used as arguments against it.