Development has become a very controversial topic in present times since scholars find it difficult when it comes to what should be used as the measure for development, thus the definition of development is always contended for. Some scholars liken development to economic growth whiles other scholars such as Matry Sen refers to development as to how individuals are able to fully realize and develop their potentials to their own capacity in a society. Development theory is basically about comprehending the process of change in a society. Whether development is conceived of in terms of economic growth or of capabilities, the idea of development in human societies postulates a process whereby traditional societies shift from primitive institutions to modern ones. And how this is done is what various scholars and thinkers have come up with various theories. Amongst such theories are; Modernization theory, Dependency theory and Feminist theory. These theories suggest ways through which development can be materialized in underdeveloped countries. In my essay Africa would be used at certain instances to represent developing or underdeveloped countries and white to represent developed countries].

Modernization theory simply states that in order to be developed you (underdeveloped countries) have to follow models of developed countries. It also states that traditional societies have to do away with all their primitive technologies and pre-modern institutions and move to modern ones. This theory propounds that underdeveloped countries should look no further than developed countries because they already have the keys to development thus they should rely on them and look up to them for development.

The following are the strengths of the theory modernization: In the first place the theory helps traditional societies get rid of institutions, cultures and practices that were outmoded that dehumanizing to the individual. The traditional societies had customs that prevented them from excelling such of these were superstitious beliefs.

Another benefit of the theory of modernization is that it has introduced more technical ways and improved ways of agricultural production. The introduction of heavy duty tractors, combine harvesters, fertilizers and complex scientific knowledge helps increase the rate of production drastically. For example the traditional farmer can weed an acre land in one week but one tractor can clear a 100 acre land in just a day. In addition to the above strengths is that the theory presents a much quicker, easier and convenient way of developing to the developing countries. I mean developed countries would extend all sought of help being it financial or technical assistance to help less developed countries.

On the other hand the theory fails to recognize that a country which is not built on a solid foundation would surely breakdown. The developed countries got to where they are because they were able to study, identify and build upon their own systems. Thus developing countries would find it very difficult forgoing their systems and quickly shift to development. The theory of modernization relegates the cultures, customs and systems of developing countries to the background. It does not show any respect to the traditions and customs of African countries.

Also the theory fails to recognize the fact that colonialism is a cause for the underdevelopment of African countries. The theory fails to look at the effects colonization has had on African countries. Finally the theory promotes political domination from the richer countries. And indirectly institutionalizes another regime of colonization.

The counter theory of modernization theory is the theory of dependency. When other scholars noticed the domineering nature of the theory of modernization they also propounded that developing countries should disengage themselves from rich countries and take control of their own institutions. The theory of dependency reinstates that every society or country has its own institution and systems thus another country cannot live on the tenets of another country thus developing countries should depend on their own resources for development. The exposure of underdeveloped countries to developed countries is what has caused the dire poverty in African countries and other developing countries.

The following are the strengths of the theory: First and foremost the theory helps developed countries build a solid foundation upon which their development would be based on. The culture of a society forms the basis and foundation upon which the people live their lives therefore when their roots are cut off their identity is lost. It is to this effect that the theory promotes the disengagement from developed countries because they pollute underdeveloped countries with their culture.

Secondly, the theory prevents the whites from exploiting African countries. The case has been that when developed countries are made to control poor countries, the resources of the underdeveloped countries are taking away to developed in their raw form, and when refined sold back at higher prices to poor countries causing the country to grow poorer and poorer.

Finally the dependency theory did not only oppose the theory of modernization but also pin pointed the negative intentions of the theory of modernization. On the other hand the theory of dependency fails to recognize the fact and reality that developing countries have virtually broken down their systems thus the only way they can emancipate themselves from poverty is by obtaining help from development countries.

Another failure of the theory is that the theory only pin points the faults in the modernization theory and punches holes in them rather than proposing the way forward. The theory does not give straight forward and vivid principles and measures to follow in order to be developed.

Aside the theory of dependency and modernization the feminist came up with an argument to counter both theories. They related underdevelopment to the inadequate contribution of women to the development of countries. The feminist theory seeks to say that men have been in power for a long time and the problem of underdevelopment still persists thus if women are added to stem of thinking then development would prevail. The theory devotes particular attention to the role of women in development processes and the advancement of women status. However its strengths and weaknesses are discussed below.

One laudable reason why the feminist theory of development holds is that women have really been neglected when it comes to the management of the affairs of a country. The theory drew attention to the fact that women have been sidelined when it comes to management and administration.

Also, the feminist theory has now made administrators to consider women when it comes to making decisions towards development. To this effect as part of the eight millennia goals set by the United Nations there was a provision for gender equality and woman empowerment.

Empowerment has become an essential part of feminist theory and, as such, seeks to increase the personal interpersonal and political power of oppressed and marginalized populations for individual and collective transformation.

Counter to the strengths are its weaknesses. First and foremost the theory is very narrow; this is because gender plays a very minor role when it comes to development. How can the underdevelopment of a nation are rendered to the fact that women’s participation is very minimal.

Moreover critiques of the feminist theory say that the feminist are confused. The feminist theory repeats the same mistake the dependency theory committed. The theory instead of proposing vivid means through which development can be undertaken kept on pointing out the idea of women oppression. There is no strict or conk theory to which development can thrive in. The very same mistake all the theories do is to punch holes into other theories rather than providing measures to which development can be attained. The history of development theories suggest that specialists should resist pressures to embrace consensus, as no theory is immune to charges in social values or current policy problems.