Rostow’s Stages of Development
1. T r a d i t i o n a l S o c i e t y
• Most workers are in the primary sector and use old productive methods.
• Society is "led" by a few wealthy members at the top who use surplus for their own; these wealthy elite don't want any change in the status quo.
2. P r e c o n d i t i o n s f o r T a k e - o f f
• May be initiated by a desire for a higher standard of living or by external forces who intrude into
the region.
• Country is led towards greater openness, and diversification of products.
• Old ways are abandoned by people, infrastructure improves
• Sense of national unity and purpose emerges.
3. T a k e - O f f
• Area experiences an industrial revolution.
• New technologies and capital increase production greatly.
• Manufacturing and the tertiary activities become increasingly important
• Population migrates from the rural to urban areas.
• Facilities of the infrastructure (roads, bridges, sources of power) are developed, improved and
expanded.
• Political power is transferred from the landed aristocracy to an urban-based power structure.
4. D r i v e t o M a t u r i t y
• Urbanization, manufacturing, and service all become increasingly important.
• Modern improvements extend to rural areas.
• Most agricultural workers move to urban areas, but those who remain produce large quantities with mechanized equipment and modern technology.
5. H i g h M a s s C o n s u m p t i o n
• Personal incomes are high and abundant goods and services are readily available.
• Individuals devote their energies to non-economic pursuits.
6. P o s t - i n d u s t r i a l S t a g e
• Ultra-sophisticated technology sharply increases.
• Worker productivity soars as machines do many basic tasks.
• Most manufacturing jobs are lost and are replaced by “white collar” jobs.
1. T r a d i t i o n a l S o c i e t y
• Most workers are in the primary sector and use old productive methods.
• Society is "led" by a few wealthy members at the top who use surplus for their own; these wealthy elite don't want any change in the status quo.
2. P r e c o n d i t i o n s f o r T a k e - o f f
• May be initiated by a desire for a higher standard of living or by external forces who intrude into
the region.
• Country is led towards greater openness, and diversification of products.
• Old ways are abandoned by people, infrastructure improves
• Sense of national unity and purpose emerges.
3. T a k e - O f f
• Area experiences an industrial revolution.
• New technologies and capital increase production greatly.
• Manufacturing and the tertiary activities become increasingly important
• Population migrates from the rural to urban areas.
• Facilities of the infrastructure (roads, bridges, sources of power) are developed, improved and
expanded.
• Political power is transferred from the landed aristocracy to an urban-based power structure.
4. D r i v e t o M a t u r i t y
• Urbanization, manufacturing, and service all become increasingly important.
• Modern improvements extend to rural areas.
• Most agricultural workers move to urban areas, but those who remain produce large quantities with mechanized equipment and modern technology.
5. H i g h M a s s C o n s u m p t i o n
• Personal incomes are high and abundant goods and services are readily available.
• Individuals devote their energies to non-economic pursuits.
6. P o s t - i n d u s t r i a l S t a g e
• Ultra-sophisticated technology sharply increases.
• Worker productivity soars as machines do many basic tasks.
• Most manufacturing jobs are lost and are replaced by “white collar” jobs.