Classic Modernization Theory Relies on an Empirical Association Between Income

question 42

Multiple Choice

Classic modernization theory relies on an empirical association between income and democracy. The variant of modernization theory examined in Chapter 6 states that it is not income per se that encourages democracy but, rather, changes in the socioeconomic structure of a country that accompany development. The advantage of this variant of modernization theory is that it explicitly provides a causal mechanism linking economic development and democracy. Scholars testing this variant often continue to use a measure of income (such as gross domestic product (GDP) per capita) to represent the level of development. Why?

• A) because a country's GDP per capita exactly measures the level of development of its socioeconomic structure
• B) because a country's level of GDP is generally a reasonable proxy (substitute) for the level of development of a country's socioeconomic structure (To capture other features, scholars often include measures of natural resource abundance, such as oil, as well.)

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Definitions:

Unlearned Response

A natural, reflexive reaction that occurs without previous conditioning or learning, such as an instinctual or innate behavior.

Classical Conditioning

A conditioning process where two stimuli are paired together multiple times, leading to a response that was first triggered by the second stimulus to later be triggered by the first stimulus.

Unconditioned Stimulus

In traditional conditioning, a stimulus inherently and spontaneously elicits a reaction without needing prior knowledge.

Lime Margaritas

A cocktail made with lime juice, tequila, and triple sec, often served with salt on the rim of the glass.