The resurgence of religious fundamentalism in parts of the Third World
appears to undermine much of modernization theory’s conclusions about
secularization as a feature of modern society and polity. However, the mod-
ernization theorists did not simply equate secularization with the separation of
theology and politics. Secularization also meant a particular kind of rational-
ization seen as characteristic of efficient economic and political organization.
In this respect modernization theory is relevant to the analysis of the perform-
ance of theocratic regimes, and of which category of autocratic regime they
join – that with dismal records of social and economic development or that
with records of economic growth and relatively high per capita incomes. The
concepts of ‘community’ and ‘association’ will be central to such analysis.
Although the diversity of political developments in the Third World, and the
absence of a clear direction of political change even in individual countries,
obviate any theory of progress towards a single goal, the sociological con-
cepts of modernization theory are indispensable for distinguishing between
the different values that underpin social relationships and conflicts, especially
those based on ethnicity.
As we saw in Chapter 11, democratic stability is unlikely to be achieved
unless there is economic growth. However, this needs to be used to support
social progress. Much will depend on whether opportunities for social bet-
terment are provided for formerly excluded groups. Rapid economic growth
may increase inequalities and lead to powerful expressions of political dis-
content, with destabilizing consequences. The economic and social condi-
tions of the urban and rural poor are likely to decline, at least in the short
term. Under the neo-liberal economic policies required by structural adjust-
ment programmes, the correlates of political resistance remain of great sig-
nificance to the analysis of politics among the Third World’s poor. There are
few countries where the poor are experiencing much progress. The drift
from countryside to towns is unlikely to improve their position, either eco-
nomically or politically, and therefore provides fertile ground in which to
test theories of political action and inaction among marginalized people.
The constraints on effective political mobilization among such groups
remain strong, as does the inter-dependency between them and leaders from
more prosperous and organized sections of society, such as the church in
parts of Africa and Latin America, which mediate between them and the
public authorities.
Hence the current interest within the international development commu-
nity in the scope for ‘empowering’ the poor, through such measures as pro-
poor coalitions, the removal of legal and other barriers to freedom of
association, providing education and widely disseminated information in
Conclusion: Democracy and Development 279