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The geography of modernisation: some unresolved issues

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Abstract

Within the last two decades or so, geographers have become increasingly interested in studying modernisation especially in the third world countries. Some remarkable results have been obtained concerning the spatial pattern of modernisation and the factors explaining this pattern. However, several issues remain unresolved, the most important of which is the definition and measurement of modernisation. This paper contends that the “modernisation surface” arrived at as well as the explanation depend critically on the variables used to measure modernisation in the first place. The paper then calls for a spatial theory of modernisation and certain conceptual clarifications which should provide a guide in the selection of appropriate indicators of modernisation. Until this is achieved, not only will geographical studies on modernisation continue to be value-loaded, but they will also not yield any meaningful insight into the process of modernisation in the third world countries.

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  1. University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Abumere S. I. Dr. (Lecturer in Geography)

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  1. Abumere S. I. Dr.
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Abumere, S.I. The geography of modernisation: some unresolved issues. GeoJournal 5, 67–76 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00185245

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