Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What does Rostow's model of economic development suggest?

1. Countries advance through a single stage of economic growth

2. All countries will inevitably transition to equal development

3. Countries develop based on stages of economic growth and modernization

4. The growth of countries depends solely on foreign investment

The correct answer is: Countries develop based on stages of economic growth and modernization

Rostow's model of economic development, also known as the "Stages of Growth" model, proposes that countries progress through a series of defined stages as they develop economically. The model outlines five distinct stages: traditional society, preconditions for take-off, take-off, drive to maturity, and age of high mass consumption. Each stage corresponds to specific economic and social characteristics, suggesting that development is a linear process where economies evolve from one stage to the next. This framework emphasizes the idea of modernization, which involves changes in technology, industry, and the economy. Rostow argued that with the right conditions, such as infrastructure development and investment, all countries have the potential to progress through these stages, ultimately leading to a more developed and prosperous society. The model has been influential in understanding economic growth and has shaped policies aimed at fostering development. In contrast to the other options, the model does not suggest that there is only one stage of growth or that every country will reach an equal level of development. Additionally, while foreign investment can play a role in economic development, Rostow's model does not rely solely on it; instead, it looks at broader structural changes within a country’s economy.