The prescription of Daniel Lerner for development were criticised as:
(A) political
(B) autonomous
(C) anarchic
(D) ethno-centric
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
Daniel Lerner’s influential theories on development, especially through his book The Passing of Traditional Society, promoted modernization based on Western values. He believed that media could transform “traditional” societies into “modern” ones by spreading new ideas, values, and lifestyles. While groundbreaking at the time, his views later faced strong criticism for being ethnocentric.
Ethnocentrism means judging other cultures by the standards of one’s own. Lerner’s model assumed that Western industrial societies represented the ideal endpoint of progress. As a result, it implied that non-Western societies needed to follow the same path to be considered developed.
Critics argued that this approach ignored the uniqueness of local cultures, histories, and needs. It overlooked indigenous knowledge, alternative development paths, and the value of diverse worldviews. By promoting Western norms as universal, Lerner’s model failed to respect cultural autonomy and self-defined progress.
Moreover, the model often framed traditional societies as backward or inferior. It suggested they must abandon their ways to modernize—an idea that many scholars and communities rejected. This perspective not only reinforced cultural hierarchies but also supported top-down development strategies that excluded grassroots participation.
In development communication, these criticisms led to a shift toward more inclusive, participatory models. Today, there’s greater focus on local voices, cultural context, and mutual learning.
In short, Lerner’s vision sparked debate for its cultural bias. Labeling his prescriptions as ethnocentric reflects a call for more respectful, diverse, and people-centered approaches to development.
