Activity 2.5: extension activity – indicators in practice

Introduction

Students investigate economic theorist Walt Rostow's five-stage model of development.

Resources

Online resources and students' literature searches

• Activity stepsShow details
  1. Walt Rostow's model of stages of economic development was published in 1960. The model postulates that a nation's economic growth occurs in five basic stages of varying length. Rostow used a range of indicators to position different nations on a five-stage progression toward development.
  2. Ask students to research Rostow's theory.
     • Identify one country that fits each of the five levels of his theory.
     • Using indicators identified through previous questions and research, explain why that country complies with Rostow's theory.