Throughout the course of learning this subject, I have come to learn about the various perspectives when it comes into the development theories of sociology, as well as some reflections on my part when executing some of these assignments and studying this subject. These perspectives have given different insights into how society has come to be and how they operate. Given how most of these theories relate closely with the context of developing nations, there are surely some things that can be relatable in the world’s current socio-political context and events.  

            To begin, one of the most important lessons I have come to learnt so far is the idea of the idea of capitalism coined by Adam Smith, where the core tenet lies within the free market and voluntary exchange of goods and services. Marxism development theory focuses on the idea of class struggles as well as the idea of exploitation that exists within socio-economic aspects. While discussing about development, socio-cultural development too focuses how societal norms of culture must be preserved in the course of the nation’s development.  Grassroots movements as well as participatory development are also crucial as they have the power to decide the best possible future and interests of the community.

            In a similar manner, modernization and globalization theories has been the most highlighted theories especially in our modern times. These have focused on the roles and influence of the Western civilization on third world countries. Such examples are the democratization of rising new nation states, existence of multinational companies (MNCs), as well as integration of global economies. This is especially evident in the Western influence in our politics and development, shaping our societal and economic structures to emulate that of the West, such as Tun Dr Mahathir’s modernization era in the 1980’s. In the same way, we also have to look and reflect upon the digitalization of the world, and how now they have been gaining momentum in influencing societies. While it is good that societies have benefitted from digitalization, there are also concerns for personal security as well. Nonetheless, societies are now trying to adapt more into this age with the abundance of technologies available, and suffice to say such existence have proved to be beneficial.              

            As to relations with our group assignments, there have been many contemporary issues that we have looked through to fulfil the requirements of this course. The first assignment has prompted us to look through one of the most ambitious development issues in one of the large superpowers within our time, which is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) from China. The methods that have been utilized in the development project, has been, as we found out, is one which are extremely shady and dubious at best. Not to mention, through analysis, there have been many levels of opposition towards this particular project by many groups, citing concerns of neo-colonialism and imperialistic attempts made by the Chinese Communist Party. Subsequently, we also looked through about the project of the rise of the Bandar Penawar in Kota Tinggi, Johor through our radio show discussion. We discussed on the rising modernization of Johor and the supposed benefits it brings to the rather semi-urban rural community around them.

            Similarly, our group essay has capitalized on the infamous Malaysian project spearheaded by the Najib administration known as the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX). Throughout the essay, we have pointed out that it has relations with the theory of modernization as well as the dependency theory. Despite the promising standards of building a modern Malaysia, the project is rather urban-centric and was rather laced with scandals of corruption. The next assignment too would require us to look at the change in socio-economic aspects of development, pertaining to the construction of the Pan-Borneo Highway Project. The highway project has been considered one of the greatest infrastructure projects that Borneo has undertaken so far. While there are arguments that can be made regarding the environmental aspect, the effects have been tremendous socio-economic aspect wise, as highlighted and exemplified in the case of Telok Melano, where there is a substantive change in the sense that mobility has been improved as well as the improvisation in terms of regional activities. The village has transformed into a hotspot of ecotourism, which has brought job opportunities and revenue to the community.     

            From this course, I personally learnt on how such theories are different and similar with each other, and how they can be generally applied and viewed in the rise of the modernization of Malaysia and other developing countries. Societies are now better off in the past due to the rapid modernization agenda brought upon by the Western civilization. While I believe that development takes place differently in different times and context, proper considerations must be taken into account so that all aspects of the society can benefit from it while avoiding marginalizing or excluding certain groups. Grassroots members in these communities that are facing development too should have a stake in the matter to ensure that the interests of the communities can be safeguarded. For me, I want to see the society to be able to have the opportunities to obtain better quality of life and standards of living. However, with comes development and restructuring of modern society also comes with a wide array of issues and problems. We have seen problems such as human rights abuses, exploitation of cheap labour, human trafficking, and many others. Thus, I recall back on the conversations in the class regarding the horrors of working conditions in the iPhone factories in China. While exploitations are not exclusive under different economic systems, we have to take concerns of such existing plights. Although we cannot do much, we have to call for governments and corporations to be held accountable when negativity surrounding the workers and their working environment arises. We then have to address these problems so that none of the people may suffer while ensuring stable economic growth.       

            To conclude, I believe that the materials in this subject have informed me well on the different theories and how I should apply them in the various contexts of recent events. While I certainly have some disagreements with some of the existing theories and its applications, nonetheless, such theories have and would help characterize the nature of nations and politics of the countries in the world. The growth and modernization of the society around the world in the past 60 years or so has substantially give rise to many discourses in the development theories. I believe as time progresses, especially in a post-pandemic world, academicians and many researchers can contribute to more new theories that can describe developments in modern times. At the same time, I too have reflected upon how development theories can help shape societies, perspectives, and the world at large.