Modernization Theory Revisited: Democracy and Traditional Beliefs in Sub‐Saharan Africa

Abstract

Modernization theory posits that socio‐economic development fosters value change, increasing popular demand for democracy and improving democratic quality. This article revisits this claim by examining whether traditional beliefs undermine democratic attitudes and democratic outcomes in Sub‐Saharan Africa. Using survey data from more than 25,000 respondents in 19 African countries collected by the Pew Research Center, we analyze the relationship between traditional beliefs and democratic preferences at both the individual and aggregate levels. We show that traditional beliefs systematically reduce individuals' support for democracy. At the macro level, however, the prevalence of traditional beliefs does not undermine democratic performance, nor is aggregate demand for democracy associated with democratic quality.