Final answer:
Rostow's theory of economic development faced criticism for being too simplistic and not accounting for external factors and power differences that can impact a country's development. Modern economists and sociologists have provided more nuanced views that integrate these complexities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Doubts upon Walt Rostow's theory of economic development were thrown by various economists and sociologists who believed that his model was overly simplistic and did not account for all aspects of economic growth. Rostow's model, which outlines a linear progression of economic development from a traditional society to an age of high mass consumption, has been critiqued for neglecting the complexities of economy including power differences and external influences that may affect a country's development. Modern economists, among them notable names like Tobin, Solow, and Heller, have since added nuance to our understanding of economic policies and growth, taking into consideration factors that Rostow's model did not. Moreover, applying a conflict theory perspective, it is argued that industrializing nations exploit the resources of traditional nations, leading to an increased disparity between the rich and the poor. These critiques suggest that economic growth is not as predictable or uniform as Rostow's stages imply, and they also consider the importance of wealth distribution and social stratification, as critiqued by sociologists like Melvin Tumin.