6.2.2 - Dependency Theory
Enroll to start learning
You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Introduction to Dependency Theory
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Today, we’re exploring Dependency Theory. This theory emerged as a response to Modernization Theory. Can anyone tell me what Modernization Theory suggests about development?
I think it says countries develop in a linear path, like from traditional to modern societies.
Correct! Now, Dependency Theory argues differently. It claims that developing countries remain dependent on developed countries. Why do you think that might be?
Maybe because they rely on resources from developed nations?
Exactly! This dependency creates a cycle of exploitation. It’s like the core vs periphery model. Can anyone explain what that means?
I think the core are the rich, developed countries, and the periphery are the developing ones that get exploited.
Right! The core nations exploit the resources of the periphery. Let’s keep this model in mind as we discuss further.
Globalization and Inequality
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Let’s connect Dependency Theory to globalization. How does globalization relate to this theory?
I think it might create more dependency as developing countries engage more with developed ones.
Exactly! While globalization can offer opportunities, it often perpetuates inequality. Why do you think that happens?
Because developing countries might not get fair trade terms?
Exactly! The unequal trade relationships maintain dependence and stifle self-sufficient growth. Remember, this explains why resources flow from the periphery to the core and not vice versa.
Criticism of Dependency Theory
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
As we wrap up, let’s address some criticisms of Dependency Theory. What do you think some might be?
Maybe it oversimplifies the development process?
Good point! While it highlights important issues, it’s often criticized for not accounting for internal factors within developing countries. Can someone provide an example of an internal factor?
Like political instability or corruption?
Exactly! Those internal factors play a significant role in a country’s development. Remember, Dependency Theory is one lens, but development is multifaceted!
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
Emerging in the 1960s, dependency theory argues that the global economic system perpetuates inequalities, where developed 'core' nations exploit the underdeveloped 'periphery'. This theory emphasizes that globalization does not reduce disparities but rather perpetuates them.
Detailed
Dependency Theory
Dependency theory emerged in the late 1960s as a critical response to modernization theory, which claimed that all societies could follow a linear path toward development akin to that of Western nations. Instead, dependency theory posits that the economic dependence of developing countries on developed nations leads to a cycle of exploitation and underdevelopment. The core-periphery model illustrates this concept, where the wealthy 'core' nations exploit the resources and labor of the poorer 'periphery' nations, thereby maintaining an imbalance of power and wealth. This model further suggests that globalization tends to reinforce these inequalities rather than diminish them, making it crucial to understand the structural constraints placed upon developing nations within the global capitalist system.
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Overview of Dependency Theory
Chapter 1 of 3
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Dependency Theory emerged in the 1960s-70s as a critique of modernization theory. It argues that developing countries remain dependent on developed countries due to unequal trade relationships.
Detailed Explanation
Dependency Theory suggests that the economic growth of developing countries is heavily influenced and often hindered by their reliance on developed nations. This theory criticizes the idea that all countries can develop following the same path as industrialized nations. Instead, it highlights the unequal power dynamics and trade relationships that keep developing countries in a state of dependency.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a small business that relies on a large corporation for supplies. While the small business could grow, it often struggles because its success is tied to the large corporation's rules and performance. Similarly, developing countries may find their economic growth limited by relationships with powerful nations.
Core-Periphery Model
Chapter 2 of 3
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Core-periphery model: Developed ‘core’ exploits the underdeveloped ‘periphery’ through resource extraction and labor exploitation.
Detailed Explanation
The core-periphery model illustrates the relationship between developed and developing nations. In this model, the 'core' refers to wealthy, industrialized countries that dominate the global economy. The 'periphery' consists of poorer, developing nations that provide resources and labor. This relationship often leads to exploitation, as the core benefits from the periphery's resources while leaving it with little economic power or benefits.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a scenario where a wealthy country extracts diamonds from a poorer nation. The rich country profits immensely, while the local communities in the poorer nation may remain impoverished, receiving little benefit from their stolen resources. This is akin to how core nations exploit periphery nations.
Globalization and Inequality
Chapter 3 of 3
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Suggests that globalization perpetuates inequality rather than reducing it.
Detailed Explanation
Dependency Theory posits that globalization, often seen as a force for good, can actually exacerbate inequalities between nations. While globalization facilitates trade and cultural exchange, it often benefits developed nations disproportionately. The financial and technological advantages they hold can lead to deeper dependencies for developing nations, who may struggle to compete on equal terms.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a big festival where only the wealthy can afford high-priced tickets that allow them access to exclusive attractions. The event seems inclusive, but in reality, most attendees enjoy a vastly different experience based on their economic ability. Similarly, globalization may present opportunities, but the unequal footing means that not everyone benefits equally.
Key Concepts
-
Dependency Theory: Focus on the economic reliance of developing countries on developed nations.
-
Core-Periphery Model: A representation of the exploitation dynamics between developed and developing nations.
-
Globalization: The world’s economies and cultures increasingly interconnected, often enhancing inequality.
Examples & Applications
An example of Dependency Theory is how many African nations export raw materials to Europe but import finished goods, perpetuating economic dependence.
The relationship between the U.S. and Latin America is another illustration, where various resources are exploited while economic growth remains stunted.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Dependency makes us see, core takes from periphery.
Stories
Imagine a tree; the core is the strong trunk while the periphery's leaves depend on it for survival.
Memory Tools
Remember D.C. for Dependency and Core: Dependency means Core, dependency in trade relates to poor.
Acronyms
D.C. = Dependency on Core.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Dependency Theory
A theory positing that developing countries remain economically reliant on developed countries, creating a cycle of exploitation.
- CorePeriphery Model
An economic model that illustrates the exploitation of developing countries (periphery) by developed countries (core).
- Globalization
The increasing interconnectedness of economies and cultures worldwide, often resulting in both benefits and inequalities.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.