Theories of Development, Eleanor Carte r
Discuss one theory of development - your choice! Include research into one example of this theory in action, somewhere in the world now or in history.
The dependency theory evolved from colonialism that began in the 15th century and become popular during the 1960's and 1970's. Its basis relied on the model of developed, prospering countries, and enforced the ideal that all underdeveloped countries had to do was follow the same steps of development that their developed peer countries had followed. In this system of belief countries are divided between those that thrived during the period of colonialism and those that were conquered and lagged behind. Much of the Dependency Theory revolves around the idea that the West has exploited underdeveloped countries and that is how they hold onto power in present day. Much of this theory relies on developed countries taking advantage of the cheap resources, like labor and raw material that these underdeveloped countries offer to world markets. Andre Muro from Brittanica writes, "These resources are sold to advanced economies, which have the means to transform them into finished goods. Underdeveloped countries end up purchasing the finished products at high prices, depleting the capital they might otherwise devote to upgrading their own productive capacity. The result is a vicious cycle that perpetuates the division of the world economy between a rich core and a poor periphery." One of the most famous writers surrounding the Dependency Theory was a man named Andre Under Frank, who was an influential figure surrounding economics and social systems in the 1960's. He was best known for his study of the Dependency Theory and thought of it as the "development of underdevelopment." Much of his focus of study was centered around Latin America, and the way much of the world's capital has become centered in Western Europe due to the act of colonization. He concludes in many of his written works that lack of development in certain countries was a purposeful act in Westerners under developing them. He believed there was a core of wealthy nations that had shaped the world in the way they wanted it to look like, and set back countries in a way that would put them on top. Through smart power, western countries were able to rise through economic strategies.
In summary The Dependency Theory looks at the unequal distribution of power and development caused by colonization, and its effects have shaped the way we look at our modern world.
The dependency theory evolved from colonialism that began in the 15th century and become popular during the 1960's and 1970's. Its basis relied on the model of developed, prospering countries, and enforced the ideal that all underdeveloped countries had to do was follow the same steps of development that their developed peer countries had followed. In this system of belief countries are divided between those that thrived during the period of colonialism and those that were conquered and lagged behind. Much of the Dependency Theory revolves around the idea that the West has exploited underdeveloped countries and that is how they hold onto power in present day. Much of this theory relies on developed countries taking advantage of the cheap resources, like labor and raw material that these underdeveloped countries offer to world markets. Andre Muro from Brittanica writes, "These resources are sold to advanced economies, which have the means to transform them into finished goods. Underdeveloped countries end up purchasing the finished products at high prices, depleting the capital they might otherwise devote to upgrading their own productive capacity. The result is a vicious cycle that perpetuates the division of the world economy between a rich core and a poor periphery." One of the most famous writers surrounding the Dependency Theory was a man named Andre Under Frank, who was an influential figure surrounding economics and social systems in the 1960's. He was best known for his study of the Dependency Theory and thought of it as the "development of underdevelopment." Much of his focus of study was centered around Latin America, and the way much of the world's capital has become centered in Western Europe due to the act of colonization. He concludes in many of his written works that lack of development in certain countries was a purposeful act in Westerners under developing them. He believed there was a core of wealthy nations that had shaped the world in the way they wanted it to look like, and set back countries in a way that would put them on top. Through smart power, western countries were able to rise through economic strategies.
In summary The Dependency Theory looks at the unequal distribution of power and development caused by colonization, and its effects have shaped the way we look at our modern world.
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