Topic 1: Dependency Theory Flashcards
What is dependency theory?
It is a marxist-influenced theory and is a response to modernisation theory.
It focuses on the external factors impeding development - it is a “view from the South”.
- Takes the perspective of many Latin American economies.
When did dependency theory emerge?
It emerged in the 1970s as a response to modernisation theory.
How is it similar to modernisation theory?
Both dependency theory and modernisation theory focus on the importance of economic growth and of state-led development.
They are also both a part of the malestream of sociology as they came about before 2nd wave feminism.
Who is the key thinker in dependency theory?
Andre-Gunder Frank (1969)
What were the views of Frank?
Coined the term underdevelopment.
Underdevelopment and development are two sides of the same coin - the underdevelopment of the 3rd made development possible in the west.
Define underdevelopment
A term used to describe the process of exploitation by which the North became and stayed rich at the expense of the South.
Overall, what prevents development?
They see external factors such as neo-colonialism and the capitalist system to be the obstacles.
How does neo-colonialism prevent development?
Developing countries are covertly exploited through economic and cultural processes.
3rd world countries have been forced into a state of dependency on the West.
Why is political independence not enough to end dependency?
Because the problem is the global capitalist system - developing countries need to break away from this in order to develop.
Relationships with richer countries are the issue, not the solution.
What is the nature of dependency theory? (5)
- Rejects modernisation theory - issues are not internal.
- It’s anti-capitalist as capitalism is exploitative.
- Historical experience and context is important. (contrasts with mod theory)
- Developed cap countries benefit from the cheap access to raw materials and markets.
- Emphasises 3rd world nationalism, national-unity and self-reliance - doesn’t believe in aid.
Underdevelopment by developed countries does what?
Developed countries have made LEDCs poor and it’s in cap interest to do that - Ha Joon Chang (2003) “kicking the ladder away”.
Chain of dependency = metropolis to satellite.
What is the relationship between metropolis and satellite in underdevelopment?
- Metropolis buys off the elite in poor countries by allowing them a small share of the profits.
- Poor nations ruled by ‘comprador bourgeoisie’ whom are involved in the exploitation of their own people.
- The comp bour are the ones modernisation theory expect to lead develop in a nation.
F____ (1966): Rich countries were _________ not ____________.
Frank (1966): Rich countries were undeveloped not underdeveloped.
What do the historical experiences of developing countries mean for them now?
It means they are not able to follow in the footsteps of the West.
They have been underdeveloped.
What do dependency theorists say about non-western societies before they came into contact with the West?
Non-western countries had been wealthy and economically complex.
600 years ago, the dominant civilisations were the Incas in Peru, the Ottomans, and the Chinese Ming Dynasty.
- Europe was poor and ravaged by the plague.
