THEORIES OF DEVELOPMENT : The Dependency Theory

Summary

In this video, the host explores **Dependency Theory**, a concept that challenges **Modernization Theory** by arguing that underdeveloped nations remain poor due to an exploitative relationship with wealthier, developed countries. The video outlines the four types of countries in the theory: core countries (like the U.S. and Britain), semi-periphery countries (like India), and periphery countries (developing nations like Nigeria). The host explains how these relationships perpetuate inequality through practices like unequal trade, sanctions, and corporate exploitation. The video aims to simplify these complex ideas, offering a deeper understanding of global economic systems and power dynamics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dependency theory contradicts modernization theory, arguing that developed countries intentionally keep developing countries underdeveloped.
• 😀 Modernization theory suggests all countries were once underdeveloped and can eventually catch up through modernization, while dependency theory believes core countries prevent this from happening.
• 😀 The dependency theory categorizes countries into four groups: core, periphery, core-periphery, and periphery-periphery.
• 😀 Core countries are the most developed and powerful, like the U.S., Britain, and Germany, which have little accountability.
• 😀 Periphery countries are less developed and dependent on core countries for economic and political power.
• 😀 Core-periphery countries are semi-developed countries like India, which are influenced by both core and periphery nations.
• 😀 Periphery-periphery countries are the least developed, often referred to as third-world countries, and are dominated by core countries and even other developing nations.
• 😀 Core countries exploit developing countries by controlling trade and resources, creating an unequal global system.
• 😀 Developed nations, through multinational corporations, continue to exploit resources in developing countries, causing environmental damage and fostering corruption.
• 😀 The relationship between developed and developing countries is often likened to a 'slave master' dynamic, where developing countries are forced to submit to the rules set by core countries.
• 😀 Dependency theory argues that the aim of developed countries is not to help developing countries rise but to maintain an unequal system of economic dependency.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind the Dependency Theory?

The main idea behind the Dependency Theory is that underdeveloped countries are kept in a state of dependency by developed (core) countries. These core countries exploit resources and maintain control over the economies of peripheral (developing) countries, hindering their development.

How does the Dependency Theory differ from the Modernization Theory?

The Dependency Theory disagrees with the Modernization Theory, which suggests that all societies can eventually catch up to developed countries. Instead, Dependency Theory argues that developing countries remain underdeveloped due to exploitative relationships with developed countries, which prevent them from advancing.

What are the four types of countries according to the Dependency Theory?

According to the Dependency Theory, there are four types of countries: Core countries (developed countries), Periphery countries (developing countries), Core-Periphery countries (countries that are somewhat developed but still dependent), and Periphery-Periphery countries (the least developed, heavily dependent countries).

Can you provide examples of Core and Periphery countries?

Core countries are powerful and developed nations like the United States, Britain, Germany, and France. Periphery countries are less developed and depend on core countries for resources, like many nations in Africa or Latin America.

What role do multinational corporations play in the Dependency Theory?

Multinational corporations are seen as tools of exploitation in the Dependency Theory. They extract resources from developing countries without contributing to their long-term development, often causing environmental damage, fostering corruption, and reinforcing the unequal relationship between core and periphery countries.

How do sanctions and tariffs fit into the Dependency Theory?

Sanctions and tariffs imposed by developed countries on developing countries are seen as tools to keep them underdeveloped. They restrict the economic growth of developing nations by limiting their ability to compete on equal terms with the core countries.

What does the Dependency Theory say about the relationship between technology and development?

The Dependency Theory argues that developed countries maintain their dominance by selling obsolete technologies to developing countries. For example, developed countries may export outdated products like used cars, which prevent developing nations from advancing technologically.

How do core countries maintain their power over periphery countries?

Core countries maintain their power through exploitative economic systems that ensure the flow of resources from periphery countries. They also use political and economic tools like sanctions, tariffs, and the control of multinational corporations to prevent developing countries from reaching a similar level of development.

What is the significance of the concept of 'submission' in the Dependency Theory?

The concept of 'submission' refers to the way that developing countries are forced to align with the interests of core countries. Peripheral nations submit to the demands of core and core-periphery countries, maintaining their subordinate position in the global system.

Why does the Dependency Theory argue that the system is 'rigged'?

The Dependency Theory argues that the global system is rigged because developed countries intentionally prevent developing countries from advancing. This is done through exploitative economic practices, the imposition of unfair rules (like tariffs and sanctions), and the manipulation of multinational corporations, which all keep developing nations dependent and underdeveloped.