DEPENDENCY THEORY VS MODERNIZATION THEORY International relation Theories.#IR

Summary

This video compares Dependency Theory and Modernization Theory, two approaches to understanding economic development. Dependency Theory argues that underdeveloped countries are influenced by external factors such as politics, economics, and culture, which hinder their growth. On the other hand, Modernization Theory focuses on how traditional societies evolve into modern ones, often through the influence of wealthier nations. While Dependency Theory highlights the exploitation of poorer nations, Modernization Theory suggests that wealthier countries can help alleviate global poverty by providing solutions to underdeveloped regions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dependency Theory explains economic development in terms of external influences like politics, economics, and culture.
• 😀 Dependency Theory suggests that the development of poorer countries is affected by their historical relationship with wealthier countries, especially through colonization.
• 😀 Modernization Theory focuses on how traditional and underdeveloped societies can transform into modern, developed ones.
• 😀 Modernization Theory posits that technological advancements can help all nations become wealthy.
• 😀 Dependency Theory argues that wealthier countries cause global poverty by exploiting poorer nations.
• 😀 Modernization Theory suggests that rich countries provide a model for poor nations to follow in achieving development.
• 😀 Dependency Theory mainly focuses on poor and underdeveloped countries.
• 😀 Modernization Theory mainly focuses on rich and developed countries.
• 😀 According to Dependency Theory, richer countries are the cause of global poverty.
• 😀 Modernization Theory views wealthier nations as the solution to the problem of poverty.
• 😀 The key difference between both theories is that Dependency Theory emphasizes the negative effects of external influences, while Modernization Theory emphasizes positive transformation through technology and development.

Q & A

What is Dependency Theory?

Dependency Theory is an approach to understanding a country's economic development by examining the external influences, such as political, economic, and cultural factors, that shape its national development. It suggests that poorer countries remain underdeveloped due to exploitation by wealthier nations, often through colonization.

What does Modernization Theory focus on?

Modernization Theory focuses on how traditional and underdeveloped societies transform into modern ones. It highlights the role of technological advancements in development and believes that all nations can become wealthy by following the paths of more developed nations.

What role do richer nations play in Dependency Theory?

In Dependency Theory, richer nations are seen as the cause of global poverty. They exploit poorer countries, keeping them underdeveloped and dependent, often through colonialism and economic control.

How does Modernization Theory view the relationship between rich and poor nations?

Modernization Theory views rich nations as examples for poorer countries to follow. It suggests that by adopting the same technological and developmental practices, poorer nations can follow the path to wealth and prosperity.

What is the main cause of global poverty according to Dependency Theory?

According to Dependency Theory, the main cause of global poverty is the exploitation by richer nations. These nations maintain their wealth by taking resources and control from poorer, underdeveloped countries.

How does Modernization Theory propose to address global poverty?

Modernization Theory suggests that the solution to global poverty lies in the wealthier nations helping poorer ones by providing guidance and models for economic development, allowing the poor nations to follow the path to prosperity.

What effect do technological advancements have in Modernization Theory?

In Modernization Theory, technological advancements are considered crucial for development. It is believed that as technology increases in all nations, all can become wealthier, bridging the gap between rich and poor countries.

What is the perspective of Dependency Theory on technological progress?

Dependency Theory does not focus on technological advancements as a solution for development. It instead emphasizes the structural inequalities between rich and poor countries and the external factors that perpetuate these disparities.

What is the stance of Modernization Theory regarding colonization?

Modernization Theory generally sees colonization as part of the historical process, but it believes that modern technology and development can overcome the negative impacts of colonization, with rich nations showing the way for others to follow.

How does the video distinguish between the two theories in terms of their focus?

The video distinguishes the two theories by noting that Dependency Theory mainly focuses on poor and underdeveloped countries, highlighting how external forces keep them in a state of dependency. In contrast, Modernization Theory focuses on rich and developed countries, suggesting that they are solutions to poverty and serve as models for development.