Abstract This paper examines the concepts of modernisation and dependencytheory in relation to developed and undeveloped countries. It shows how the theories are very different in their approach and the eventual outcomes of their analysis of the world system lead to very different ideas as to how the undeveloped world can "catch up" with the western world. It attempts to address the different elements inherent within the two theories, highlighting any differences and similarities and how they may be applied in the current global environment.
From the Paper "The theory of Dependency was according to Chong-Ya: ?in vogue in Latin America in the 1950s and 1960s,? although its origins as an established critique stem from the inauguration of the Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLA) in 1948. The major role of the ECLA was to initiate "more systematic economic research" whilst it also ?necessitated a policy of import substitution, later systematized into a fully-fledged development strategy.? Yet the theory still holds weight in light of the increase in supposed exploitative agents. Recent globalisation is thought to have been the origin of the exponential growth of the dominance of multi-national largely western corporations in the world system."
Abstract The paper analyzes various theories of growth and modernization and finds that they share a prognosis that lack of capital is a critical element. The paper gives several reasons for this lack. The paper reviews the history of different growth and modernization models, focusing on Asian economies. It compares the structuralist and substantivist schools' approaches to development and examines the dependencytheory in the context of the Philippine economy. The paper concludes with the contemporary evaluation of economic development, the Human Development Index, first released by the United Nations Development Program in 1990, noting that the HDI much better measures the problems of poverty and ignorance.
Table of Contents:
Theories of Growth and Modernization Structuralist Theories Critique of the Growth and Modernization Models
A Shift to Basic Needs Approach
Bibliography
From the Paper "The Latin American experience with import substitution together with the fact that a large segment of the population did not get sizable benefits from the growth in the modern industrial sector and the limitation imposed by the domestic market led structuralists to adjust their approach beginning in the 1980's. Among the adjustments were: emphasis on developing the entrepreneurial class to lead in the export thrust without abandoning their basic proposition that development must come from within; redefine the role of the state by deemphasizing control-centered interventions in favor of a more facilitating kind."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the modernization and dependency perspectives commonly raised when explaining third-world under-development. It assesses the strengths and weaknesses of each theoretical paradigm and aims to determine which of the two is more effective at illustrating why so much of the world continues to lag behind North America and Europe.
From the Paper "As one might expect, this theory is highly controversial - with apparent weaknesses and strengths. After all, it has now been decades since the fall of "old-fashioned" colonialism and one would think that Global South nations would have finally developed institutional and economic innovations capable of sustaining them and capable also of pushing them forward. Moreover, the supposed technological transfer from developed to developing nations would surely seem like a phenomenon capable of rescuing developing countries from their relative poverty. Seen in that light, the dependency theory may seem like so much "excuse-making" for incompetent and/or corrupt national regimes."
Abstract This paper discusses the flow of goods in Haiti, which is currently the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere. It explores the dependencytheory, which states that the development of wealthy central capitalist nations is dependent on the underdevelopment of poorer, peripheral nations. It then discusses this theory's validity as it relates to Haiti.
From the Paper "An Examination Of The Flow Of Goods In Haiti: A Confirmation Of Dependency Theory Dependency theory states that the development of wealthy central capitalist nations is dependent on the underdevelopment of poorer, peripheral nations. According to the theory, the economies of these peripheral nations are distorted to serve the core capitalist nations. Currently the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere is Haiti. For longer than a century the nation has been oppressed by wealthier nations who have sought to exploit its capacity for trade, reducing its economic state to its current pitiful position. Recent statistics indicate that Haitian's have suffered (and continue to suffer) under appalling conditions. Only half the population has access to uncontaminated drinking water, a mere quarter have sewage disposal and the life expectancy rate is 54 years."
Abstract The paper compares and contrasts the modernization and dependencytheories, which explain third-world under-development. The paper assesses the strengths and weaknesses of each. The paper determines that the dependencytheory is more effective at illustrating why so much of the world continues to lag behind North America and Europe.
From the Paper "Before proceeding too far, it is necessary to understand what each of the theories means and where each is both strong and weak. To start with, modernization theory holds that economic development and progress is intimately connected to the socio-political institutions and general attitudes of a society. As a result, developing countries which seek to "modernize" and accrue the trappings of western nations must eschew "antiquated" values and traditions in favor of modern sensibilities which disdain "traditionalism," fatalism, and unbending kinship relationships. To elaborate more fully, "modern" societies are merit-based in their dispensation of "spoils", emphasize social mobility (both up and down), emphasize also entrepreneurship and ambition, and emphasize participation by individuals in the shaping of society. Finally, modern societies privilege and "make way for" capital accumulation - the sort of accumulation which makes development possible (Webster, 49-53)."
An exploration of the development of relations between the European Union and Association of South East Nations from the perspective of the dependencytheory.
Abstract The paper examines the relationship between the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), where the EU represents the "center" (dominant) states and ASEAN - the "periphery" (dependent) states. The paper attempts to determine whether the policies the richer nations develop really contribute to overcoming the inequality. The paper provides a brief introduction to the dependencytheory and examines the argument that the free trade agreement both parties are pursuing is more beneficial to the EU than to the ASEAN. The paper comes to the conclusion that while the EU's policies are obviously aimed at protection of its own interests, the ASEAN has a lot to learn from the EU experience and should continue its cooperation with the EU. The paper includes graphs as appendices.
Outline:
Introduction
The DependencyTheory Applying the DependencyTheory to the EU-ASEAN relations
Conclusion
From the Paper "Modern processes of world development bring the relationships between the countries to a new dimension. After the collapse of the colonial system arose a problem of relations between industrially developed and developing countries. Initially, their cooperation was interpreted as economic support to young independent states, but soon the striking division between "rich" and "poor" countries became a real vector of confrontation in the 21st century. With the spread of education and demographic growth, the international equity issue expects "richer nations develop more comprehensive, more cooperative and more planned policies towards poorer parts of the world." The question is whether the policies the "richer nations" develop really contribute to overcoming the inequality issue."
Abstract This paper examines how both dependencytheory and Marxist theory suggest reasons why Latin America and similar areas in the world have not achieved the same level of economic development as the developed world and how each theory has then been used as a reason for making changes to effect greater levels of development. It considers the history and political and social structures in Latin America and looks at how the way these theories have affected Latin American economies and their citizens.
From the Paper "Development and underdevelopment are seen in terms of dependency theory as part of the same process and not as separate entities. Dependency theory was fashioned to explain the patterns of development in Latin America and held that this development had been conditioned by the incorporation of the region into the capitalist mode of production. The dependency of the Third World on the developed capitalist nations involves an interaction that explains the economic and social-class formations that have emerged in places like Latin America and also the structure of trade, technology, and investment between the developed and the developing world (Topik, 1987, pp. 554-555)."
Abstract The paper examines the Korean War through the lens of three of the major paradigms in international relations: realism, world society and theory of dependence. The paper shows how no one paradigm of international relations exactly fits all aspects of the Korean conflict. The paper explains how we must therefore consider a convergence of paradigms to fully understand this war.
Outline:
Introduction
The Primary Paradigms
The Korean War: A Realist Analysis
The Korean War: A DependencyTheory Analysis
The Korean War: World Society Theory Analysis
From the Paper "There exist a number of different paradigms to explain the events of the Korean War. The theoretical model of Realism has long been one of dominant theories of international relations, although as a formal school of thought it has only existed since the Second World War. The primary assumptions of this theoretical model is that the global political system is fundamentally anarchic in that nation-states are effectively sovereign with no check on their actions other than from other nation-states. The relations between these states is predicated on their differential power levels - state power being understood in military and economic terms - with each state pursuing its own national security and other interests."
Abstract The paper blames the current welfare system, the federal-state unemployment insurance program and state prison systems for fostering dependence on federal and state governments and increasing unemployment and poverty rates. The paper discusses the social disorganization theory and the critical criminology theory and argues that the rising poverty rates are a major cause of crime.
From the Paper "As the United States continues to slide into an economic recession, poverty rates are continuing to rise across the country. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2007 12.5 percent of the American population was trapped in poverty, (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008). This was an increase to the 2000 level of 11.3 percent. This is a stark contrast to the more affluent days of the past. In previous years, the value of the dollar on the global scale far surpassed most other currencies; yet, in modern years, it is only half of the value of the Euro, the reigning currency of the European Union. Unaffordable housing, high unemployment rates, and even higher inflation rates have created an environment of a disappearing middle class, where poverty is reaching out and claiming many of the previous middle class status, and making the gap between the poor and the rich even wider."
Tags: unemployment, benefits, social, disorganization, critical, criminology, theory
Abstract This paper examines the theory of attachment, an idea the author describes as introducing new meanings to human relationship. The proposition that, to thrive emotionally, children need a close and continuous care-giving relationship required theoretical explanation. The author further analyzes Bowlby's approach to the concept of attachment. Although never satisfied with the theory of dependence, which focused on human relations progressing through fulfillment of basic needs, his methodical research manifested the theory of attachment, which highlighted the importance of care-giving and care-taking responses more than primary needs of hunger and sex.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Bowlby's Theory of Attachment
Animal Behavior Studies
Bowlby's Analysis of Animal Studies.
Extension of Bowlby's Attachment Theory Conclusions
From the Paper "According to attachment theory, attachment is not just an outcome of the need to satisfy various drives, like Sigmund Freud thought. For example, children are not just attached to their parents because they provide food; their attachment also involves behavior that is independent of their direct needs. Attachment theory assumes that humans are social beings; they do not just use other people to satisfy their drives. In this way, attachment theory is similar to object relations' theory (Grohol, 2005)."
Abstract Thispaper examines Jurgen Habermas' attitude towards modernity. It is evident that it is characterized by his emphasis on the importance of rational communication. Habermas judged modernity by objectively evaluating its strengths and weaknesses through rational debate. The paper shows that in his view, the demise of modernity demonstrated that when rational debate is cast aside in favor of a rigid reliance upon a particular sociological theory, that theory will ultimately be discredited. In other words, sociological theories like modernism cannot replace rational thinking, they must reflect rational thinking.
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the question of the backwardness of economic development in Canada's maritime region has been the subject of considerable debate among scholars and researchers. This debate has produced many possible causes for this problem, among which academics from a range of disciplines argue heatedly for this or that primary cause. This essay argues the thesis that there is no single causal explanation for the relative backwardness of maritime economic development. Instead, the writer maintains that as is seen with particular reference to the manufacturing sector, the reasons for the comparative underdevelopment of the Canadian maritime lies in the convergence of a number of factors: dependency and staple economy; the lack of local financing and control; and geography and railway freight rates.
Outline:
Introduction
The Issues in the Debate
DependencyTheory and the Staple Economy
Maritime Industries and the National Policy
The Railway and the Decline of Maritime Manufacturers
Conclusion
From the Paper "The advantage of this perspective is that it situates the problem of maritime underdevelopment within a larger historical continuum that addresses the region's economic performance and relationships not only after Confederation but before it as well. In addition, it should be noted that this approach incorporated elements of the dependency theory model with aspects of the staple theory.
"However, it should be noted that dependency theory possesses clear problems, primary among which is the fact of how empirical data seems to contradict the view inherent in dependency theory that the economic development of one area can only be achieved through the economic exploitation of another. The maritime underdevelopment problem is more complex, however, in that the data appears to contradict the simplistic application of this template.."
Tags: manufacturing, underdevelopment, export, dependency, theory
Abstract The development of Rational Choice Theory in the 20th century arose out of economic theory. Through such thinkers as Homans, Blau and Coleman it has emerged as an important school of thought. The theory focuses upon the rational calculations carried out by individuals guided by self-interest. Post-modernism, another contemporary theory, is in many ways in friction with rational choice theory, for the fundamental capitalist drive espoused by rational choice is seen as nothing but a social construct by the post-modern tradition. Alfred Schutz, a twentieth century phenomenologist, reconciles these two strains of thought to some degree by bringing up the notion of individual perception which encompasses both the social constructs and the drive for self-interest.
Abstract This paper discusses how a critical examination of development of Bangladesh indicates that its development has proceeded in accordance with dependencytheory, which reflects the English School theory of international relations.
From the Paper "It must also be taken into account that Bangladesh is the poorest country on earth, yet has vast, untapped oil reserves, which makes it a tempting target for a Western power such as the United States, which may decide to "liberate" it in the name of "democracy" as part of "the war on terror" after it finishes "liberating" Iraq and perhaps Iran as well.
The current political weakness of the Bush Administration and the chaos in Iraq make this scenario unlikely in the near future, but such a development over the next ten to twenty years cannot be ruled out. "
Abstract This paper examines four types of social theories and their use to the educator. The theories are functionalism, Marxism, interpretivism and post-modernism It discusses the meaning of the four social theories, compares and contrasts the strengths and weaknesses and then chooses a social theory that explains the function of education within contemporary American society. The paper maintains that a glimpse into the history of the social theories and what makes them significant will help foster an understanding of the theories.
Outline:
Abstract
Interpretivism
Functionalism
Marxism
Post-Modernism Era
Conclusion
From the Paper "Structural functionalism inhibits certain forms of analyses, such as comparative analysis. Structural functionalism has also been described as both illegitimately teleological and tautological. The former implies that structural functionalists rely too heavily on the notion that social structures have purposes or goals. This notion is posited to justify the existence of particular structures without adequate theoretical reasons or empirical backing. Tautology suggests that the conclusion of a theory makes explicit what is implicit in the premise of the theory. Thus, structural functionalism defines the whole in terms of the parts and the parts in terms of the whole."
