Dependency Theory

Definition

Dependency theory is an economic and sociological concept that suggests that the economic development of a country is heavily influenced by its relationship with more developed nations, leading to a situation where poorer nations depend on wealthier ones for resources, technology, and markets. This theory argues that this dependency creates structural inequalities that perpetuate underdevelopment and limit the agency of less developed countries in shaping their own economic futures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dependency theory gained popularity in the 1960s as scholars sought to understand the persistent poverty and underdevelopment in Latin America and other regions.
2. The theory criticizes traditional development models that assume all nations can develop similarly without considering historical contexts and power dynamics.
3. One major implication of dependency theory is that international aid can sometimes reinforce dependency rather than foster genuine development.
4. The concept emphasizes the importance of structural changes within economies to break free from cycles of dependency and foster self-sufficiency.
5. Critics argue that dependency theory oversimplifies complex global relationships and does not account for the agency of developing nations in pursuing their own paths to development.

Review Questions

• How does dependency theory explain the relationship between developed and developing nations?
  • Dependency theory explains that developed nations often exploit resources from developing countries, creating a cycle where poorer nations remain dependent on wealthier ones for economic stability. This unequal relationship leads to a transfer of wealth and resources from the periphery to the core, which hinders the economic growth of developing countries. By viewing this dynamic, it becomes clear that addressing these structural inequalities is crucial for fostering true development.
• Discuss how food systems in developing countries are impacted by dependency theory.
  • Dependency theory highlights how food systems in developing countries can be shaped by reliance on imported agricultural products and technologies from wealthier nations. This dependence can lead to decreased local agricultural production and increased vulnerability to market fluctuations driven by global forces. Additionally, food aid from developed countries may inadvertently reinforce these dependencies, making it challenging for local farmers to compete and sustain their livelihoods.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of food aid programs in light of dependency theory's critique of international development efforts.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of food aid programs through the lens of dependency theory reveals critical insights into how these initiatives can either alleviate or exacerbate dependency. While food aid can provide immediate relief in crises, it may also create long-term reliance on external assistance, undermining local agricultural production and self-sufficiency. Understanding this critique encourages a rethinking of food aid strategies towards promoting sustainable practices that empower local communities and reduce reliance on foreign support, ultimately aiming for more equitable development outcomes.

Related terms

Core-Periphery Model: A model in economics that categorizes countries into core (wealthy, developed) and periphery (poor, developing) nations, highlighting the unequal relationships between them.

Neocolonialism: The practice of using economic, political, and cultural pressures to control or influence a country, often after the end of direct colonial rule.

Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI): An economic policy that advocates for replacing foreign imports with domestic production to promote local industries and reduce dependency on foreign goods.