What is the Difference Between Modernization Theory and Dependency Theory?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Modernization theory and dependency theory are two distinct perspectives on global stratification and development. They differ in their views on the causes of global inequality and the processes of economic growth and development:
Modernization Theory:
- Focuses on the role of technology and industrialization in driving economic growth and development.
- Suggests that low-income nations can follow the path taken by wealthier, modernized nations to improve their global economic standing.
- Emphasizes the benefits of free trade, foreign investment, and foreign aid.
- Criticized for being Eurocentric and not considering the diverse experiences of different societies.
Dependency Theory:
- Rejects the limited national focus of modernization theory and emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexity of imperialism and global economic relationships.
- Holds that some nations gained wealth at the expense of other nations, especially through colonization.
- Argues that the periphery of the international economy is being economically exploited, with the prices of manufactured goods bought by the periphery rising faster than those of cash crops and foodstuffs sold by the periphery to the center.
- Focuses on the ways in which developed countries exploit developing countries.
In summary, modernization theory highlights the role of technology, industrialization, and free market principles in driving economic growth and development, while dependency theory emphasizes the exploitation and global economic relationships that contribute to global inequality.
Comparative Table: Modernization Theory vs Dependency Theory
Here is a table comparing the key differences between Modernization Theory and Dependency Theory:
| Aspect | Modernization Theory | Dependency Theory |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Economic development of traditional or underdeveloped societies | Economic underdevelopment of former colonies or non-industrialized countries |
| Origins | Developed in response to Dependency Theory | Developed in response to Modernization Theory |
| Core Concept | Developed countries serve as models for less developed countries to follow | Rich nations become rich at the expense of poor nations, especially through colonization |
| Relationships between Developed and Developing Countries | Views relationships as based on mutual benefits and shared modernization goals | Views relationships as based on exploitation and dominance, with developed countries benefiting from the underdevelopment of developing countries |
| Solutions | Offers possible solutions for achieving modernization and development | Identifies problems of economic dependencies and exploitation, but does not provide specific solutions |
In summary, Modernization Theory focuses on how traditional or underdeveloped societies can achieve development by following the path of developed countries, emphasizing mutual benefits and shared goals. On the other hand, Dependency Theory highlights the exploitation and dominance of developed countries over developing countries, arguing that rich nations become rich at the expense of poor nations, particularly through colonization.
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- Model vs Theory
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- Philosophy vs Theory
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- Marxism vs Neo-Marxism
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- Paradigm vs Theory
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