Dependency theory and modernization theory are two competing sociological perspectives on the issues of economic development, social change, and underdevelopment in the global South.
Dependency theory posits that underdevelopment in the global South is a direct result of the historical and ongoing exploitation and domination by the global North. According to this perspective, the economies of the global South are structured to serve the interests of the global North, leading to their dependency on the North for resources, markets, and capital. This dependency perpetuates underdevelopment, as the South is unable to establish self-sustaining development strategies. Dependency theory focuses on the extraction of resources from the South, unequal international trade relations, and the role of multinational corporations in perpetuating this dependency.
On the other hand, modernization theory argues that underdeveloped countries can overcome their challenges and achieve economic and social development by adopting Western economic and social institutions. According to this perspective, industrialization, urbanization, and technological advancements are key drivers of development, and countries should emulate the paths taken by the global North to achieve progress. Modernization theory emphasizes the importance of economic growth, market liberalization, democracy, and social change as factors that contribute to modernization and development.
While dependency theory highlights the power dynamics and structural inequalities that perpetuate underdevelopment, modernization theory prioritizes economic growth and Western patterns of development. Critics argue that dependency theory neglects the agency and potential for development within the global South, while modernization theory overlooks the negative consequences of Western influence and fails to consider the diverse cultural, social, and economic contexts of developing countries.
Both theories have influenced debates and policies on development in the global South. However, more recent sociological perspectives, such as world systems theory and post-development theory, have challenged and expanded upon these theories, taking into account the complex dynamics of globalization and local agency in shaping development outcomes.
dependency and modernization theory sociology
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