7.3C Development Theory
Development theory (World Systems Theory, Dependency Theory, Modernisation Theory) can be used to help explain changing patterns of power.
Modernisation Theory
- By W. W. Rostow
- Also known as the 'Take-Off model'
- Suggests that economic development only begins when certain pre-conditions are met: modern infrastructure, education, banking and effective government
Dependency Theory
- By A.G. Frank
- Argues that a relationship between developed and developing countries is one of dependency
- This prevents developing countries from making economic progress
- Neo-colonial mechanisms and a net transfer of wealth from developing to developed world are responsible
World Systems Theory
- By Immanuel Wallerstein
- Does not see the world in Frank's developed versus developing world terms, but rather as a global system of core, semi-periphery and periphery nations. The semi-periphery countries are the emerging economies, some of which are economic superpowers.
World Systems Theory is a good fit for the current pattern of developed, emerging and developing countries. Modernisation theory is useful in explaining how some countries manage to become wealthy. None of the theories are especially good at identifying why some countries, but not others, become superpowers.