Question

There is much criticism that modernization theory is Eurocentric. Do you think dependency theory and globalization theory are also biased? Why or why not?

Compare and contrast modernization theory, dependency theory, and globalization theory. Which do you think is more useful for explaining global inequality? Explain, using examples.

Answer 1

Answers:

The dependency theory is also subject to Eurocentric biases. For example, the theory assumes that industrialization & possession of industrial capital are crucial requisites for economic progress. There is an inability to think beyond the state as primary & essential agent of economic development. Also there is Eurocentric bias in de emphasizing production undertaken by women & also in not realizing the hazardous implications for the environment of industrialization & also over exploitation of resources.

The main critics of globalization theory are domination of developed countries in framing the world economic policies. It has ignored the voice of developing countries & other third world countries.

Comparison & contrast between modernization, dependency & globalization theories:

Modernization theory:

This is used to explain the concept of modernization within societies. This is nothing but a transition from a traditional to a modern society. The theory originated from the ideas of German sociologist max Weber who provided the basis for modernization paradigm developed by talcott parsons. The theory looks at the internal factors of a country assuming that with proper help, traditional countries can also be brought to development like how developed countries have been. Thought it was dominant in 1950’s & 60’s it became a eclipse for sometime & made a comeback after 1991 but still remains to be a controversial model.

Dependency theory:

This theory is of a thought that resources flow from chain of underdeveloped countries to wealthy states where the latter is being enriched at the cost of the former. This theory has aroused as a reaction to the modernization theory. But dependency theory rejected the view provided by modernization theory & argued that underdeveloped countries are not primitive versions of developed countries but have different characters of their own & are considered to be weaker members in the world economy.

Globalization theory:

Globalization theory is considered as the more precise way of describing the correctness of production, communication & technology throughout the world. Globalization is considered as diffusion of ideas, practices & technologies. But it is more than internationalization & universalization. It is also intensification of worldwide social relations. It also involves the extension of relations of economic, military & political power.

Dependency theory is the one that explains global inequality. It states that global inequality is caused by core nations or high income nations because it exploits low income or middle income nations

For example, in the period of colonialism, core nations created the conditions for underdeveloped nations through metropolis hinterland relations