Theories of Global Stratification

Study Notes

Theories of Global Stratification

Modernization Theory: Focuses on internal factors hindering development. Biggest barriers include tradition and lack of technological change. Europe's Protestant Reformation fostered a progress-oriented culture, promoting financial success as a sign of personal value. Walt Rostow's four stages of modernization: traditional, take-off, drive to technological maturity, and high mass consumption.

Dependency Theory

Core and Periphery: Dependency theory highlights the relationship between core (more industrialized) and peripheral (less developed) nations. Core nations exploit peripheral nations, hindering their development.
Historical Context: The development of peripheral nations is stagnated due to the exploitative nature of core nations. Dependency theorists recognize diverse state types globally. Even after decolonization, developed and less developed countries maintain significant ties.
Criticisms and Alternatives: Latin American scholars critique the North American neo-Marxist approach, which has been a primary concern. They are intrigued by their region's underdevelopment and have developed a structuralist approach. Dependency theory posits that liberal trade impoverishes less developed countries, not improving their economies.
Key figures and concepts:
Hans Singer and Raul Prebisch initially developed dependency theory.
Andre Gunder Frank espoused the North American neo-Marxist approach.
Cardoso and Faletto articulated the historical-structural variant of dependency theory, providing a methodology for analyzing concrete situations of dependency.
Immanuel Wallerstein emphasized the capitalist world economy.
Palma examined Latin American underdevelopment, highlighting excessive reliance on others.
Sanchez (2014) notes the two main theories—North American neo-Marxist and Latin American structuralist.
Toye (2003) suggested that liberal trade does not improve economies of less developed countries.
Seers (1981) notes that most Latin American countries have adopted strategies to achieve autonomous development due to structuralist influence.
Prebisch headed the UN's Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLA).
Ferraro (2008) explains the stagnation in development of peripheral nations.

Historical Events

Columbian Exchange: Benefited Europe significantly, but had a much more detrimental outcome for Native Americans.
Industrial Revolution: Replaced human labor with machines.

Biggest Barriers to Growth

Tradition
Lack of technological change
Authoritarian and corrupt governments
Incorrect economic policies

Description

Explore the various theories of global stratification, including Modernization Theory and Dependency Theory. Understand how these theories explain the dynamics between developed and developing nations, as well as the historical context influencing their relationships. Dive into the criticisms and alternatives to these theories.