Introducing
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Poverty contributes to powerlessness.
Figure 13-1 is a great illustration of what poverty looks like throughout the world. In the continent of Africa, there are are countries with more than 50% of their population facing poverty. While other countries ae experincing similiar high rates of poverty.
In 1990, the United Nations set a Millennium Development Goal to cut the 1990 poverty rate in half by 2015. That goal was reached in 2010, five years ahead of schedule.
Poverty is not just an issue in developing countries because extreme poverty exists in even the richest countries, including the United States. But in indus- trialized societies, the conditions of the poorest people tend to be better than the poor in the developing world.
Introduction
Modernization Theory:
Modernization Theory says that countries can grow by adopting the ways of richer, more developed countries, like using new technology and building strong economies. It believes all countries can follow the same steps from being less developed to more developed. The theory suggests that progress happens in stages, with countries becoming wealthier and more modern over time.
Dependency Theory:
Dependency Theory argues that poor countries stay poor because rich countries take advantage of them. It says that wealthier nations control resources and trade in ways that keep poor countries dependent. According to this theory, poor countries need to stop relying on rich nations and focus on becoming self-sufficient to improve.
Work Cited
Harrison, Brigid C. Power and Society: An Introduction to the Social Sciences. Available from: MBS Direct, (14th Edition). Cengage Learning US, 2016.
Key Takeaways: Modernization Theory
- Countries grow by moving from traditional to modern ways of life.
- Focuses on using new technology, building industries, and adopting democratic values.
- Believes all countries can follow the same steps as rich Western nations.
- Supports global trade and connections to help countries develop.
- Criticized for being too focused on Western ideas and making development seem too simple.
Key Takeaways: Dependency Theory
- Poor countries stay poor because rich countries take advantage of them.
- The global system is set up to help rich nations and hurt poor ones.
- Explains how colonialism and past exploitation created unfair systems.
- Suggests poor countries should focus on being self-reliant and less dependent on rich nations.
- Criticized for blaming outside factors and not looking at internal problems enough.
- Understanding Inequality: Both theories see inequality between nations, but in different ways. Modernization theory says the gap can be closed by following Western practices, while dependency theory blames ongoing exploitation by wealthy nations.
- Historical Impact: Both recognize that history plays a key role in shaping current development. Modernization theory highlights the Industrial Revolution and Western progress, while dependency theory examines the effects of colonization and exploitation.
View on Development:
- Modernization Theory sees development as a process where countries move from traditional to modern societies by adopting Western practices.
- Dependency Theory argues that underdevelopment is caused by the exploitation of poorer countries by richer ones, keeping them dependent.
Economic Focus:
- Modernization Theory promotes industrialization and market-driven economies to achieve growth.
- Dependency Theory criticizes market-driven economies for creating dependency and calls for self-sufficient, locally-driven policies.
Perspective on Growth:
- Modernization Theory assumes economic growth leads to overall development and improvement.
- Dependency Theory questions whether growth in developing countries truly benefits the population or primarily serves foreign interests.
Role of Government:
- Modernization Theory suggests governments should invest in infrastructure, education, and industry to modernize.
- Dependency Theory advocates for policies that protect local industries and reduce reliance on foreign aid or investment.
From the problem of poverty emerge nearly all other social ills: disease, hunger, lack of opportunity, crime and violence, drug trafficking and use, pros- titution, and on and on.