Modernization vs. Dependency Theories

Modernization Theory Core Premise

Poverty is humanity's basic condition; societies must transition from traditional to modern to prosper.

Pillars of Modernization

Modern technology, modern ideas, and modern institutions.

Dependency Theory Origin

Lenin's Imperialism, viewing capitalist misery as a global problem rather than a domestic one.

Three Impacts of Dependency

Exploitation, domination, and distortion.

Dependency Distortion

Economies structured entirely to serve wealthy foreign needs and internal elites rather than locals.

World Systems Theory

Immanuel Wallerstein's framework where wealthy core nations enrich themselves at the expense of the periphery.

Shifts in Core Nations

Amsterdam, London, and New York successively served as the core of the global economic system.

Hunter-Gatherer Lifestyle

Characterized by varied diets, natural health, and more leisure time than agricultural societies.

Origin of Mass Poverty

Arose with state societies and the Neolithic agricultural revolution, leading to mass famines and extreme inequality.

Culture of Poverty

Oscar Lewis's controversial concept suggesting poor communities pass down fatalism and distrust, risking victim-blaming.