The theories makes sense on their own but some are just untouchable such as the Functionalist. It is very deterministic and does not really apply to the real world today. Inequality comes in many forms that cannot be distinguish and everyone has really different definitions for inequality.The key takeaway is that not everyone has the same options as everyone. This is where inequality derives. Because not everyone can choose what they wanted to. Whether to pursue their passion or perform their skills to the right audience. Because there are barriers that we can’t just break through despite the hard work. If I don’t have the ‘right connection’ or the money to support a comfortable life in this inflating economy, it wouldn’t be about talent or skill, wouldn’t it? It’s been always about who you know, where, the privilege.

https://www.coursesidekick.com/sociology/study-guides/boundless-sociology/sociological-theories-and-global-inequality

Modernisation Theory

Comte's Perspective [1853]

• Comte viewed development as an ideological progression through three stages:

  1. Theological: Religion serves as the main explanation.

  2. Metaphysical: Transitional phase between religion and science.

  3. Scientific (Positive): Scientific knowledge becomes the dominant form of understanding.

Marx's Perspective [1867]

• Marx approached development economically, positing that societies transition through modes of production:

  • Feudalism

  • Capitalism

  • Communism

Weber's Perspective [1905]

• Weber framed development as a shift from traditional to modern industrial society and believed it was an inevitable process characterized by:

  • Industrialisation

  • Urbanisation

  • Rationalisation: Emphasizing behaviours and organizations grounded in scientific principles.

Common Themes in Development

• Phased: Different, separate stages exist.

• Cumulative: Each stage builds on the previous one.

• Linear: Societies progress from underdeveloped to developed.

• Progressive: Each stage is superior to its predecessor.

• Inevitable: Modernisation cannot be stopped once initiated.

Rostow's Modernisation Theory [1960]

Rostow identified five stages that societies pass through:

1. Traditional society: Characterized by religion, magic, agricultural production, and rigid hierarchies.

2. Preconditions for take-off: Marketplace trade, technological development, and declining agricultural importance emerge.

3. Take-off: Marked by increased capital investment, industrial expansion, and early steps towards democracy and education.

4. Drive to maturity: A wider range of goods and services produced, with a focus on both internal consumption and export.

5. Maturity: High mass consumption, growth in computing and communications industries, and increased lifestyle options.

Critiques of Modernisation Theory

• The linear model fits early European societies but fails for contemporary Asia and Africa.

• Assumes that the Western model is the only pathway to development, potentially justifying interventions in less developed nations.

• Coury [1997] suggests that development is often defined through Western values such as individualism and democracy.

Dependency/Underdevelopment Theory

General Overview

• This neo-Marxist view argues that development keeps nations economically dependent on developed countries.

Key Points by Chaliand [1977]

• Underdeveloped societies have dependent economies:

  • Produce primary products for developed nations.

  • Economic growth is directed by the needs of industrialized nations.

  • Pricing controlled by dominant Western businesses.

Role of Transnational Corporations (TNCs)

• TNCs exploit natural resources and labor in underdeveloped nations, furthering dependency.

• Aid often supports infrastructure aligned with TNC interests rather than enhancing local economies.

• World bank lending practices perpetuate dependency, obstructing true modernization.

Colonisation to Post-colonisation

Definitions

• Colonization: A form of dependency where a country governs another (e.g., British rule in India).

• Decolonization: The process of achieving independence from colonizers.

• Postcolonialism: Examining the ongoing legacy of colonization and its effects on less developed countries.

Historical Background

• European powers engaged in aggressive trade and colonization since the 15th Century.

• Colonies were often restructured to benefit colonial powers, fostering economic dependencies that persist today.

Critique of Dependency Theory

• Some argue that colonies may have benefitted from infrastructural developments.

• Relationships with former colonizers can offer market access and investment opportunities.

• Not all foreign aid stems from self-interest; indigenous movements have resisted elite corruption.

Global Inequality and Feminist Perspectives

Women's Unrecognised Work

• Modernisation and dependency theories overlook women's labor, often essential for survival.

Exploitation in Globalisation

• Globalisation has resulted in increased exploitation of women, especially in low-wage sweatshop jobs with poor conditions.

• Ehrenreich and Hochschild [2002] discuss the "Global Care Deficit," as women migrate for better-paying jobs, leaving care tasks in their home countries unfulfilled.

Patriarchal Backlash

• Globalisation can lead to resistance against women's rights, seen as threats to traditional values (e.g., Malala Yousafzai's assassination attempt).

• An increase in violence against women and minority sexual groups is noted in many cultures.

Conclusion

• The study of global inequality requires a nuanced understanding of economic dependencies, historical contexts, and gender dynamics to grasp fully the complexities of social structures worldwide.

Key Differences

Perspective

Modernisation: Development as a linear progression through stages

Dependency: Development as a structural constraint on less developed nations

Approach

Modernisation: Emphasises internal factors (economic, social changes)

Dependency: Focuses on external factors and historical exploitation

View of Development

Modernisation: Inevitable and cumulative progression towards modernity

Dependency: Perpetual dependency on developed nations

Role of Nations

Modernisation: All nations can develop by adopting Western values

Dependency: Less developed nations are economically exploited

Economic Model

Modernisation: Transition through stages (e.g., Rostow's stages)

Dependency: Exploitation of resources by transnational corporations

Assumptions

Modernisation: Western model is universal for all societies

Dependency: Western model leads to the economic disadvantage of the global South