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Read Item L below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 18 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 18
Read Item L below and answer the question that follows. Item L Dependency theory explanations of development and underdevelopment argue that countries are mainly p... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read Item L below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 18 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Evaluate the dependency theory explanations of development and underdevelopment
Answer
Dependency theory suggests that the development of certain nations is significantly hindered by external factors, particularly the influence of more developed countries and global capitalism. It posits that underdeveloped countries are trapped in a cycle where they are exploited for resources, leading to a lack of progress.
Critically, while dependency theory highlights important external pressures, it has been critiqued for neglecting the internal factors that contribute to underdevelopment. For instance, political instability, corruption, and poor governance within countries can impede development efforts independently of external influences.
Furthermore, the theory also tends to generalize the experiences of various countries, failing to account for the diverse paths of development that different nations can take, which can lead to oversimplifications.
In contrast, some argue that dependency theory is overly deterministic and does not provide an adequate explanation for some countries that have successfully developed despite being in similar positions. This highlights a need for a dual approach that considers both external and internal factors in understanding development.