Modernization vs. World Systems/Dependency Theories: Understanding Global Inequality

Modernization Theories:

• Emphasis on Progress: Modernization theories view development as a linear progression from traditional societies to modern ones.
• Internal Obstacles: They attribute poverty and inequality to internal factors within developing nations, such as lack of education, technology, or cultural values.
• Western Model as Ideal: Modernization theories often promote Western models of development as the ideal path for progress.

World Systems/Dependency Theories:

• Global Power Structures: World Systems/Dependency theories emphasize the role of global power structures in creating and perpetuating inequality.
• Exploitation and Unequal Exchange: They argue that developed countries exploit developing countries through unequal trade practices and resource extraction.
• Core-Periphery Model: This model depicts a core of wealthy, developed nations exploiting a periphery of developing nations through unfair trade and investment practices.

Applying World Systems/Dependency Theory to a Current Event:

Example: The recent rise in global food insecurity due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

World Systems/Dependency Lens:

• Global Food System Dependence: Many developing countries rely heavily on food imports, particularly from major wheat producers like Ukraine.
• Vulnerability to External Shocks: The war disrupts food production and exports, causing price hikes and shortages in import-dependent countries.
• Unequal Power Dynamics: Developed countries with diverse food sources are less affected, highlighting the vulnerability of developing nations in the global food system.

Understanding Through the Lens:

The World Systems/Dependency theory helps us understand how developing countries can become vulnerable to global events due to their dependence on developed nations. In this case, the war disrupts the established food trade network, disproportionately impacting developing countries that rely heavily on Ukrainian wheat imports. This reinforces the notion of unequal power dynamics within the global food system, where some nations have more control and are less susceptible to external shocks.

Modernization vs. World Systems/Dependency:

Modernization theories might suggest that developing countries need to improve their agricultural self-sufficiency to avoid dependence on imports. However, World Systems/Dependency theories argue that unequal trade practices and limited resources make self-sufficiency challenging for developing nations within the current global power structure.

Conclusion:

Both theories offer valuable perspectives on global inequality. Modernization theories highlight internal challenges that can hinder development. World Systems/Dependency theories emphasize the external factors that perpetuate inequality. By understanding both perspectives, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of global issues like food insecurity.