7. Disparities and change

Question 1

Modernisation theory

Answer 1

a deterministic approach based on the economic history of a number of developed countries. Distinct economic and social changes are required for a country to move from one stage to another.

Question 2

Dependency theory

Answer 2

blames the relative underdevelopment of the developing world on exploitation by the developed world, first through colonialism and then by the various elements of neo-colonialism.

Question 3

World system theory

Answer 3

based on the history of the capitalist world economy. Countries fall into three economic levels, and can move from one level to another if their contribution to the world economy changes.

Question 4

Life expectancy at birth

Answer 4

the average number of years that a newborn baby is expected to live if the age-specific mortality rates effective at the year of birth apply throughout their lifetime.

Question 5

Extreme poverty

Answer 5

the most severe state of poverty with an inability to meet basic needs. It is now defined as living on less than $1.25 per day.

Question 6

Gender gap in education

Answer 6

girls’ school enrolment in relation to boys (girls per 100 boys).

Question 7

Maternal mortality rate

Answer 7

the annual number of deaths of women from pregnancy-related causes per 100 000 live births.

Question 8

HIV

Answer 8

human immunodeficiency virus. The underlying cause of AIDS is infection with HIV-1 or HIV-2.

Question 9

AIDS

Answer 9

acquired immune deficiency syndrome.