Development Theories

Question 1

How does modernisation theory explain superpowers?

Answer 1

Explains the British Empire, which industrialised and became a leading power. China is at the ‘drive to majority stage’.

Question 2

What are the problems with modernisation theory? (3)

Answer 2

1. not all countries that industrialised have become democracies
2. descriptive, but doesnt give explanation
3. countries could go backwards

Question 3

What does the modernisation theory state?

Answer 3

Explains how societies develop in a linear manner. Shows that countries move from undeveloped state to that of a mass consumption society through 5 stages

Question 4

What does dependency theory state?

Answer 4

The developed world keep the developing world in a permanent state of underdevelopment. Countries are drained of human capital and resources, neo-colonialism is an extension of this

Question 5

What does world systems state?

Answer 5

Explains how countries interact within a single global system. The world has 3 interlinked tiers. Better represents emerging countries as has semi-periphery

Question 6

What are the problems with dependency theory?

Answer 6

1. doesnt allow for countries to have say in their own development
2. too sympathetic to declining countries
3. the world isnt divided into just 2 groupd

Question 7

What are the problems with world system?

Answer 7

1. more description than an explanation

2. doesnt consider internal factors such as civil war

Question 8

How does dependency theory explain the rise of superpowers?

Answer 8

British Empire developed by exploiting resources of colonies. Modern day trade blocs and tariffs imposed on developing countries. China disproves this model as its growth shows it is no longer on the periphery

Question 9

How does world systems explain the rise of superpowers?

Answer 9

Explains rise of China