Which term describes a model of economic and social development that explains global inequality in terms of the historical exploration of poorer nations by richer ones?

Which term describes a model of economic and social development that explains global inequality in terms of the historical exploration of poorer nations by richer ones?

• A. Modernization
• B. Structuralism
• C. Mercantilism
• D. Dependency

Answer: (D)

Dependency theory explains global inequality as the result of a long history of exploitation by richer nations of poorer ones. It argues that colonial-era and ongoing neocolonial relations created a world system in which wealth flows from the periphery to the center, keeping poorer countries underdeveloped while richer nations gain. This occurs through biased terms of trade, dependence on exporting raw materials, and the influence of multinational corporations and debt, which tie weaker economies to the interests of stronger ones even after formal independence. This perspective contrasts with modernization theory, which centers on internal factors and stages of development within a country; mercantilism focuses on early modern state power and accumulation strategies; and structuralism emphasizes structural constraints but does not as directly foreground the colonial exploitation that dependency theory highlights. The key idea here is that historical and ongoing exploitation helps explain why some nations remain relatively underdeveloped.

Dependency theory explains global inequality as the result of a long history of exploitation by richer nations of poorer ones. It argues that colonial-era and ongoing neocolonial relations created a world system in which wealth flows from the periphery to the center, keeping poorer countries underdeveloped while richer nations gain. This occurs through biased terms of trade, dependence on exporting raw materials, and the influence of multinational corporations and debt, which tie weaker economies to the interests of stronger ones even after formal independence. This perspective contrasts with modernization theory, which centers on internal factors and stages of development within a country; mercantilism focuses on early modern state power and accumulation strategies; and structuralism emphasizes structural constraints but does not as directly foreground the colonial exploitation that dependency theory highlights. The key idea here is that historical and ongoing exploitation helps explain why some nations remain relatively underdeveloped.