Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The neo-Marxist, neo-colonial dependency model states that the Third
World exists in a state of under-development as a result of the 'historic evolu-
tion of a highly unequal international capitalistic system of rich-poor coun-
try relationships' (Todaro, 1994: 81). Local elites are often presented as
serving the interests of, or are dependent on, multinational corporations,
national bilateral-aid agencies or multilateral assistance organisations such
as the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which can
result in the perpetuation of underdevelopment (Todaro, 1997). The result-
ing international system leaves an unequal power relationship between the
rich, developed countries (the centre) and the poor, under-developed coun-
tries (the periphery). Similarly, the dualistic dependency thesis emphasises
dual societies (rich and poor), which exist between and within developed and
developing countries, resulting in areas of wealth surrounded by poverty.
The impoverished sectors are indispensable for the wealthy sectors as they
supply them with cheap labour. This dualistic system is chronic and the gap
between the two sectors is increasing (Todaro, 1994). Finally, the world
system approach, often identified with Wallerstein, shares common traits
with the dependency school. Within the world system, there are three main
economic zones: the core, the semi-periphery and the periphery (Peet, 1999)
and under-development occurs as peripheries are incorporated into the world
system (Hettne, 1990). Parallels have been drawn between the dependency
paradigm and post-development, which will be examined later in the chapter
(Nederveen Pieterse, 1998).
Dependency can also be examined in terms of regional economic devel-
opment as it applies to regional inequalities. Theorists such as Myrdal (1963)
and his discussion of backwash effects and Friedman's (1966) centre-periphery
model both mention the regional inequalities which result from economic
development. While these theorists are not necessarily proponents of depen-
dency, their narratives on the processes and policies of regional economic
development illustrate similar concepts to those presented in various forms
of dependency theory.
The concept of dependency has also been applied to culture. The follow-
ing comment by Desjeux (1981: 33) illustrates the influence a development
project formulated in Western philosophy and organisational structures can
have on a local culture: 'Development projects tend more towards an attempt
at normalising social behaviour on the basis of rules and scientific organisa-
tion of work or Western organisational models'. According to Desjeux (1981:
33), this trend is based on sociological or psychological postulates that there
is one universal reality and individuals are in agreement with this organisa-
tion. This type of thinking places the weak cultures in developing countries
at an extreme disadvantage. The integration of local culture into develop-
ment projects also becomes difficult as people who are removed from and do
not participate in the culture, often make decisions on development in the
host's local culture (Desjeux, 1981).
Search WWH ::
Custom Search