Dependency Theory argues that underdevelopment results from what historical pattern?

Dependency Theory argues that underdevelopment results from what historical pattern?

• A. Underdevelopment results from historical and ongoing exploitation by core nations on peripheral regions
• B. Underdevelopment is caused by overpopulation
• C. Underdevelopment results from climate change
• D. Underdevelopment is inevitable and unchangeable

Answer: (A)

Dependency theory explains underdevelopment as the result of a long history of exploitation by wealthy core nations that dominate the global economic system. Core countries extract resources, control trade, technologies, and capital, while peripheral regions supply raw materials and cheap labor. This creates and maintains a dependent, unequal structure where peripheries remain locked into low-value industries and export-oriented economies, limiting their ability to develop independently. Because development is framed as a consequence of these unequal relationships and global patterns, rather than internal factors like population or climate, or an unchangeable fate, this explanation best accounts for persistent underdevelopment. The idea also implies that change is possible by altering these external relationships and power dynamics, not by accepting them as inevitable.

Dependency theory explains underdevelopment as the result of a long history of exploitation by wealthy core nations that dominate the global economic system. Core countries extract resources, control trade, technologies, and capital, while peripheral regions supply raw materials and cheap labor. This creates and maintains a dependent, unequal structure where peripheries remain locked into low-value industries and export-oriented economies, limiting their ability to develop independently. Because development is framed as a consequence of these unequal relationships and global patterns, rather than internal factors like population or climate, or an unchangeable fate, this explanation best accounts for persistent underdevelopment. The idea also implies that change is possible by altering these external relationships and power dynamics, not by accepting them as inevitable.