Why Look To Theory?

1. Global Inequalities:Theoretical PerspectivesFrom Global Inequalities, by York W. Bradshaw and Michael Wallace, 1996

2. Why Look To Theory? • Abstract • Disconnected from reality • Philosophical • Applicable • Explanatory • Illuminating • Inform practice and action

3. Questions • 1. Why are some countries richer than others? • Why do some countries present more opportunities for their citizens than others?

4. Modernization Theory • Modern Vs. Traditional countries • Highlights inside actors / country traits • Underdeveloped countries are poor because they lack: • Modern economies • Modern psychological traits • Modern cultures • Modern institutions

5. High industrialization Lg. middle class Food self-sufficiency Low unemployment Adv. technology Educated population Low industrialization Sm. middle class Lack of food High unemployment Low technology Poorly educated population 1. Modern Vs. Traditional Economies

6. Hard working Achievement oriented Invest/save $$ Be on time Less hardworking Not goal oriented No saving/investing Not punctual Subsistence living Local/religious customs & values 2. Modern Vs. Traditional Psychological Traits

7. Judicial system Educational system Elected parliament or legislature Fair elections (democracy) Dictatorships One-party states Monarchies Military regimes Religious governments 3. Modern Institutions Vs. Traditional Systems

8. Origins: Modernization T. • 1940s and 1950s (Post-WWII) • How can US & allies assist underdeveloped societies? • Could the 3rd World become like 1st World? • Could assistance to 3rd World replicate the post-war rebuilding of Europe & Japan?

9. Goals of US Aid/Assistance • Economic Aid: To stimulate industrialization • Military Assistance: To stop the spread of communism

10. Criticisms • Is this theory accurate? • Ethnocentrism • US interests in foreign policy • Global gaps growing • Simplistic logic

11. World-Systems Theory • Emerged in late 1950s-60s • Explains inequalities by historical exploitation • Highlights external factors • Global economic realities help the rich countries at expense of poor countries

12. World System: 3 Parts • 1. Core: economic & political power, high standard of living • 2. Periphery: poor, weak, least industrialized • 3. Semiperiphery: Middle income, moderate industrialization/development

13. Exploitation Process Features • 1. Core nations have sought raw materials from non-core nations • Colonization • Core nations have sought cheap labor in colonial areas • Slavery

14. Did the exploitation of peripheral regions by core end with the close of colonial era?

15. Neocolonialism • Multinational Corporations (MNCs) • Slows economic development in poor countries • Harms quality of life in poor countries • Exploits women in poor countries • Increases political instability in poor countries • Other structures?

16. Criticisms • Is this theory accurate? • Simple logic: total blame on core countries • Exaggerated harm of MNCs • Does not fully explain: • International debt crisis • Wars (especially ethnic wars) • Environmental issues

17. Authors suggest theory that emphasizes 6 themes: • External and internal influences • Include regional and community factors • Ethnicity is important at every level • More respect for non-Western cultures • Place greater emphasis on vulnerable groups • Interdisciplinary examination of factors

18. Sustainability: A New Idea? • Sustainable development is “the development that meets the needs of present without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their own needs” (Brundtland Commision) • SD implies limits to growth (p. 8) • Combines social, economic, political, ecological, cultural and spiritual dimensions

19. Global Sustainability: North Vs. South Priorities North (on conservation and population control) South (on technology transfer, poverty, social issues, debt relief; access to market)

20. Theory and Practice • Do sustainable development projects effectively address global inequities? • http://www.survival-international.org/campaigns/thereyougo