Dependency Theory & Underdevelopment

Modernization Theory Dual Economy: modernized subsistence Internal Colonialism: modernized sector “colonizes” subsistence sector

Dependency Theory 1970s reaction to modernization theory ECLA economists: U.N. Economic Commission for Latin America Unequal exchange: center -- manufactures periphery – provides raw materials to center & buys goods from center

Underdevelopment: A. Frank Undevelopment (tradition) vs. Underdevelopment (created by colonization & world capitalism) West never underdeveloped, so theories of modernization in appropriate

World Systems Theory: I. Wallerstein Core: industrialized West Periphery: non-industrialized societies Semi-periphery: mix features of core & periphery  Periphery supplies raw materials to core & buys manufactured products

Underdevelopment 1. Do not mistake underdevelopment for tradition 2. The weight of tradition rarely slows modernization

Invention of Tradition 1. There’s not much “tradition” left anywhere on the globe 2. Modernization spurs the invention of “our authentic traditions”

“Little Tradition” Cultures Way of life & worldview shattered depopulation: 50% - 75% psychologically traumatized spiritual renewal movements: New Guinea “Cargo Cult” as case study

“Little” & “Great” Traditions Modernization -- schools, bureaucracies, factories mixed with Underdevelopment -- unemployment & informal sector -- slums & rural areas

Underdevelopment System:economic transformations new nations & political systems Milieu: family social relationships work community Individual:psychological consequences

System: Economics Dual economy: modern vs. subsistence  “Articulation” of modes of production Dependent development: specialization in periphery to serve core Involution: intensification of traditional practices

System: Economics Un- & under-employment Education out-strips job growth Class stratification: Westernized elite vs. masses

System: Politics New Nations: fragile & failed states ethnic conflict Regimes: Dictatorships & “crony” democracy Secret police & death squads  “cultures of terror”?

Milieu: Family Attachment Tradition:little choice but loyalty social support but oppressive Modernity:little choice but separation autonomy but isolating Underdev:neither loyalty nor separation ambivalence

Milieu: Social Relationships Patron-Client Relationships: Traditional reciprocity systems Informal networks Proto-familial Reciprocity becomes corruption

Milieu: Work Traditional sectors become backwards “pockets of poverty” “Informal” sector peddlers Women: domestics & sex workers Seasonal migration Migration to industrialized countries

Milieu: Community Traditional sectors: high population per resources, but empty of young men Slums and “populaire” neighborhoods – disorganization & anomie Domestic migrant communities? Migrant – immigrant communities

Individual: Psychology Demoralization: loss of meaning  alcoholism; spiritual revival movements Westoxication: pursuit of Westernization, with derision of one’s “backwardness” Rejection of Westernization: defense of the “authenticity” of one’s traditions  Ambivalent & volatile identities

Women and Development Development and underdevelopment mixed in same household: 1. Women often neglected by development 2. Men’s development lowers women’s status 3. Women exploited by development 4. Women’s development key to nation’s