Dependency Theory Revisited

This volume of work considers theories that uphold the view that the induction of capitalism has been a factor responsible for the accentuation of underdevelopment in less developed countries. Following the Marxist approach, some scholars tried to explain development and underdevelopment with reference to and as a function of world capitalism. The theories of dependency provided "radical" explanations to the problem of underdevelopment. "Radical" theorists argued that the problem of underdevelopment could not be considered in a vacuum, but should be related to the phenomenon of development of capitalist countries. The basic purpose of this volume is to prepare a critical analysis of radical theories of development and underdevelopment. The main focus being a critical appraisal of dependency theories. The book looks at mainstream dependency theories and presents an overview of the contemporary thoughts on these theories.

Table of Contents:
Part 1 The ontology of dependency: what is dependency? the historicity; macrocosmic and microcosmic systems; distinctions between microcosmic system and macrocosmic system; the nature of dependency and exploitation; mechanism and surplus extraction; the convergence in the dependency models; the epistemic basis of dependency theory; dependency studies in a developing country; towards an appraisal. Part 2 Karl Marx on development and underdevelopment: on the nature of development; on the nature of underdevelopment; structuralist approach; surplus extraction approach; comparative elements in development and underdevelopment; the process of growth; towards a critical appraisal. Part 3 Paul Baran's analysis of economic backwardness and economic growth: essential features of Baran's analysis; typology of surplus; critical appraisal. Part 4 Andre Gunder Frank's analysis of development of underdevelopment: major tenets of Frank's thesis; micro-macro structures of underdevelopment and development; critical appraisal. Part 5 Samir Amin on unequal development: exposition of Samir Amin's basic thesis; distinction between central capitalism and peripheral capitalism; critical appraisal. Part 6 The structuralist models: generalised structuralist model (GSM); Dos Santos's structuralist model (DSM); distinction between GSM and DSM; critical appraisal. Part 7 The theories of unequal exchange: Presbisch-Singer thesis, distinction between centre and periphery, critical appraisal; Arghiri Emmanuel on unequal exchange, narrow interpretation of unequal exchange, broad interpretation of unequal exchange, critical appraisal. Part 8 The peripheral writers on dependency: Celso Furtado on underdevelopment and dualism; Geoffrey Kay's views on development and underdevelopment; F.H. Cardoso on dependency and development in Latin America; Bill Warren's views on dependency; Osvaldo Sunkel on external dependence and national development policy; Immanuel Vallerstein's modern world system; R.M. Marini's dependencia dialectica; Gunnar Myrdal's theory of circular causation; Anthony Gidden's evolutionary theory of development and change. Part 9 Contemporary issues in the dependency debate: dependency and development - intertemporal paradigm shifts; human development and human rights; technological imperialism; brain drain and reverse transfer of technology; world monetary system and new international economic disorder; globalisation as unequal competition; the West and the rest - between the end of history and the clash of civilisation.