Dependency Theory

Discipline: Economics

First formulated by American economist Paul Baran (1910-1964), dependency theory proposes that, where a developing country for the most part specializes in producing one good (usually agricultural) for export, an exploitative relationship develops in which its financial and economic resources are controlled by the local elite and the international economy.

Also see: demographic transition

Source:
P Baran, The Political Economy of Growth (New York, 1957);
A G Frank, Dependent Accumulation and Underdevelopment (London, 1978)

Discipline: Political Science

Theory of international and domestic politics.

The third world, or the poor, or the working class, or women, have to choose within structures or societies where they are dependent on the industrial world, or the rich, or men, for the means of existence.

Their 'choice' of subordinate roles is thus determined from the start.

Source:
J Nash and K Fernandez, Women, Men and the International Division of Labour (Albany, NY, 1983)

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