Modernisation theory and dependency theory offer very different explanations of global development. Modernisation theory argues that poorer societies can develop by following a similar path to wealthy Western countries: moving from traditional agriculture towards industrialisation, investment, education, technology and mass consumption. Writers such as Rostow see development as a staged process, while Parsons-style arguments suggest that traditional values may hold societies back. Dependency theory, associated with writers such as Andre Gunder Frank, argues almost the opposite. It claims that poorer countries are not simply “behind”; instead, they have often been made dependent through colonialism, unequal trade, debt, aid conditions and the power of TNCs. Frank argued that wealthy core nations develop partly by extracting resources, labour and profits from poorer peripheral nations, meaning development and underdevelopment are connected. These theories are central to the AQA Global Development focus on modernisation, neo-liberalism, dependency theory, world systems theory and post-development theory.
In this activity, you will sort statements into five key theories of development: modernisation theory, dependency theory, world-systems theory, neo-liberalism and post-development theory. Some statements describe the theory, while others are examples, criticisms or exam-style evaluation points. This helps you practise AO1 knowledge by recognising the core assumptions of each theory, and AO3 evaluation by comparing their strengths and limitations. As you work through the cards, look for the clue in each statement: does it blame traditional values, global capitalism, the core-periphery system, state interference, or Western definitions of development?
Theory Showdown: Modernisation vs Dependency and Beyond
Sort each statement into the theory it fits best. Some cards are definitions, some are examples, and some are evaluation points. Use the feedback to compare the theories and build stronger AO1 and AO3 knowledge.
Modernisation
Development happens through industrialisation, investment, education and movement away from traditional values.
Dependency
Underdevelopment is produced by colonialism, unequal trade, debt, aid and TNC exploitation.
World-systems
The world economy is divided into core, semi-periphery and periphery, with unequal power between them.
Neo-liberalism
Development is best achieved through free markets, privatisation, trade liberalisation and reduced state control.
Post-development
Questions Western ideas of development and favours local knowledge, culture, sustainability and alternatives to growth.
Revision summary: comparing theories of development
- Modernisation theory sees development as a movement from tradition to industrial growth and mass consumption.
- Dependency theory argues that underdevelopment is created by colonialism, unequal trade, debt and TNC exploitation.
- World-systems theory develops this by dividing the global economy into core, semi-periphery and periphery.
- Neo-liberalism argues that free markets, privatisation and reduced state control encourage development.
- Post-development theory challenges the idea that Western-style economic growth should be the goal for all societies.
Exam paragraph builder
Try turning two sorted cards into an exam paragraph: One theory argues… + This means… + For example… + However, this can be criticised because…
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