Named sociologists matter in AQA Global Development because they help students move beyond vague theory summaries. It is one thing to say “modernisation theory argues that countries should industrialise”; it is stronger to connect that to Rostow’s five stages of growth. It is one thing to say “dependency theory blames exploitation”; it is stronger to link this to Andre Gunder Frank’s argument that wealthy countries develop through the underdevelopment of poorer countries.
This activity is designed to help students practise quick knowledge retrieval of key theorists across the Global Development topic. The attached checklist highlights theorists such as Rostow, Frank, Wallerstein, Escobar, Sachs, Hayek and Moyo as useful names for theories of development, aid, trade, global inequality and post-development critiques.
The aim is not just to memorise names. Students should be able to explain what each theorist argues, which wider theory they fit into, and how their ideas might be used in an exam answer. For example, Rostow can be used to explain modernisation theory, Frank can be used to criticise capitalist exploitation, Wallerstein helps explain the global core, semi-periphery and periphery, while Escobar challenges the whole idea that Western-style “development” should be treated as the goal for every society.
This activity tests AO1 knowledge retrieval first: can students match the correct theorist to the correct argument? However, the feedback also encourages AO3 evaluation, because students are asked to think about limitations. Is Rostow too Western-centred? Does Frank underplay internal factors? Does Moyo’s critique of aid ignore cases where aid may improve health or education? These kinds of judgement points help students move from simple recall towards stronger exam-ready analysis.
This activity helps you revise key named sociologists and thinkers in the AQA Global Development topic. You will match theorists such as Rostow, Frank, Wallerstein, Escobar, Sachs, Hayek and Moyo to their arguments about development, underdevelopment, aid, trade, markets and global inequality. This is mainly a knowledge retrieval task, but the feedback will also help you think about how each theorist can be evaluated in an exam answer. As you work through the cards, ask yourself: which theory does this thinker fit with, what is their main argument, and how could I use them in a 10-mark or 20-mark answer?
Global Development Theorist Match-Up
Match each argument to the correct theorist or thinker. This activity is designed to strengthen your knowledge of named sociologists and development thinkers, especially those linked to modernisation theory, dependency theory, world-systems theory, neo-liberalism, aid debates and post-development theory.
Modernisation
Focuses on industrialisation, growth, investment, education and movement away from traditional society.
Dependency
Focuses on colonialism, unequal trade, core-periphery exploitation and neo-colonial control.
Aid and markets
Debates whether aid, free markets, trade or state intervention are most likely to create development.
Post-development
Questions Western definitions of development and values local knowledge, culture and alternatives.
Revision summary: key theorists
- Rostow — modernisation theory; five stages of growth from traditional society to mass consumption.
- Parsons — traditional values may limit development; modern values encourage achievement and change.
- Frank — dependency theory; rich countries develop through the underdevelopment of poorer countries.
- Wallerstein — world-systems theory; core, semi-periphery and periphery.
- Escobar — post-development; Western development discourse can dominate poorer societies.
- Sachs — targeted aid and investment can help countries escape poverty traps.
- Hayek — free markets and limited state intervention are central to economic freedom.
- Moyo — long-term aid can create dependency and weaken development.
- Chang — criticises free-market hypocrisy; rich countries often used protection before promoting free trade to others.
- Boserup — population growth can stimulate innovation rather than simply causing crisis.
Exam paragraph builder
Try this structure after completing the activity: “[Theorist] argues that…” + “This links to [theory] because…” + “For example…” + “However, this can be criticised because…”
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