Global Inequalities Theoretical Perspectives From Global Inequalities by

Global Inequalities: Theoretical Perspectives From Global Inequalities, by York W. Bradshaw and Michael Wallace, 1996

Why Look To Theory? • • Abstract Disconnected from reality Philosophical Applicable Explanatory Illuminating Inform practice and action

Questions • 1. Why are some countries richer than others? • Why do some countries present more opportunities for their citizens than others?

Modernization Theory • Modern Vs. Traditional countries • Highlights inside actors / country traits • Underdeveloped countries are poor because they lack: – – Modern economies Modern psychological traits Modern cultures Modern institutions

1. Modern Vs. Traditional Economies • • • High industrialization Lg. middle class Food self-sufficiency Low unemployment Adv. technology Educated population • • • Low industrialization Sm. middle class Lack of food High unemployment Low technology Poorly educated population

2. Modern Vs. Traditional Psychological Traits • Hard working • Achievement oriented • Invest/save $$ • Be on time • • • Less hardworking Not goal oriented No saving/investing Not punctual Subsistence living Local/religious customs & values

3. Modern Institutions Vs. Traditional Systems • Judicial system • Educational system • Elected parliament or legislature • Fair elections (democracy) • • • Dictatorships One-party states Monarchies Military regimes Religious governments

Origins: Modernization T. • 1940 s and 1950 s (Post-WWII) • How can US & allies assist underdeveloped societies? • Could the 3 rd World become like 1 st World? • Could assistance to 3 rd World replicate the post-war rebuilding of Europe & Japan?

Goals of US Aid/Assistance • Economic Aid: To stimulate industrialization • Military Assistance: To stop the spread of communism

Criticisms • Is this theory accurate? • • Ethnocentrism US interests in foreign policy Global gaps growing Simplistic logic

World-Systems Theory • Emerged in late 1950 s-60 s • Explains inequalities by historical exploitation • Highlights external factors • Global economic realities help the rich countries at expense of poor countries

World System: 3 Parts • 1. Core: economic & political power, high standard of living • 2. Periphery: poor, weak, least industrialized • 3. Semiperiphery: Middle income, moderate industrialization/development

Exploitation Process Features • 1. Core nations have sought raw materials from non-core nations – Colonization • Core nations have sought cheap labor in colonial areas – Slavery

Did the exploitation of peripheral regions by core end with the close of colonial era?

Neocolonialism • Multinational Corporations (MNCs) – Slows economic development in poor countries – Harms quality of life in poor countries – Exploits women in poor countries – Increases political instability in poor countries • Other structures?

Criticisms • Is this theory accurate? • Simple logic: total blame on core countries • Exaggerated harm of MNCs • Does not fully explain: – International debt crisis – Wars (especially ethnic wars) – Environmental issues

Authors suggest theory that emphasizes 6 themes: • • • External and internal influences Include regional and community factors Ethnicity is important at every level More respect for non-Western cultures Place greater emphasis on vulnerable groups • Interdisciplinary examination of factors

Sustainability: A New Idea? • Sustainable development is “the development that meets the needs of present without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their own needs” (Brundtland Commision) • SD implies limits to growth (p. 8) • Combines social, economic, political, ecological, cultural and spiritual dimensions

Global Sustainability: North Vs. South Priorities North (on conservation and population control) South (on technology transfer, poverty, social issues, debt relief; access to market)

Theory and Practice • Do sustainable development projects effectively address global inequities? • http: //www. survival-international. org/campaigns/thereyougo