dependency theory

[/dɪˈpɛndənsi ˈθɪəri/]
nounpl: dependency theories
teoria da dependência
1. A sociological and economic theory that explains how wealthy nations exploit developing countries, creating a system of economic dependence where poor nations remain subordinate to rich ones
Dependency theory emerged in the 1960s to explain why Latin American countries remained economically underdeveloped despite efforts at modernization.
A teoria da dependência surgiu nos anos 1960 para explicar por que os países latino-americanos permaneciam economicamente subdesenvolvidos apesar dos esforços de modernização.
2. An analytical framework suggesting that the economic development of poor countries is constrained by their structural relationship with wealthy core nations
According to dependency theory, peripheral nations cannot achieve self-sustained development while serving as sources of raw materials for the core countries.
De acordo com a teoria da dependência, as nações periféricas não podem alcançar desenvolvimento autossustentável enquanto servem como fontes de matérias-primas para os países centrais.
Dependency theory was highly influential in Brazil and Latin America during the 1960s-1980s, shaping debates about development and colonialism. In Brazil specifically, scholars like Celso Furtado and Fernando Henrique Cardoso engaged deeply with these ideas. While less dominant in mainstream U.S. economics, it remains important in critical development studies and postcolonial theory globally. The theory reflects Latin American intellectuals' attempts to understand persistent economic inequalities.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
structural dependencyeconomic dependency frameworkperiphery-core theory
Antonyms / Antônimos
modernization theoryneoliberalismfree market theory

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
teoria da dependência
Standard academic and economic term widely used in Brazilian universities and policy discussions
Latin America
teoría de la dependencia
The theory was originally developed and extensively studied by Latin American scholars, particularly from ECLAC (CEPAL)
Portugal
teoria da dependência
Used in academic contexts, often discussed in relation to Portuguese colonial history and postcolonial development
United States
dependency theory
More common in academic discourse than popular usage; often debated in development economics and international relations

Related Words

development economicsimperialismcolonialismeconomic inequalityglobal southworld systems theoryperipheral economies

Related Idioms & Phrases

caught in the cycle of dependency
perpetuate dependence
break the chains of dependency
structural imbalance
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