Introduction to Human Geography
(GEOH1614)
Lecture 20: Economic Development Theories
Dr Regis Musavengane
Objectives
▫ By the end of this lesson students should be able to
understand the:
i. Modernisation Theory
ii. Core-Periphery Model
iii. Dependency Theory
iv. World System Theory
v. Strategies for development
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Modernisation Theory – Walter Rostow (1960)
Modernisation theory explains the process of transformation from traditional,
agrarian societies to modern, industrial ones.
It posits that economic development and social change occur in a linear
progression, driven by technological advancement and cultural shifts.
Linear Progression
Modernisation theory suggests that all societies progress through similar
stages of development, moving from traditional to modern states.
Development is seen as a one-way process, where societies must adopt
modern practices to achieve growth.
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Modernisation Theory:
Stages of Economic Development
1. Traditional Society - Characterised by subsistence agriculture,
limited technology, and rigid social structures.
2. Pre-Conditions for Take-Off - Introduction of infrastructure,
education, and investment, setting the stage for industrial
growth.
3. Take-Off - Rapid industrialization and economic growth occur,
with increased investment and innovation.
4. Drive to Maturity - Economic diversification and growth lead to
a more complex economy, with improvements in living
standards.
5. Age of High Mass Consumption - Shift towards consumer-
oriented economies, characterized by high levels of
consumption and service industries.
6. The post-industrial stage is marked by the rise of services that
replace secondary activities as the principal sector of the 4
economy.
Modernisation Theory:
Economic Development Forces
Technology is viewed as a key driver of modernization.
Advances in technology foster productivity, efficiency, and
economic growth.
The adoption of modern technologies is essential for
transitioning to an industrialised economy.
Culture Change - The theory posits that economic
development is accompanied by cultural shifts, including
changes in values, norms, and social structures.
Emphasis on individualism, rationality, and secularism is often
seen as part of the modernization process.
Economic growth is considered a prerequisite for social
change. Increased wealth leads to improvements in
education, health, and infrastructure.
Development is viewed as a cumulative process, where each
stage builds upon the previous one. 5
Modernisation Theory:
Stages of Economic Development
economy.
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The Core-Periphery Theory
The Core-Periphery Theory, developed
by sociologist Immanuel Wallerstein in
the 1970s, describes the relationship
between economically developed "core"
regions and less developed "periphery"
regions within a global economic
system.
The theory posits that resources,
wealth, and power are distributed
unevenly, leading to dependency and
exploitation of peripheral areas by core
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regions.
The Core-Periphery Theory:
South Africa Context
Core Regions
Gauteng Province - As the economic powerhouse of South Africa, Gauteng is home to major cities like Johannesburg
and Pretoria. It is characterised by high levels of industrialisation, finance, and services. The province attracts
significant domestic and foreign investment and is the hub of economic activity.
Western Cape - Centred around Cape Town, this region also serves as a core area due to its developed infrastructure,
tourism, and agricultural sectors. It is a key player in trade and commerce.
Periphery Regions:
Eastern Cape - This province struggles with high unemployment rates and poverty. It is primarily reliant on agriculture
and has limited industrial development. The region experiences significant out-migration as residents seek better
opportunities in core areas.
Northern Cape - While rich in mineral resources (e.g., diamonds, copper), the Northern Cape is economically
marginalised, with many communities facing challenges related to infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Semi-Periphery:
KwaZulu-Natal - This province exhibits semi-peripheral characteristics, with urban centres like Durban showing some
industrial growth. However, it still faces challenges such as inequality and high unemployment, especially in rural 8
areas.
The Core-Periphery Theory:
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The Dependency Theory
Dependency theory is a socio-economic
theory that explains persistent poverty
and underdevelopment in certain
countries as a direct consequence of their
historical and economic dependence on
developed nations.
It emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as a
critique of modernisation theory,
emphasizing that global inequalities are
sustained through exploitative
relationships.
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The Dependency Theory
Africa perspectives
Historical Context
Dependency theory highlights the historical impact of colonialism in Africa, where
European powers established exploitative economic systems that prioritised resource
extraction.
Countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) experienced significant
exploitation during colonial rule, which set the stage for ongoing dependency.
Core and Periphery
Core nations are developed countries, while peripheral nations are developing countries
heavily reliant on exporting raw materials.
South Africa, as a relatively developed African nation (core), contrasts with countries like
Malawi or Mozambique (periphery), which primarily export agricultural products and raw
materials. 11
The Dependency Theory
Africa perspectives
Economic Exploitation
Peripheral countries often export cheap raw materials while importing expensive manufactured goods,
creating an unfavourable trade balance.
Zambia historically relied on copper exports to countries like China and the UK, facing fluctuating prices
and dependency on foreign markets for economic stability.
Structural Inequality
The global economic system is structured to benefit core nations, leading to persistent inequalities.
Many African countries are burdened with debt to international financial institutions, which hinders their
ability to invest in domestic development and social programs.
Underdevelopment as a Result
Underdevelopment is seen as a consequence of exploitation rather than a stage of development.
The Central African Republic remains one of the poorest nations, with its underdevelopment linked to a
history of exploitation and political instability influenced by external powers. 12
World-System Theory
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Further Reading and Videos
Rowstow’s Stages of Economic Development &
Wallerstein’s Theory -
[Link]
Dependency Theory -
[Link]
Modernisation Theory -
[Link]
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