André Gunder Frank

Definition

André Gunder Frank was a prominent sociologist and economist known for his critical perspective on global capitalism and his development of dependency theory. He argued that underdevelopment in some countries is a direct result of their exploitation by more developed nations, challenging the notion that these countries are simply at an earlier stage of development. His work emphasized the structural inequalities in the global economic system and how these contribute to ongoing patterns of poverty and dependency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Frank's seminal work, 'Capitalism and Underdevelopment in Latin America,' published in 1967, laid the foundation for dependency theory and criticized modernization theory.
2. He believed that the world economy is divided into core, semi-periphery, and periphery nations, with the latter two being exploited by core nations for resources and labor.
3. Frank argued that foreign investments often do not benefit the local economies but instead create cycles of dependency and inequality.
4. His ideas contributed to a shift in how scholars and policymakers view development, moving away from Eurocentric models towards a focus on structural inequalities.
5. Frank's theories have had lasting impacts on development studies and discussions around global inequality, shaping debates about trade, aid, and economic policies.

Review Questions

• How did André Gunder Frank's ideas challenge traditional views of economic development?
  • André Gunder Frank's ideas challenged traditional views of economic development by rejecting the notion that underdeveloped countries are merely at an earlier stage of development. Instead, he argued that their economic struggles stem from systematic exploitation by more developed nations. His work emphasized the importance of understanding historical contexts and structural inequalities in analyzing global economic relations.
• In what ways did Frank's dependency theory reshape discussions about international economic relations?
  • Frank's dependency theory reshaped discussions about international economic relations by highlighting how core nations exploit peripheral countries through mechanisms like unequal trade relationships and foreign investment. This perspective shifted the focus from viewing underdevelopment as a failure of local governance to recognizing it as a consequence of global capitalism. It also encouraged policymakers to consider alternatives to traditional development strategies that often perpetuate inequality.
• Evaluate the significance of André Gunder Frank's contributions to understanding global inequality in the context of historical exploitation.
  • André Gunder Frank's contributions are significant because they provide a critical framework for understanding global inequality rooted in historical exploitation. By illustrating how colonial legacies and current capitalist practices maintain disparities between nations, his theories urge us to reevaluate policies that address poverty and development. Frank's work not only helps explain contemporary issues but also prompts debates about justice and equity in global economics, making it essential for anyone studying international relations.

Related terms

Dependency Theory:

A theoretical framework suggesting that resources flow from peripheral countries to core countries, leading to the latter's wealth at the expense of the former.

World-Systems Theory: A sociological perspective that views the world as a complex system structured by economic, political, and social interactions on a global scale.

Underdevelopment:

A condition where a nation lacks sufficient economic growth, infrastructure, and social services, often due to historical exploitation and external influences.