Heimler 7.5 Theories of Development
This assignment consists of multiple-choice questions designed to assess your understanding of various theories of development, including Rostow’s Stages of Economic Growth, Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory, dependency theory, and commodity dependence. These theories help explain spatial variations in development across the globe. Each question will require you to apply your knowledge of these theories to specific contexts, reflecting the style of the AP Human Geography exam.
Group 1
Use the excerpt on Rostow’s Stages of Economic Growth to answer the following questions.
Rostow’s Stages of Economic Growth is a model that outlines five stages through which countries pass as they develop economically. The stages are: 1) Traditional Society, 2) Preconditions for Take-off, 3) Take-off, 4) Drive to Maturity, and 5) Age of High Mass Consumption.
Question 1a
Which of the following best describes the final stage in Rostow’s Stages of Economic Growth?
A society characterized by mass consumption and a high standard of living.
A society focused on agricultural production and subsistence farming.
A society beginning to develop infrastructure and industrialization.
A society experiencing rapid industrial growth and urbanization.
A society in the early stages of economic development.
Question 1b
What is a major criticism of Rostow’s model?
It assumes all countries will follow the same path of development.
It accurately predicts the economic future of all countries.
It focuses too much on the role of colonialism in economic development.
It overemphasizes the importance of agricultural development.
It ignores the role of global trade in economic growth.
Group 2
Use the excerpt on Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory to answer the following questions.
Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory divides countries into core, semi-peripheral, and peripheral categories based on their level of industrialization and economic power. Core countries are highly industrialized and economically dominant, while peripheral countries are less developed and often exploited by core countries.
Question 2a
According to Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory, what characterizes core countries?
They are highly industrialized and economically dominant.
They rely heavily on agricultural exports.
They are newly industrialized and rapidly growing.
They have limited access to global markets.
They are primarily focused on subsistence farming.
Question 2b
Which of the following is a limitation of Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory?
It does not account for the rise of semi-peripheral countries.
It suggests that peripheral countries cannot improve their status.
It accurately predicts the economic future of all countries.
It overemphasizes the role of technology in development.
It ignores the historical context of colonialism.
Group 3
Use the excerpt on Dependency Theory to answer the following questions.
Dependency theory suggests that peripheral countries are economically disadvantaged due to historical exploitation by core countries, often through colonialism and neocolonialism.
Question 3a
What does dependency theory primarily attribute the economic struggles of peripheral countries to?
Historical exploitation by core countries.
Lack of natural resources.
Over-reliance on technology.
Cultural differences.
Geographical isolation.
Question 3b
Which of the following is a strength of dependency theory?
It highlights the ongoing effects of colonialism on economic development.
It assumes all countries will eventually become developed.
It focuses solely on internal factors affecting development.
It provides a clear path for economic growth for all countries.
It ignores the role of global trade in economic growth.
Group 4
Use the excerpt on Commodity Dependence to answer the following questions.
Commodity dependence refers to economies that rely heavily on the export of raw materials and agricultural products. Such economies are vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices.
Question 4a
What is a major risk for countries that are heavily dependent on commodity exports?
Vulnerability to fluctuations in global commodity prices.
Over-reliance on technology for economic growth.
Lack of access to international markets.
Excessive diversification of their economies.
Rapid industrialization and urbanization.
Question 4b
Which of the following is a limitation of commodity dependence as a theory of development?
It does not account for the role of industrialization in economic growth.
It assumes all countries will eventually become developed.
It focuses solely on internal factors affecting development.
It provides a clear path for economic growth for all countries.
It ignores the historical context of colonialism.
Group 5
Answer the following questions based on your understanding of the theories discussed.
Question 5a
Which theory best explains the economic relationship between former colonial powers and their colonies?
Dependency theory.
Rostow’s Stages of Economic Growth.
Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory.
Commodity dependence.
Modernization theory.
Question 5b
Which theory emphasizes the role of historical and economic exploitation in explaining spatial variations in development?
Dependency theory.
Rostow’s Stages of Economic Growth.
Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory.
Commodity dependence.
Modernization theory.
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