Answer to Question 1
Answer: An introduction that identifies the three negative elements and discusses why humanizing development in important (5 points)
Negative elements: 1. extreme inequality; 2. poverty; 3. environmental destruction; 4. unbalanced power in the hands of multinational corporations; 5. destruction of infrastructures (roads, schools, etc.); 6. Less time for family and community; 7. tension between countries.
Body that describes the three negative elements in more detail (why they are negative), gives examples, and at least one specific suggestion for humanizing development (15 points)
Sernau discusses the following elements for change: 1. taming the markets; 2. promoting equality and opportunity; 3. limiting wasteful and destructive choices; 4. agreeing on social solutions. Could also include Millennial Goals as outlined in the chapter.
He ends the chapter with collective action, through effective government provision of health, education, infrastructure, as well as foreign assistance when needed, underpins economic success.
Conclusion that summarizes the main idea and suggests a future direction (5 points)
Bonus Points for tying essay in with other concepts within the chapter (5 possible)
This ties in with the third way economics which calls for a small, but active government that promotes trade while also protecting the rights of workers and those on the periphery. It also suggests that key elements of both modernization (modernizing institutions to ensure equal opportunity) and dependency (taming market forces) theories are necessary to humanize development.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: Key elements of modernization theory (5 points):
People have always been poor and to break free from the cycle of poverty, they need
1. Modern technology;
2. modern ideas;
3. modern institutions.
Key elements of dependency theory (5 points):
Poverty and misery have been exported by industrialized countries as poorer countries were
1. Exploited (raw goods were taken cheaply and finished goods were sold at high prices.);
2. dominated (corporations and wealthy nations dictate the terms of trade, debt, etc.);
3. distortion (poorer countries are no longer self-sufficient, they are structured to serve the needs of the wealthier nations/corporations, so local needs go unmet).
Noting differences using examples (5 points): They differ in where they lay the blame for inequality and poverty. Modernization lays blame on culture, people, and lack of resources. Dependency theories lay blame on structural inequalities.
Noting similarities using examples (5 points): Similarly, neither theory is entirely valid given the current status of the world: modernization theorists are still waiting for promised progress and dependency theorists are still searching for reasonable alternatives.