The sociology of development and underdevelopment is widely-reflected in nowadays rapidly-changing world. The review of the countries of the globe shows that social inequality tends to become more evident despite various attempts to address this challenge. Frank emphasizes that history plays an integral part in the identification of key causes of such an inequality (76). Indeed, modern studies reveal some hitherto unknown details and categories that help to understand one or the other phenomenon. For example, the so-called egalitarian revolution made a huge impact on the distribution of resources, thus leading to increased social injustice. This was discovered in the course of historical research.
Furthermore, the capitalist revolution caused even the greater bias between wealthy and poor people and between developed and developing regions of the globe. The capitalist system was later implemented in the most underdeveloped countries in an attempt to improve their living standards yet not so successful as it was in the developed ones. For example, it was discovered that the core reason for Latin America’s underdevelopment lies in the satellite form of its development. Acting as beneficial providers of various products at their golden age, these countries had to develop underdevelopment they continue today as well. The mentioned examples illustrate that there is a need to promote an in-depth study, analysis, and interpretation of the history of those nations that live in the developing regions. In particular, precise attention is to be paid to the consistent approach while studying the historical processes of a certain country. As a result, the development of underdevelopment of such countries as Brazil, Chile, and any other would be available to be understood and enhanced.
The history of development is largely based on the Western attitudes related to the making of a world system. This especially concerns the period that begins from colonization and lasts nowadays. Considering the ideas of Rist who elaborates on the post-development theory, it is possible to note that such a notion as globalization roots from the West (47). The author emphasizes that the so-called Western powers were seeking their benefits while promoting development in the underdeveloped regions (Rist 92). Indeed, the majority of the products and services offered by globalization came from the West, thus allowing to manage the rest of the world to some extent. For example, popular iPhones, innovative computers, and publicized drinks are known and used in the most underdeveloped areas. In other words, the Western world shares not only its services and products but also the way of thinking and living, thus blurring the national boundaries.
Another example that can be mentioned in the framework of post-development theory relates to the League of Nations which acts as the key regulator of international collaboration. Under such intentions, this organization initiates interventions all over the world, legitimating this in the context of internationalization. It is important to note that the League of Nations promoted the conclusion of the Treaty of Versailles which can be regarded as a significant achievement. The investigation of the processes of social development at the turn of the 20th century evolved the emergence of various theories of post-development, including post-industrial, post-capitalist, post-economic, etc. Thus, it becomes evident that the developing countries are under strong impact of the Western powers that specify the way they are trying to address their underdevelopment.
Works Cited
Frank, Andre Gunder. The Development of Underdevelopment. Monthly Review Press, 1969.
Rist, Gilbert. The History of Development. Zed Books, 2005.