Answer to Question #192549 in Political Science for December

Question

Which one of the following options does not constitute a core assumption of dependency 

theory in the context of Africa? (Please consult the Matunhu article available on ‘e-

reserves’)

1. Structural dependency has many stages that are arranged in a linear fashion. In other 

words, dependency at the macro level whereby the West exploits Africa for its cheap labour 

and natural resources is replicated internally since those in urban centres exploit poor 

people in rural areas, and at a more micro-level, where employers oppress workers. 

2. The actual process of colonization was not merely about exploitation, but was geared 

towards the repatriation of profits from Africa to the metropole in Europe. 

3. In order to gain a clear and accurate understanding of the nature of dependency in Africa 

(and the developing world in general), we need to analyse underdevelopment on the 

continent within its own context.

4. Options 2 and 3.

5. All of the above.

Answer 1

Option 2