History of Development Thought: Explore the Evolution of Development Theories

Question 1

Which criticism of modernization theory is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

It assumes developing nations must follow the same development path as Western nations.

Answer

It focuses too much on economic growth and not enough on social and environmental factors.

Answer

It claims that all societies will eventually reach the same level of development.

Question 2

According to dependency theory, what is the main obstacle to development in developing countries?

Accepted Answer

Exploitation by developed nations

Answer

Colonial rule

Answer

Lack of investment

Answer

Poor education

Question 3

Which criticism highlights that modernization theory prioritizes **economic growth** over other aspects of development?

Accepted Answer

Its focus on economic growth as the primary indicator of development.

Answer

Its assumption that all societies follow a linear path towards development.

Answer

Its neglect of the role of culture and tradition in development processes.

Answer

Its emphasis on the need for external aid and intervention for development.

Question 4

Who is known as the 'father of dependency theory', arguing that underdeveloped countries are kept in a state of dependency by developed countries?

Accepted Answer

Andre Gunder Frank

Answer

Arturo Escobar

Answer

Walter Rodney

Answer

Amartya Sen

Question 5

Which principle underpins sustainable development, emphasizing the need to balance present and future generations' needs?

Accepted Answer

Meeting the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Answer

Maximizing economic growth at all costs.

Answer

Prioritizing environmental protection over all other considerations.

Answer

Promoting rapid industrialization as a path to development.

Question 6

What was the primary focus of the Bretton Woods Conference, held in 1944?

Accepted Answer

Creating a new international economic system

Answer

Establishing the United Nations

Answer

Negotiating a peace treaty to end World War II

Answer

Developing a plan for post-war reconstruction

Question 7

In the context of development studies, 'decolonization' primarily refers to:

Accepted Answer

The process of ending colonial rule and establishing political independence

Answer

The rejection of Western knowledge and ideas in development practices

Answer

The promotion of indigenous languages and cultures in development initiatives

Answer

The dismantling of economic and social structures imposed by colonialism

Question 8

Which element is central to the capability approach to development?

Accepted Answer

Focusing on the expansion of human capabilities

Answer

Measuring development in terms of material wealth

Answer

Prioritizing economic growth over all other considerations

Answer

Promoting individualism and self-reliance

Question 9

What was the primary aim of the Millennium Development Goals?

Accepted Answer

To eradicate poverty and improve living standards in developing countries

Answer

To promote international peace and security

Answer

To address environmental degradation and climate change

Answer

To foster economic growth and globalization

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a key concept of modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

Importance of traditional values

Answer

Diffusion of technology

Answer

Stage-based development model

Answer

Need for external assistance

Question 11

Who is considered the father of Dependency Theory?

Accepted Answer

Raul Prebisch

Answer

Amartya Sen

Answer

Robert McNamara

Answer

Milton Friedman

Question 12

Which development approach emphasizes local knowledge, participatory decision-making, and environmental sustainability?

Accepted Answer

Sustainable development

Answer

Post-colonialism

Answer

Neoliberalism

Answer

Human capabilities approach

Question 13

What is a criticism of trickle-down economics?

Accepted Answer

It widens economic inequality

Answer

It stifles innovation

Answer

It requires excessive government intervention

Answer

It promotes inflation

Question 14

Which international organization was established to promote economic development globally and reduce poverty?

Accepted Answer

World Bank

Answer

IMF

Answer

United Nations

Answer

World Health Organization

Question 15

Which principle is NOT a fundamental element of human rights-based development?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary participation

Answer

Universality

Answer

Indivisibility

Answer

Participation

Question 16

Which feature is NOT characteristic of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

Accepted Answer

Legally binding on all countries

Answer

Universal in scope

Answer

Time-bound with specific targets

Answer

Measurable with clear indicators

Question 17

Which of the following is a key indicator of human well-being that reflects life expectancy?

Accepted Answer

Life expectancy at birth

Answer

Gross domestic product (GDP)

Answer

Number of mobile phone users

Answer

Military spending

Question 18

Identify the primary criticism leveled against dependency theory.

Accepted Answer

Dependency theory excessively emphasizes external factors, downplaying the role of internal dynamics in developing countries.

Answer

Dependency theory fails to account for the diversity of experiences among developing countries.

Answer

Dependency theory is based on outdated assumptions about the global economy.

Answer

Dependency theory lacks empirical support and is overly ideological.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of modernization theory?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on participatory development and community empowerment

Answer

Belief in the superiority of Western values and institutions

Answer

Focus on economic growth as the primary indicator of progress

Question 20

Who is considered the father of dependency theory and formulated the concept of center-periphery divide in global economic relations?

Accepted Answer

Raul Prebisch

Answer

Amartya Sen

Answer

Walt Rostow

Answer

Thomas Malthus

Question 21

What was the primary objective of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)?

Accepted Answer

To combat extreme poverty, hunger, disease, and illiteracy, and improve maternal and child health

Answer

To promote economic growth in developing countries

Answer

To address climate change and environmental degradation

Question 22

Who is credited with popularizing the term 'sustainable development'?

Accepted Answer

Gro Harlem Brundtland

Answer

Amartya Sen

Answer

Robert McNamara

Answer

Ignacy Sachs

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a pillar of sustainable development?

Accepted Answer

Rapid economic growth at all costs

Answer

Social equity

Answer

Cultural diversity

Answer

Environmental protection

Question 24

What is a key characteristic of participatory development?

Accepted Answer

Empowerment of local communities to actively participate in decision-making and implementation of development initiatives

Answer

Emphasis on rapid economic growth without regard to social or environmental consequences

Answer

Focus on top-down planning and implementation by external experts

Question 25

Which of the following is a criticism of the 'trickle-down' theory of development?

Accepted Answer

Benefits may not reach the poorest and most vulnerable populations, leading to increased inequality

Answer

It promotes social equality and cohesion

Answer

It stimulates economic growth and innovation

Question 26

What is a key difference between 'aid' and 'investment' in development contexts?

Accepted Answer

Aid is typically provided without expectation of financial return, while investment involves an expectation of profit or other financial benefits

Answer

Aid is always multilateral, while investment can be bilateral or multilateral

Answer

Investment always has a positive impact on development, while aid can have negative consequences