Lesson: Andre Gunder Frank’s Theory of Underdevelopment

Objective: To understand Andre Gunder Frank’s theory of underdevelopment and its relevance in explaining the economic disparities between developed and underdeveloped countries.

Introduction: - Begin the lesson by asking the students if they are aware of the economic differences between developed and underdeveloped countries. - Explain that Andre Gunder Frank was a prominent economist who developed a theory to explain why some countries remain underdeveloped while others progress economically. - State the objective of the lesson: to understand Frank’s theory of underdevelopment and its relevance in explaining economic disparities.

Main Body:

1. Understanding Andre Gunder Frank’s Theory: - Explain that Frank’s theory of underdevelopment suggests that underdeveloped countries are not simply “less developed” versions of developed countries, but rather they have been historically and systematically exploited by the developed countries. - Discuss how Frank argues that underdevelopment is not a natural state but a result of the historical and ongoing exploitation of resources, labor, and markets by the developed countries. - Emphasize that Frank’s theory challenges the traditional view that underdeveloped countries are solely responsible for their own economic backwardness.

2. Factors Contributing to Underdevelopment: - Discuss the factors that Frank identifies as contributing to underdevelopment: a. Colonialism: Explain how the colonization of underdeveloped countries by European powers resulted in the extraction of resources and the establishment of exploitative economic systems. b. Unequal Trade Relations: Discuss how underdeveloped countries often face unfavorable terms of trade, where they export raw materials at low prices and import manufactured goods at high prices. c. Dependency: Explain how underdeveloped countries become dependent on developed countries for technology, capital, and markets, which perpetuates their underdevelopment. d. Debt Burden: Discuss how underdeveloped countries often accumulate significant external debts, which limits their ability to invest in development projects.

3. Examples of Underdeveloped Countries: - Provide relevant examples of underdeveloped countries to illustrate Frank’s theory: a. Haiti: Explain how Haiti, despite being the first independent nation in Latin America, has faced a history of colonization, exploitation, and political instability, resulting in widespread poverty and underdevelopment. b. Democratic Republic of Congo: Discuss how the Congo’s rich natural resources have been exploited by foreign powers, leading to ongoing conflicts and economic underdevelopment. c. Bangladesh: Explain how Bangladesh, despite its significant population and potential, faces challenges such as limited access to education, high poverty rates, and vulnerability to climate change.

Conclusion: - Recap the main points discussed in the lesson, emphasizing Andre Gunder Frank’s theory of underdevelopment and its relevance in explaining economic disparities. - Encourage students to think critically about the factors contributing to underdevelopment and the potential implications for global economic justice. - Conclude by highlighting the importance of understanding theories like Frank’s to foster a more equitable and sustainable world.