What is the primary concern of dependency theory?

Dependency theory primarily focuses on the exploitation of developing countries within the global economic system. This theory posits that the economic conditions of these nations are significantly influenced by historical and ongoing relationships with wealthier nations. It suggests that developing countries are often kept in a state of economic dependence, serving primarily as sources of raw materials and cheap labor for more industrialized nations. This unequal exchange limits the ability of developing countries to achieve sustainable growth and leads to persistent poverty and underdevelopment.

In contrast, the other options—education inequality, cultural assimilation, and global health issues—while important social topics, do not encapsulate the main premise of dependency theory. These issues can certainly exist within the broader context of global development, but they do not directly address the emphasis on economic exploitation and dependency that is central to dependency theory.