After Jamaica gained independence from its colonial ruler, Britain, it was able to develop its banana industry by having access to the banana market in Britain. How would a dependency theorist describe this process?
A) exploitation
B) colonialism
C) dependent development
D) underdevelopment

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A dependency theorist would argue that this process demonstrates dependent development, where Jamaica's economy is still reliant on exports to its former colonizer, Britain. The development of the banana industry was not autonomous but rather occurred due to the existing economic and political power structure that had been set up during colonialism. While Jamaica gained independence, it continued to be economically dependent on Britain. However, the other options don't fully capture this dynamic. Exploitation and underdevelopment both suggest a negative dynamic, but the question doesn't provide enough information to say if that's the case here. Colonialism is also not the best fit because the colonial period has ended -- the question is asking specifically about post-colonial Jamaica.

After Jamaica Gained Independence from Its Colonial Ruler, Britain, It