Unequal exchange

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The unequal exchange is a term from the dependency theory and related world system theory , which describes an imbalance in the exchange of goods between the peripheral regions and the core regions (which correspond to developing countries and industrialized countries in the modernization theory ). The international division of labor therefore leads to an unequal exchange of goods at the expense of the Third World . Due to the export structure, which is concentrated on raw materials, the peripheral regions are integrated into an international system, the structure of which is characterized by its dependence on the industrial centers. Products with a high level of knowledge and machinery from the highly developed core regions generate higher prices (and wages) than the export-oriented export of raw materials and simpler mass-produced goods (e.g. clothing, electronic devices) from the (semi) peripheral regions.

etymology

The term unequal exchange has its origin in the world system theory . In the original meaning, the appropriation of surplus value produced in the periphery by the center is meant. The decisive aspects of this appropriation are the different strengths of the nation states and the different political intervention powers .

causes

The reasons for the unequal exchange are the different influence of the nation states , the low level of education and the low level of industrialization, as well as backlogs in mechanization or technologization in the developing countries.

Another reason for the unequal exchange is the capitalist economic system, which, according to Max Weber, is “the pursuit of profit and always renewed profit in the individual capitalist enterprise identical to capitalism”. The competitive struggle, the struggle for material status and the striving for a constantly growing economy in order to gain profit from it in any way leads to an unequal exchange relationship between the various countries.

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