Centrum-periferie en ontwikkeling: theoretische uitgangspunten

Samenvatting

The concepts of center and periphery have been used in the context of development in the third world. It has been held that it is necessary to develop certain centers in order to benefit the nation economically. An opposing viewpoint claims that development of the centers leads only to an increased difference between urban and rural, between rich and poor. The terms center and periphery are less culturally-bound than city and country, and the 2 sets of terms do not necessarily always refer to the same situation. The integration model approaches this issue in terms of functional interdependence, emphasizing the cultural aspect. The conflict model, on the other hand, speaks of power struggle and interest conflicts. The city is often a center of power, which may be the result of the fact that it needs produce from the country and thus must obtain power over the country to gain those items. At least in the framework of capitalist development, industrialization has meant increased political and economic power for the cities and continued rural exploitation. The use of the concept center-periphery is helpful in characterizing phenomena such as tribalism, patronage, and underdevelopment. Further work must involve a more precise formulation of center-periphery and city-country, as well as investigation into the origin of these conditions. P. Tiersma.