DVA3701
Assignment 4 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 17 April 2026
The Enduring Nature of Poverty in South Africa: A Marxist and Dependency Theory
Analysis with Pathways for Change
1. Introduction
Poverty in contemporary South Africa remains deep and widespread despite political
freedom and democratic governance. Many people still struggle with unemployment,
inequality, and limited access to basic services. To understand why this situation continues,
it is important to look beyond surface-level explanations and consider structural causes
rooted in history and the global economy. Marxist and dependency theories provide useful
tools for analysing these deeper causes.
Marxism focuses on class relations, exploitation, and how capitalism concentrates wealth in
the hands of a few. Dependency theory builds on this by showing how global economic
systems disadvantage poorer countries and keep them dependent on wealthier ones. These
theories help explain why poverty is not simply the result of individual failure but is shaped
by long-standing systems of inequality.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
The Enduring Nature of Poverty in South Africa: A Marxist and Dependency
Theory Analysis with Pathways for Change
1. Introduction
Poverty in contemporary South Africa remains deep and widespread despite political
freedom and democratic governance. Many people still struggle with unemployment,
inequality, and limited access to basic services. To understand why this situation
continues, it is important to look beyond surface-level explanations and consider
structural causes rooted in history and the global economy. Marxist and dependency
theories provide useful tools for analysing these deeper causes.
Marxism focuses on class relations, exploitation, and how capitalism concentrates
wealth in the hands of a few. Dependency theory builds on this by showing how
global economic systems disadvantage poorer countries and keep them dependent
on wealthier ones. These theories help explain why poverty is not simply the result of
individual failure but is shaped by long-standing systems of inequality.
In South Africa, the legacy of colonialism and apartheid continues to influence
patterns of wealth and poverty. Scholars such as Arrighi and others highlight how
land dispossession and racial capitalism created structural inequalities that persist
today. Bond also shows how modern financial systems continue to trap many people
in cycles of debt and poverty.
This discussion explores how Marxist and dependency perspectives explain poverty
both globally and within South Africa, and then considers possible solutions that
could address these ongoing challenges.
2. Marxist and Dependency Theories on Development and Poverty
2.1 Marxist Perspective on Development and Poverty
Marxist theory explains poverty as a result of exploitation within capitalist systems.
According to this view, society is divided into classes, mainly the bourgeoisie who
own the means of production and the proletariat who sell their labour. The owners
make profits by paying workers less than the value they produce. This difference is
Assignment 4 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 17 April 2026
The Enduring Nature of Poverty in South Africa: A Marxist and Dependency Theory
Analysis with Pathways for Change
1. Introduction
Poverty in contemporary South Africa remains deep and widespread despite political
freedom and democratic governance. Many people still struggle with unemployment,
inequality, and limited access to basic services. To understand why this situation continues,
it is important to look beyond surface-level explanations and consider structural causes
rooted in history and the global economy. Marxist and dependency theories provide useful
tools for analysing these deeper causes.
Marxism focuses on class relations, exploitation, and how capitalism concentrates wealth in
the hands of a few. Dependency theory builds on this by showing how global economic
systems disadvantage poorer countries and keep them dependent on wealthier ones. These
theories help explain why poverty is not simply the result of individual failure but is shaped
by long-standing systems of inequality.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
The Enduring Nature of Poverty in South Africa: A Marxist and Dependency
Theory Analysis with Pathways for Change
1. Introduction
Poverty in contemporary South Africa remains deep and widespread despite political
freedom and democratic governance. Many people still struggle with unemployment,
inequality, and limited access to basic services. To understand why this situation
continues, it is important to look beyond surface-level explanations and consider
structural causes rooted in history and the global economy. Marxist and dependency
theories provide useful tools for analysing these deeper causes.
Marxism focuses on class relations, exploitation, and how capitalism concentrates
wealth in the hands of a few. Dependency theory builds on this by showing how
global economic systems disadvantage poorer countries and keep them dependent
on wealthier ones. These theories help explain why poverty is not simply the result of
individual failure but is shaped by long-standing systems of inequality.
In South Africa, the legacy of colonialism and apartheid continues to influence
patterns of wealth and poverty. Scholars such as Arrighi and others highlight how
land dispossession and racial capitalism created structural inequalities that persist
today. Bond also shows how modern financial systems continue to trap many people
in cycles of debt and poverty.
This discussion explores how Marxist and dependency perspectives explain poverty
both globally and within South Africa, and then considers possible solutions that
could address these ongoing challenges.
2. Marxist and Dependency Theories on Development and Poverty
2.1 Marxist Perspective on Development and Poverty
Marxist theory explains poverty as a result of exploitation within capitalist systems.
According to this view, society is divided into classes, mainly the bourgeoisie who
own the means of production and the proletariat who sell their labour. The owners
make profits by paying workers less than the value they produce. This difference is
