The Gap Between Rich And Poor: Contending Perspectives On The Political Economy Of Development

Increasing concern has been expressed by Third World leaders and international organizations alike over the growing gap between rich and poor nations. Between 1950 and 1980 alone, the per capita income gap between low-income and industrialized countries grew from $3,677 to $9,648. In addition, within the developing nations themselves, an ever-widening gap separates the rich from the poor.

Other evidence suggests that middle-income countries may be gaining on the rich countries. Some research...