Flowers

 

Dependency Theory

Dependency Theory

Definition: Dependency theory is a framework used in social sciences, particularly in economics and political science, to understand the economic development of countries. It argues that resources flow from a "periphery" of poor and underdeveloped states to a "core" of wealthy states, enriching the latter at the expense of the former.

Origin and Background

• Emerged in the 1950s–1970s as a critique of modernization theory.

• Strongly influenced by Marxist thought.

• Developed primarily by scholars from Latin America, such as Raúl Prebisch, Andre Gunder Frank, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, and Samir Amin.

Key Assumptions of Dependency Theory

World is Divided into Core and Periphery

Core countries (developed): Industrialized, wealthy, and politically powerful.

Periphery countries (developing): Poor, less industrialized, and dependent on core countries.

Unequal Exchange

Peripheral countries export raw materials and import expensive finished goods, resulting in trade imbalances.

Structural Inequality

The global economic system is structured to benefit the core countries while keeping the periphery dependent.

Dependency is Historical

Dependency originates from colonialism and continues through neo-colonial economic and political systems.

Limited Development

Peripheral countries cannot achieve genuine development while remaining economically dependent on core countries.

Types of Dependency

• Colonial Dependency – direct political control and exploitation.

• Financial-Industrial Dependency – economic control through capital and investments.

• Technological Dependency – reliance on foreign technology and knowledge systems.

Criticisms of Dependency Theory

Too Deterministic

Suggests that development is impossible without breaking ties with the core, which may not always be true.

Success Stories Contradict Theory

Countries like South Korea and Singapore have developed through global integration.

Neglects Internal Factors

Focuses mainly on external dependency and often ignores domestic issues like corruption and poor governance.

Outdated in the Globalized Era

Modern globalization has increased interdependence rather than one-sided dependency.

Relevance Today

Though criticized, dependency theory remains relevant in analyzing global inequalities, debt crises, and the impact of multinational corporations in developing countries.

It also inspires alternative development strategies such as self-reliance, regional cooperation, and economic diversification.

Dependency theory provides a critical perspective on global economic relations, emphasizing how historical and structural imbalances shape development outcomes. While it may not fully explain all development paths, it remains a vital tool in understanding persistent poverty and inequality in the global South.

Codes in film

 

In film, codes are systems or conventions used to convey meaning to the audience. Here's a breakdown of each type of code.

1. Technical Codes

These refer to how the film is made — the technical aspects of filmmaking.

• Camera angles (e.g., close-ups for emotion, low angles for power)

• Lighting (e.g., low lighting for mystery, bright for happiness)

• Editing (e.g., fast cuts for action, slow pace for drama)

• Framing (e.g., what’s included/excluded in a shot)

• Special effects

Purpose: Helps create mood, guide focus, and support storytelling.

2. Symbolic Codes

These are deeper meanings conveyed through characters, settings, or objects.

• Clothing/Costume (e.g., uniform = authority)

• Colour (e.g., red = danger or love)

• Body language (e.g., crossed arms = defensive)

• Setting (e.g., a dark alley = danger)

Purpose: Symbolizes ideas, emotions, or themes without stating them directly.

3. Audio Codes

These relate to sound, including:

• Diegetic sound (heard by characters, like dialogue, footsteps)

• Non - diegetic sound (not heard by characters, like background music)

• Sound effects (e.g., explosions, doors creaking)

• Voice-over narration

Purpose: Builds atmosphere, provides information, and evokes emotion.

4. Written Codes

These are the use of text on the screen.

• Titles and subtitles

• Text overlays (e.g., "3 years later")

• Signs or written messages in the scene.

• Fonts and their styles

Purpose: Offers context, emphasizes themes, or supports the narrative.

Each of these codes works together to create meaning and enhance the audience's understanding and emotional experience of the film.

Let’s use "The Lion King" (1994) as an example — it’s popular and rich in cinematic codes. Here's how each code type shows up in that film.

1. Technical Codes in The Lion King

• Camera angles: When Simba climbs Pride Rock at the end, the low-angle shot makes him look powerful — showing his rise as king.

• Lighting: Scar’s scenes often have dark, greenish lighting, symbolizing evil and danger.

• Editing: Fast cuts during the wildebeest stampede build tension and panic.

    

2. Symbolic Codes in The Lion King

• Colour: The bright golden light during Mufasa’s reign symbolizes peace and prosperity. Scar’s lair is dark and shadowy — showing fear and decay.

• Animals: Lions symbolize strength and royalty; hyenas represent chaos and deceit.

• Simba's journey: Symbolizes a coming-of-age or redemption arc.

3. Audio Codes in The Lion King

• Non - diegetic music: “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” heighten emotion and theme.

• Sound effects: The stampede, growls, and roars increase realism and suspense.

• Voice acting: Mufasa’s deep voice conveys authority and kindness, while Scar’s sarcastic tone shows manipulation.

4. Written Codes in The Lion King

• Opening text: The film starts with the “Disney Presents” and the title, setting the tone.

• Signs/messages: Less common in this film, but if any text appears (like in a prophecy or legacy), it’s used to support the story.

• Font style: The title’s bold, golden font gives a majestic and royal feeling.

Types of Camera Lens

Basic Lens Types

• Prime Lenses: Fixed focal length, known for image quality and fast apertures. 

• Zoom Lenses: Variable focal length, offering flexibility in framing shots. 

• Standard Lenses: Provide a field of view similar to the human eye, often used for general photography. 

• Wide-Angle Lenses: Capture a wider field of view, useful for landscapes and architecture. 

• Telephoto Lenses: Magnify distant subjects, ideal for sports, wildlife, and portraits. 

• Macro Lenses: Designed for close-up photography, capturing intricate details of small objects. 

Specialized Lens Types

• Fisheye Lenses: Produce a highly distorted, wide-angle view, creating panoramic or hemispherical images. 

• Tilt-Shift Lenses: Allow for shifting and tilting of the lens, useful for controlling perspective and focus. 

• Super-Telephoto Lenses: Extreme telephoto lenses with very long focal lengths, used for wildlife and sports photography. 

• Super zoom Lenses: Lenses with a very wide zoom range. 

• Kit Lenses: Often included with camera bodies, offering a general-purpose zoom range. 

• Smartphone Lenses: Lenses designed for use with smartphones. 

Types of Camera

1. Digital Cameras

• DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex)

How it works: Uses a mirror to reflect light from the lens to an optical viewfinder.

Best for: Professional and enthusiast photographers.

Example: Canon EOS 90D, Nikon D7500.

• Mirrorless Cameras

How it works: No mirror; uses electronic viewfinder or LCD screen.

Best for: Versatile photography with compact size.

Example: Sony Alpha a6400, Canon EOS R7.

• Point-and-Shoot Cameras

How it works: Fully automatic, built-in lens, easy to use.

Best for: Casual photography and travel.

Example: Canon PowerShot SX740 HS, Sony Cyber-shot WX500.

• Bridge Cameras

How it works: Fixed lens with long zoom range, DSLR-like body.

Best for: All-in-one shooting without changing lenses.

Example: Panasonic Lumix FZ80, Nikon Coolpix B600.

• 360 Cameras

How it works: Dual lenses to capture 360-degree photos/videos.

Best for: VR content, immersive media.

Example: Insta360 One X2, GoPro Max.

2. Film Cameras

• SLR (Film)

How it works: Uses 35 mm film, similar to digital DSLR in mechanics.

Example: Canon AE -1, Nikon FM 2.

• Rangefinder Cameras

How it works: Uses a rangefinder focusing system, not through the lens.

Example: Leica M6, Canonet QL 17 GIII.

• Twin-Lens Reflex (TLR)

How it works: Two lenses (viewing and taking), usually medium format film.

Example: Rolleiflex 2.8F, Yashica Mat-124G.

   

• Instant Cameras

How it works: Prints photo immediately after taking it.

Example: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11, Polaroid Now+.

3. Specialty Cameras

• Action Cameras

Use: Designed for sports, adventure, and compact mounts.

Example: GoPro Hero 12, DJI Osmo Action.

• Underwater Cameras

Use: Waterproof design for underwater photography.

Example: Olympus Tough TG -6, Sea Life Micro 3.0.

• Thermal Cameras

Use: Captures infrared heat rather than visible light.

Example: FLIR One Pro (for smartphones), Seek Thermal Reveal Pro.

• Security Cameras (CCTV)

Use: Surveillance in homes, businesses.

Example: Arlo Pro 5, Hikvision DS-2CD2387G2-LSU.

• Drone Cameras

Use: Mounted on drones for aerial photography.

Example: DJI Air 3, Autel Robotics EVO Nano+.

• Dash Cams

Use: Record driving, accidents, or road views.

Example: Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2, Nextbase 522GW.

4. Professional & Industrial Cameras

• Medium Format Cameras

Use: Very high-resolution, professional fashion or landscape work.

Example: Fujifilm GFX 100, Hasselblad X2D.

• Large Format Cameras

Use: Uses sheet film; ultra-high detail, usually studio-based.

Example: Linhof Technika, Toyo 45 AII.

   

• Scientific Cameras

Use: High-speed, low light, or microscopic imaging.

Example: Phantom VEO 710 (high-speed), Am Scope MU1803 (microscope camera).