Modern Language Association (of America) Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition Â© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 Â© HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Cite This Source
(b) Limitations of the Indicators: The dependency ratio is an approximation to the ratio of net consumers to net producers. As a proxy for that ratio, the dependency ratio suggests that children under age 15 as well as persons aged 65 or over are economically dependent. In many populations, however, people do not stop being economically active at age 65, nor is it true that all persons aged 15-64 are economically active.
By Ashley Crossman. Definition: Dependency theory is used to explain the failure of nonindustrialized countries to develop economically in spite of investments from industrial countries.he central argument of this theory is that the world economic system is highly unequal in its distribution of power and resources and places most nations in a dependent position in relation to the industrial powers. Related Articles.