Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Practice Test

What does interdependence among societies mean?

1. Complete independence from one another

2. Reliance on each other for goods, services, or support

3. Isolation in cultural practices

4. Competition over resources

The correct answer is: Reliance on each other for goods, services, or support

Interdependence among societies refers to the way in which different communities or nations rely on one another for various needs, including goods, services, and support. This concept is significant in understanding global interactions, where economies, cultures, and political structures are interconnected. For instance, a country might depend on another for raw materials, while providing technology or financial services in return. In an interdependent relationship, societies engage in trade, share knowledge, and collaborate on various issues, leading to mutual benefits. This interconnection fosters economic stability, cultural exchange, and collaborative problem-solving on issues like climate change and health. The other options reflect concepts that do not align with interdependence. For example, complete independence from one another suggests a lack of connection, while isolation in cultural practices implies a withdrawal from external influences. Competition over resources can exist, but it often contradicts the cooperative spirit that interdependence embodies. Instead, interdependence promotes relationships where societies work together to enhance their collective well-being.