Which theory argues that wealthy corporations improve the quality of life in peripheral nations by providing workers with jobs, pumping money into the local economy, and improving transportation infrastructure?

functionalist theory.

Explanation: Functionalist theory view society as a complex system whose part works together to achieve social solidarity and social stability. The proponents of this theory asserts that society can only achieve social order with collective or shared values and beliefs. This theory asserts that society are made up of interrelated parts which all work together to achieve societal balance and if one parts fail to perform its duty then there would be instability in the society.

In the example given above, the wealthy corporations perform a duty of improving the quality of life in peripheral nations by providing workers jobs, helping the economy grow and the workers will in turn perform their duty to work dutifully and so as to increase the aim and objective of the corporations, if both continue to do what is expected of them, there would be stability which is the main assertion of the functionalist theory.

answer; sutherland-differential association;