Discussion between economic growth and development has permeated economic-sociological studies for a long time. It has been used successively to explain the observed phenomena imposed, such as inequality and income concentration, dependence, and even the power of the investment multiplier effect when driven by the State. From socio-economic activity and social inequalities, this paper aims to discuss the connections between Celso Furtado and ECLAC theories, upon the thoughts of Raul Prebisch and Raul Pinto, and the existing reality in Ribeirão Branco, one of the poorest cities in Sao Paulo State in Brazil. Data collection was done through documental research and the application of targeted interviews. The results explain how essential state investments promote social welfare and how periphery-center relations heavily affect municipalities of minor economic relevance.