World System Theory Flashcards
(13 cards)
American analyst associated with the world-systems approach, who rejects the notion of a “Third World,” claiming there is only one world connected by a complex network of economic exchange relationships.
Immanuel Wallerstein
The “total social system” whose dynamics world-system theory seeks to explain. It is characterized by mechanisms that redistribute resources from the periphery to the core.
Capitalist world-economy
A macrosociological perspective that explains the dynamics of the “capitalist world economy” as a “total social system”.
World-system theory
Immanuel Wallerstein’s most important work, appearing in three volumes in 1974, 1980, and 1989. It is considered his landmark contribution to sociological and historical thought.
“The Modern World System”
Wallerstein drew his historical approach from the Annales School, whose major representative is _____
Fernand Braudel
Categories of regions in the world-system
Core, semi-periphery, periphery, and external.
Benefited the most from the capitalist world economy. Characterized by strong central governments, extensive bureaucracies, large mercenary armies, control over international commerce, extraction of capital surpluses, and capital-intensive production. Examples during the period under discussion include much of northwestern Europe (England, France, Holland).
Core regions
Lacked strong central governments or were controlled by other states, exported raw materials to the core, and relied on coercive labor practices. The core expropriated much of the capital surplus from the periphery through unequal trade relations. Characterized by labor-intensive production. Examples include Eastern Europe (especially Poland) and Latin America.
Peripheral zones/regions
Areas that were either core regions in decline or peripheries attempting to improve their relative position in the world economic system. They often served as buffers between the core and peripheries. They exhibited tensions between the central government and a strong local landed class. Examples include Portugal, Spain, Italy, southern Germany, and southern France during the period under study.
Semi-periphery regions
Maintained their own economic systems and largely remained outside the modern world economy. Russia is given as an example, with internal markets and commerce being more important than external trade, and a strong state limiting foreign commercial influence.
External regions
The domination of weak peripheral regions by strong core states.
Imperialism
The temporary existence of one core state outstripping the rest.
Hegemony
The alternative world-system Wallerstein envisions emerging after the current stage, which he believes could maintain high productivity and change distribution by integrating political and economic decision-making.
Socialist world-government
