The World System & Colonialism

World system People all around the world are linked together through communication and transportation technology. We call this globalization, but how new is it?

The “world systems theory” Coined by sociologist Immanuel Wallerstein “A discernable social system, based on wealth and power differentials, transcends individual countries.” Since the 16th century, the globe has been connected in economic and political relationships defined by Core, semi-periphery, and periphery nations

Core nations Examples: Unites States, Australia, Canada, France, U.K. Core nations are characterized by: A wealthy and diverse economy A centralized government with a military, state institutions, and taxes. Industrialized production of final products, production of technology. Massive specialization Social stratification, class systems Independence from and control over non-core nations

Periphery nations Examples: Chile, Nigeria, Sudan, Thailand, Jamaica Periphery nations are characterized by: Minimal wealth with massive inequality and a non-diverse economy. Weaker or missing government and military support. Militia/Guerilla Extraction of raw materials for trade to core nations. Labor is a raw material and easily exploited. Populations largely illiterate, uneducated, and poor. Minimal independence, largely exploited by core and semi-periphery nations.

How to move up Semi-periphery nations like Brazil, India, and Mexico have some benefits of core nations, but still exploit the periphery nations for raw materials and labor. Nations can fall categories or grow. Government stabilization Industrialization, or increase in diverse economy. Education Modernization theory

Emergence of the world system As early as 600 BP, cultures are sailing around the world and participating in trade. Cultures move from self-sufficiency of agriculture to dependence on trade and imported goods. This leads to the success of capitalism, specifically through slave trade networks.

Colonialism begins Colonialism is the domination of one society over another. Often justified by biological predeterminism. Begins with the ”Age of Discovery” from the 15th-17th centuries, when Europe founded colonies throughout the New World. Ends in the 19th century. Sugar in Haiti 1791-1804.

Why was colonialism successful? Weapons and technology. Oceanic travel, new modes of transportation. Disease Smallpox and world domination. Ex. Aztecs Disease deaths demoralize survivors Minimal revolt, Haiti in 1804

Why colonialism? Trade/commerce Slavery Military innovation New technologies Development The “White man’s burden” to help the poor.

Industrial Revolution Industrialization grows out of the world system. Profits from slave trade fund industrialism. Dependence on mass production increases as populations do. Dependence on industrialism increases as people abandon agrarian life. Massive growth in urban areas and large cities develop Max Weber The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism

Development of stratification Industrialism’s benefits were good, until labor exploitation. Karl Marx: Bourgeoisie vs. proletariat Capitalism meant to protect wealthy. Bourgeoisie begin to control everything, oppress the people. Socialism – Redistribution of wealth that transitions capitalist societies to communist ones. Communism – Classless, moneyless, property-less, society defined by abilities.

Modern stratification systems Max Weber – Marx is too simple Access to power, prestige, and resources. Egalitarian Ranked Caste/Class systems Middle class starts to appear in capitalist societies, but does this change inequality?

Global wealth inequality https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/01/22/10-startling-facts-about-global-wealth-inequality/

World system today In the 20th century, industrialization added hundreds of new industries and millions of job. Mass production has given rise to mass consumption

Is this progress? “It is widely recognized that standard of living, which is the most frequently used measure of progress, is an intrinsically ethnocentric concept that lacks universal relevance…semi- autonomous tribal cultures” (Bodley, 1998, p. 1). “Despite the best intentions of those who have promoted change and improvement….combined with the destruction of the traditional culture” (Bodley, 1998, p. 1-2).

“Price of Progress” – Bodley, 1998 Disease of development Developing populations vulnerable to “advanced” peoples’ diseases. Development disturbs traditional environment Development leads to crowds, and when fails, leaves poverty. Hazards of dietary changes Canned tuna, canned milk Teeth and progress Malnutrition Ecocide Deprivation and discrimination