4 min read•Last Updated on June 18, 2024
Global stratification explores how nations are ranked in a worldwide hierarchy of wealth and power. This chapter examines two main theories: modernization theory, which sees development as a linear process, and dependency theory, which focuses on exploitation by powerful nations.
These theories offer different explanations for why some countries are rich while others remain poor. By understanding these perspectives, we can better grasp the complex factors shaping global inequality and the challenges faced by developing nations.
Module 8: Global Stratification and Global Inequality – Foundations in Sociology II View original
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Global Stratification | Boundless Sociology View original
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World-systems theory - Wikipedia View original
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Module 8: Global Stratification and Global Inequality – Foundations in Sociology II View original
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Global Stratification | Boundless Sociology View original
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Module 8: Global Stratification and Global Inequality – Foundations in Sociology II View original
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Global Stratification | Boundless Sociology View original
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World-systems theory - Wikipedia View original
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Module 8: Global Stratification and Global Inequality – Foundations in Sociology II View original
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Global Stratification | Boundless Sociology View original
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The African Union (AU) is an intergovernmental organization established to promote unity, peace, and development across the African continent. It serves as a collective voice for African nations, addressing political, economic, and social challenges faced by member states.
Term 1 of 22
The African Union (AU) is an intergovernmental organization established to promote unity, peace, and development across the African continent. It serves as a collective voice for African nations, addressing political, economic, and social challenges faced by member states.
Term 1 of 22
Modernization theory is a sociological perspective that examines how societies progress from traditional to modern states, emphasizing economic growth, technological advancements, and social norms evolution. It posits that development and improved living standards are achieved through industrialization and the adoption of Western-style institutions.
Industrialization: The transformation from an agricultural-based economy to one based on the mass production of goods, often associated with technological innovation and an increase in the urban workforce.
Westernization: The adoption of western ideas, culture, and lifestyle by other societies, often seen as a part of the modernization process.
Global Stratification: The hierarchical arrangement of societies or nations in terms of economic conditions, standards of living, access to resources, and political influence
Dependency theory suggests that economic disparities between nations stem from the exploitation of poorer countries by wealthier ones, leading to a dependence of the former on the latter. It posits that this dependency impedes the poorer nations' development and sustains global inequality.
Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means.
Neo: colonialism - The practice of using capitalism, globalization, and cultural forces to control a country, typically former colonies, in lieu of direct military or political control.
Globalization: The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale, often discussed in terms of its effects on cultural and economic practices worldwide
Global inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources, wealth, and opportunities among individuals and countries across the world. It is a multifaceted concept that encompasses economic, social, and political disparities on a global scale.
Global Stratification: The hierarchical arrangement of individuals and countries based on their access to and control over valued resources on a worldwide scale.
Core-Periphery Model: A theoretical framework that explains global inequality by dividing the world into a core of wealthy, industrialized nations and a periphery of poorer, less developed countries.
Dependency Theory: A perspective that suggests the economic development of poor countries is hindered by their dependence on and exploitation by wealthy, industrialized nations.
Modernization theory is a sociological perspective that examines how societies progress from traditional to modern states, emphasizing economic growth, technological advancements, and social norms evolution. It posits that development and improved living standards are achieved through industrialization and the adoption of Western-style institutions.
Industrialization: The transformation from an agricultural-based economy to one based on the mass production of goods, often associated with technological innovation and an increase in the urban workforce.
Westernization: The adoption of western ideas, culture, and lifestyle by other societies, often seen as a part of the modernization process.
Global Stratification: The hierarchical arrangement of societies or nations in terms of economic conditions, standards of living, access to resources, and political influence
The Industrial Revolution was a period of rapid technological, economic, and social change that transformed the way goods were produced and consumed. It marked a shift from an agrarian and handicraft-based economy to one dominated by industry, factories, and mass production. This profound transformation had far-reaching impacts on various aspects of society, including the history of sociology, types of societies, technology, global stratification and inequality, the global economy, urbanization, and social change.
Mechanization: The process of replacing human and animal labor with machinery to increase the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing and other industries.
Urbanization: The process of population migration from rural to urban areas, leading to the growth and development of cities and the concentration of economic and social activities in urban centers.
Capitalism: An economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and the creation of goods or services for profit in a largely free market.
Dependency theory suggests that economic disparities between nations stem from the exploitation of poorer countries by wealthier ones, leading to a dependence of the former on the latter. It posits that this dependency impedes the poorer nations' development and sustains global inequality.
Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means.
Neo: colonialism - The practice of using capitalism, globalization, and cultural forces to control a country, typically former colonies, in lieu of direct military or political control.
Globalization: The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale, often discussed in terms of its effects on cultural and economic practices worldwide
Peripheral nations, also known as the Global South or developing countries, are nations that are economically and politically dependent on more industrialized and powerful core nations. They are characterized by low standards of living, high rates of poverty, and limited access to resources and technology.
Core Nations: Core nations, also known as the Global North, are the most economically and politically powerful countries that dominate the global economy and exert significant influence over peripheral nations.
Dependency Theory: Dependency theory is a sociological theory that explains how the economic development and political policies of peripheral nations are shaped by their relationship with core nations, often leading to continued underdevelopment and exploitation.
World-Systems Theory: World-systems theory is a framework for understanding the global economy as a hierarchical system, where core nations exploit peripheral nations through unequal exchange and the extraction of resources.
Core nations refer to the most economically and politically powerful countries within the global economic system. These nations serve as the economic and political hubs that drive the global economy and exert significant influence over other nations.
Periphery Nations: Periphery nations are less economically and politically powerful countries that are dependent on and exploited by the core nations.
Semi-Periphery Nations: Semi-periphery nations are countries that exhibit characteristics of both core and periphery nations, acting as intermediaries within the global economic hierarchy.
World-Systems Theory: A theoretical perspective that analyzes the global economy as a single integrated system with a hierarchical structure of core, semi-periphery, and periphery nations.
Neocolonialism refers to the indirect political, economic, and cultural control exercised by powerful nations over less developed countries, often through the use of global economic systems and institutions. It is a modern form of colonialism that perpetuates the dominance of former colonial powers without the need for direct territorial occupation.
Dependency Theory: A theoretical framework that explains how the global economic system leads to the continued underdevelopment of poorer nations by keeping them dependent on wealthier, industrialized nations.
Globalization: The increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of the world's economies, cultures, and populations, driven by technological advancements and the spread of capitalism.
Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs): Economic policies imposed by international financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, on developing countries to promote free-market reforms and debt repayment.
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans, grants, and other forms of assistance to developing countries for the purpose of economic development and poverty reduction. It is a key player in the global economy and has a significant impact on global stratification, wealth, and poverty.
International Monetary Fund (IMF): The IMF is an international organization that works alongside the World Bank to promote global monetary cooperation, financial stability, and economic growth.
Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs): SAPs are economic policy reforms required by the World Bank and IMF as a condition for receiving loans, often involving austerity measures and privatization.
Global North and Global South: The terms used to describe the division between wealthy, industrialized nations (Global North) and poorer, developing nations (Global South), which is a key focus of the World Bank's work.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization that works to promote global monetary cooperation, financial stability, facilitate international trade, and provide resources to countries in economic distress. It plays a crucial role in the context of global stratification and theoretical perspectives on global stratification.
Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs): Policies implemented by the IMF and World Bank that require developing countries to adopt specific economic reforms in exchange for loans or debt relief.
Conditionality: The set of policy reforms and austerity measures that the IMF requires countries to implement in order to receive financial assistance or debt restructuring.
Global North and Global South: The division of the world into economically developed and developing regions, with the Global North representing the wealthier, industrialized countries and the Global South representing the poorer, less developed countries.
Structural adjustment policies (SAPs) are a set of economic policies typically imposed by international financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, on developing countries as a condition for receiving loans or debt relief. These policies aim to restructure and liberalize a country's economy to promote economic growth and integration into the global market.
Neoliberalism: An economic and political ideology that emphasizes free-market capitalism, privatization, deregulation, and reduced government intervention in the economy.
Debt Crisis: A situation where a country or entity is unable to repay its outstanding debts, leading to financial instability and the need for external assistance or restructuring.
Globalization: The process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence of economies, societies, and cultures across the world, driven by the expansion of international trade, investment, and communication.
Multinational corporations (MNCs) are large companies that operate in multiple countries, with production, sales, and management facilities located across national borders. These corporations play a significant role in the global economy, influencing international trade, investment, and the distribution of wealth and resources.
Globalization: The process of increased interconnectedness and integration of economies, societies, and cultures across the world, driven in part by the activities of multinational corporations.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): The investment made by a company or entity based in one country into business interests located in another country, which is a key strategy employed by multinational corporations to expand their global presence.
Global Supply Chains: The network of organizations, resources, and activities involved in the production and distribution of a product or service across multiple countries, which multinational corporations often utilize to optimize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
BRICS is an acronym that refers to the five major emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. These countries have been identified as having significant potential for rapid economic growth and development, and are seen as playing an increasingly important role in the global economy.
Global Stratification: The unequal distribution of wealth, power, and prestige among and within countries on a global scale.
World-Systems Theory: A theoretical perspective that views the world as a single, integrated economic system divided into core, semi-periphery, and periphery countries.
Dependency Theory: A theory that explains the economic underdevelopment of certain countries as a result of their dependent relationship with more developed countries.
The African Union (AU) is an intergovernmental organization established to promote unity, peace, and development across the African continent. It serves as a collective voice for African nations, addressing political, economic, and social challenges faced by member states.
Pan-Africanism: A movement that promotes the unity and solidarity of African nations and peoples, with the goal of creating a more prosperous and equitable continent.
Agenda 2063: A strategic framework adopted by the African Union to achieve its vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa by the year 2063.
Regional Economic Communities (RECs): Subregional groupings of African countries that work towards economic integration and cooperation within their respective regions.
Jubilee 2000 was a global debt relief campaign that called for the cancellation of unpayable debts owed by the world's poorest countries by the year 2000. It emerged from the biblical concept of a 'jubilee year' where debts were forgiven and slaves were freed.
Debt Relief: The reduction or forgiveness of debt owed by developing countries to help alleviate poverty and promote economic growth.
Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs): Economic policies imposed by the International Monetary Fund and World Bank on indebted countries in exchange for loans, often involving austerity measures and privatization.
Global North-South Divide: The economic and political gap between the wealthy, industrialized nations of the Global North and the poorer, developing nations of the Global South.
World-systems theory is a macrosociological perspective that analyzes the global economy as an integrated system of core, semi-periphery, and peripheral regions that are hierarchically organized and interdependent. It examines how this global economic system shapes patterns of inequality, development, and social change across different countries and regions.
Core Regions: Highly industrialized and economically dominant countries that control the global economy and exploit peripheral regions for their resources and labor.
Peripheral Regions: Economically dependent countries that provide raw materials, cheap labor, and a market for core countries' manufactured goods, often remaining underdeveloped.
Semi-Peripheral Regions: Countries that are in between the core and peripheral regions, serving as both exploiters and the exploited within the global economic system.
The north-south divide is a socioeconomic and political division that exists between the wealthy, developed northern countries and the poorer, less developed southern countries. This divide is often characterized by disparities in economic development, living standards, and access to resources.
Global Stratification: The unequal distribution of wealth, power, and prestige among and within countries on a global scale.
Dependency Theory: A theoretical perspective that explains how the development of wealthy nations is often at the expense of poorer nations, which become dependent on the wealthy nations.
World-Systems Theory: A theoretical perspective that views the global economy as a single integrated system divided into core, semi-periphery, and periphery countries, with the core exploiting the periphery.
Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of the world's economies, cultures, and populations. It is the process by which businesses, organizations, and societies integrate and operate on a global scale, driven by technological advancements, the flow of information, and the exchange of goods, services, and capital across national borders.
Glocalization: The process of adapting global products, services, or practices to local or regional markets and cultures.
Transnationalism: The movement of people, ideas, and practices across national borders, creating new forms of social, cultural, and economic organization that transcend traditional nation-state boundaries.
Neoliberalism: An economic and political ideology that promotes free-market capitalism, privatization, and the reduction of government intervention in the economy, often associated with the processes of globalization.
Development economics is a branch of economics that focuses on improving the economic and social conditions of developing countries. It examines the unique challenges and opportunities faced by these nations as they strive to achieve sustainable economic growth and improve the well-being of their populations.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total monetary value of all the goods and services produced within a country's borders over a specific time period, typically a year.
Poverty Alleviation: Strategies and policies aimed at reducing the prevalence and severity of poverty in developing countries, often through targeted interventions and social welfare programs.
Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs): Economic policies and reforms implemented by international financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, to address economic crises in developing countries.
Economic imperialism refers to the practice of economically dominant nations or entities exerting control, influence, or exploitation over weaker economies for their own benefit. It involves the imposition of economic policies, trade agreements, and financial systems that benefit the dominant power at the expense of the subordinate economy. The concept of economic imperialism is closely tied to the theoretical perspectives on global stratification, as it examines how powerful nations or multinational corporations use economic means to maintain and expand their influence over less developed countries.
Dependency Theory: A theoretical framework that explains how developed countries maintain power and wealth by exploiting the resources and labor of less developed countries, creating a dependent relationship.
Neocolonialism: A form of indirect control where developed nations use economic and political means, rather than direct military occupation, to influence and dominate less developed countries.
Globalization: The increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of the world's economies, cultures, and populations, driven by technological advancements and the expansion of multinational corporations.