2.1 Classical theories of global change

Classical theories of global change explore how societies develop and interact globally. They examine modernization, dependency, and world-systems theories, each offering unique perspectives on economic growth, power dynamics, and global inequalities.

These theories form the foundation for understanding globalization's historical drivers and impacts. By analyzing imperialism, colonialism, and the Industrial Revolution, we gain insight into the complex forces shaping our interconnected world today.

Classical Theories of Global Development

Modernization Theory

Top images from around the web for Modernization Theory

• 

  Demographic Theories | Introduction to Sociology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:1 AD to 2003 AD Historical Trends in global distribution of GDP China India Western Europe ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Stages of Development – Eman8 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Demographic Theories | Introduction to Sociology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:1 AD to 2003 AD Historical Trends in global distribution of GDP China India Western Europe ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Modernization Theory

• 

  Demographic Theories | Introduction to Sociology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:1 AD to 2003 AD Historical Trends in global distribution of GDP China India Western Europe ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Stages of Development – Eman8 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Demographic Theories | Introduction to Sociology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:1 AD to 2003 AD Historical Trends in global distribution of GDP China India Western Europe ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Proposes that societies progress through similar stages of development, moving from traditional to modern
• Assumes that modernization is a linear process and that Western countries are the model for progress
• Suggests that underdeveloped countries can achieve economic growth and development by adopting Western values, technologies, and institutions
• Emphasizes the role of cultural values, such as individualism and entrepreneurship, in promoting economic development
• Critics argue that modernization theory fails to account for the unique historical and cultural contexts of different societies and ignores the negative impacts of Western imperialism and colonialism

Dependency Theory

• Argues that the global economic system is structured in a way that perpetuates the underdevelopment of poor countries
• Suggests that wealthy countries exploit poorer countries through unequal trade relations and the extraction of resources
• Proposes that the development of wealthy countries is dependent on the underdevelopment of poor countries
• Emphasizes the role of historical factors, such as colonialism and imperialism, in shaping the global economic system
• Critics argue that dependency theory oversimplifies the complexities of global economic relations and fails to account for the agency of individuals and communities in shaping their own development

World-Systems Theory

• Proposes that the global economy is divided into core, periphery, and semi-periphery countries
• Argues that core countries (wealthy, industrialized nations) exploit periphery countries (poor, underdeveloped nations) through unequal trade relations and the extraction of resources
• Suggests that the global economic system is characterized by cycles of expansion and contraction, with periods of growth followed by periods of crisis and restructuring
• Emphasizes the role of historical factors, such as colonialism and imperialism, in shaping the global economic system
• Critics argue that world-systems theory oversimplifies the complexities of global economic relations and fails to account for the agency of individuals and communities in shaping their own development

Historical Drivers of Globalization

Imperialism and Colonialism

• Imperialism refers to the practice of extending a country's power and influence through military force or other means (British Empire, French Empire)
• Colonialism is the establishment of political and economic control over another country or territory (India under British rule, Africa during the Scramble for Africa)
• European powers established vast empires and colonies around the world, exploiting the resources and labor of colonized peoples
• Imperialism and colonialism facilitated the global expansion of capitalism and the integration of different regions into the global economy
• The legacy of imperialism and colonialism continues to shape global economic and political relations today

Industrial Revolution and Capitalism

• The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 18th century, transformed the global economy by introducing new technologies and modes of production (steam power, factory system)
• Capitalism, an economic system based on private ownership of the means of production and the pursuit of profit, emerged as the dominant economic system during the Industrial Revolution
• The Industrial Revolution and the rise of capitalism facilitated the global expansion of trade and the integration of different regions into the global economy
• The growth of capitalism led to the emergence of new social classes, such as the industrial bourgeoisie and the working class, and new forms of social and economic inequality
• Critics argue that the Industrial Revolution and the rise of capitalism have had negative impacts on the environment, workers' rights, and social equality

Theoretical Foundations

Marxism

• Developed by Karl Marx in the mid-19th century, Marxism is a critical theory that analyzes the social, economic, and political relations of capitalist societies
• Argues that the capitalist system is based on the exploitation of the working class by the ruling class, who own the means of production
• Proposes that the contradictions inherent in capitalism, such as the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few and the impoverishment of the working class, will eventually lead to its collapse and the emergence of a socialist society
• Emphasizes the role of class struggle in shaping social and economic relations and the importance of collective action in achieving social change
• Marxist theories have influenced many of the classical theories of global development, including dependency theory and world-systems theory
• Critics argue that Marxism oversimplifies the complexities of social and economic relations and fails to account for the agency of individuals and communities in shaping their own lives and societies