World Systems Theory & Globalization (PDF)

# The Contemporary World ## World Systems Theory - World Systems Theory posits that there is a world economic system in which some countries benefit while others are exploited. ### Basic Components of World Systems Theory 1. The world economy has one market and global division of labor 2. Contex...

# The Contemporary World ## World Systems Theory - World Systems Theory posits that there is a world economic system in which some countries benefit while others are exploited. ### Basic Components of World Systems Theory 1. The world economy has one market and global division of labor 2. Context of World Economy 3. Three-tier structure ### Wallerstein's World System Theory Model - **Core:** - Industrialized and produce manufactured goods - Strong central government - Large tax base - **Semi-Periphery:** - Mix of core and periphery - **Periphery:** - Least economically diverse - Least industrialized and export raw materials - Strongly influenced by core nations ## Transformationalist View of Globalization - This theoretical position argues that globalization should be understood as a complex set of interconnecting relationships through which power, for the most part, is exercised indirectly. - Transformationalists also see the global media as beneficial because it is primarily responsible for diffusing different cultural styles around the world and creating new global hybrid styles in fashion, food, music, consumption and lifestyle - a hybridized global identity. ## Detraditionalization - Anthony Giddens argues that one consequence of globalization is detraditionalization - where people question their traditional beliefs about religion, marriage, and gender roles. - Giddens uses the concept of "detraditionalization" rather than "decline of tradition."