Paper 4 – Globalisation: Theory And Application: World Systems Theory And Core–Periphery Relations (Copy)
World Systems Theory And Core–Periphery Relations (Theory + Direct Application)
Core Idea Of World Systems Theory
- Developed by Immanuel Wallerstein
- Globalisation creates a single capitalist world system
- Countries are positioned within a hierarchy:
- Core
- Semi-periphery
- Periphery
Key Idea
- Inequality is built into the structure of the global system
Structure Of The World System
Core Countries
- Economically dominant and highly developed
Characteristics
- Advanced technology
- High wages
- Strong political power
Application
- Control global trade and production
- Benefit most from globalisation
- Extract resources and profits from other regions
Periphery Countries
- Least developed and economically dependent
Characteristics
- Low wages
- Limited industrialisation
- Weak political power
Application
- Provide:
- Raw materials
- Cheap labour
- Exploited by core countries
- Limited economic growth
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change A2 Level Sociology Full Scale Course
Semi-Periphery Countries
- Intermediate position between core and periphery
Characteristics
- Developing economies
- Some industrialisation
Application
- Act as:
- Buffer between core and periphery
- Exploit periphery but also exploited by core
- Potential to move up or down
Core–Periphery Relations
- Relationship based on economic exploitation
Key Idea
- Wealth flows from periphery → core
Application
- Periphery exports raw materials cheaply
- Core imports raw materials, manufactures goods, sells at higher prices
- Leads to:
- Unequal exchange
- Dependency
Global Division Of Labour
- Work distributed unevenly across world
Key Idea
- Different regions specialise in different roles
Application
- Core:
- High-skill, high-value production
- Periphery:
- Low-skill, labour-intensive production
- Reinforces inequality
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change A2 Level Sociology Full Scale Course
Role Of Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
- Key actors in maintaining system
Key Idea
- MNCs exploit global differences
Application
- Locate production in low-cost regions
- Use cheap labour in periphery
- Profits returned to core countries
Dependency And Limited Development
- Periphery countries remain dependent
Key Idea
- Development is restricted by global system
Application
- Reliance on exporting raw materials
- Lack of industrial development
- Vulnerability to global market changes
Mobility Within The System
- Some movement possible
Key Idea
- Countries can change position, but difficult
Application
- Semi-periphery may develop into core
- Periphery may remain trapped
- System remains largely unequal
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change A2 Level Sociology Full Scale Course
Overall Application To Globalisation
- World system explains:
- Global inequality
- Uneven development
- Core–periphery relations show:
- Exploitation and dependency
- Globalisation reinforces:
- Hierarchical structure
Evaluation Through Application (Theory-Focused)
- Strong explanation of global inequality
- Highlights role of capitalism and exploitation
- However:
- Some countries have moved up (e.g., rapid development cases)
- Overly economic focus
- Ignores role of culture and politics
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change A2 Level Sociology Full Scale Course