World Systems, Colonialism, and Social Inequalities

This set of flashcards covers important concepts pertaining to the World System, colonialism, social inequalities, race, globalization, and development theories.

What is a World System?

An interconnected global network of economic, political, and cultural relationships formed through trade, labor, and resource extraction.

When did the World System emerge?

Around 1500 CE with European expansion.

What was exchanged from the Old World to the New World during the Columbian Exchange?

Horses, cattle, pigs, wheat, sugarcane, and diseases (e.g., smallpox, measles, influenza).

What were some European motivations to explore and colonize?

Economic (search for gold and trade routes), religious (spread Christianity), political (prestige and competition), and social (advancement opportunities).

What is colonialism?

The political, economic, and cultural domination of one society over another, involving resource extraction and governance control.

What is social stratification?

The hierarchical arrangement of people in society based on unequal access to resources, power, and prestige.

What distinguishes social stratification from social differentiation?

Social differentiation refers to different roles in society, while social stratification ranks these positions hierarchically with unequal rewards.

What are the perspectives on social stratification?

Functionalist (necessary for society) vs. Conflict (reflects power imbalances).

What is ascribed status?

A social position assigned at birth, such as race or family.

What is achieved status?

A social position earned through individual effort, like education or occupation.

How does a caste system function?

As a closed hereditary system where position is determined by birth and mobility is impossible.

What are three misconceptions about race?

1. Races are genetically distinct groups. 2. Race determines important traits like intelligence. 3. Racial categories are natural or obvious.

What is the difference between ethnicity and race?

Ethnicity is based on shared cultural characteristics, while race is traditionally based on supposed biological traits.

What is globalization?

The increasing interconnectedness of the world through economic integration, cultural exchange, political connections, and technological links.

What are some drawbacks of trade?

Unequal distribution of benefits, job displacement, environmental costs, cultural homogenization, dependency on exports, and lower labor standards.

What is the Modernization Theory?

The idea that poor countries should adopt Western institutions and values to achieve development.

What is Dependency Theory?

The notion that poverty results from exploitation within the global system, where rich nations developed at the cost of poor nations.

What is the Neoliberal/Washington Consensus?

The belief that development comes through free markets, privatization, reduced government intervention, and open trade.