World Systems Theory

The world systems theory, developed by sociologist Immanuel Wallerstein, is an approach to

world history and social change that suggests there is a world economic system in which some
countries benefit while others are exploited. Just like we cannot understand an individual's
behavior without reference to their surroundings, experiences, and culture, a nation's economic
system cannot be understood without reference to the world system of which they are a part.

The main characteristics of this theory, which will be discussed in more detail throughout the
lesson, are:

The world systems theory is established on a three-level hierarchy consisting of core, periphery,
and semi-periphery areas.

The core countries dominate and exploit the peripheral countries for labor and raw materials.

The peripheral countries are dependent on core countries for capital.

The semi-peripheral countries share characteristics of both core and peripheral countries.

This theory emphasizes the social structure of global inequality.

Core Countries
According to the world systems theory, the world is divided into three types of countries or areas:
core, periphery, and semi-periphery. Core countries are dominant capitalist countries that exploit
peripheral countries for labor and raw materials. They are strong in military power and not
dependent on any one state or country. They serve the interests of the economically powerful.
They are focused on higher skill and capital-intensive production. Core countries are powerful,
and this power allows them to pay lower prices for raw goods and exploit cheap labor, which
constantly reinforces the unequal status between core and peripheral countries.

The first core region was located in northwestern Europe and made up of England, France, and
Holland. Today, the United States is an example of a core country. The U.S. has large amounts
of capital, and its labor forces are relatively well paid.

Periphery Countries
Periphery countries fall on the other end of the economic scale. These countries lack a strong
central government and may be controlled by other states. These countries export raw materials
to the core countries, and they are dependent on core countries for capital and have
underdeveloped industry. These countries also have low-skill, labor-intensive production, or, in
other words, cheap labor. Periphery countries are commonly also referred to as third-world
countries.

Eastern Europe and Latin America were the first peripheral zones. An example from today is
Cape Verde, a chain of islands off the west coast of Africa. Foreign investors promote the
extraction of raw materials and the production of cash crops, which are all exported to core
countries.

Semi-Periphery Countries
Semi-periphery countries fall in the middle of the economic spectrum. These countries share
characteristics of both core and periphery countries. These are core regions in decline or
periphery regions attempting to improve their economic position. These countries are sometimes
exploited by core countries, but they also may exploit periphery countries themselves. For
example, India is largely dependent on core countries for capital, but India has a growing
technology industry and an emerging consumer market.

External Areas
It is important to note that there are countries and areas that exist outside of the world systems
theory. These areas are referred to as external areas. External areas maintain their own
economic systems and are, therefore, not part of the world systems as described in this lesson.
These areas have their own labor market, grow their own crops, and produce goods for their
internal market. They have a regulated economy without outside influence. Russia is an example
of an external market.

Shifting World System

The world economic system is ever changing. As countries build their industries and capital,
economic statuses shift. The world system originated in the 1500s with the emergence of the
modern world and has seen a shift in dominance from Europe to the United Kingdom to the
United States of America. This shift was influenced by geographic expansion, recessions and
growth in various economic markets, a shift in power (influenced by wars and military efforts), and
transition from the pre-industrial era to higher-level industrial production.

Lesson Summary
In summary, the world systems theory suggests that while the world economy is ever changing,
there are three basic hierarchies of countries: core, periphery, and semi-periphery. Core
countries dominate and exploit peripheral countries. Peripheral countries are dependent on the
core countries for capital. And semi-peripheral countries share characteristics of both core and
peripheral.

There are areas that are external to this world systems theory. These are referred to as external
areas, and they maintain their own economic system, and are, therefore, not considered part of
the world system as described in this lesson. Finally, this theory emphasizes global economic
inequality.