What is the world systems theory?

Answer 1

World Systems Theory - Marxist theory composed of three classes 1. Periphery = global south mostly extracting raw materials that uses much labor and little capital paying low wages. 2. Core = industrialized regions mostly manufacturing goods, work uses more capital, requires skilled labor, and pays high wages. 3. Semiperiphery = manufacturing occurs and some capital concentrates, Eastern Europe and Russia examples. Poor states can aspire to join the semiperiphery. Most important class struggle today due to the use of the core's power to concentrate surplus from the periphery. Conflict results from competition among core states over the ability to exploit the periphery. Patterns of world trade support the world system theory. Different regions specialize in exporting different kinds of goods.

Answer 2

World systems theory is a perspective in sociology and political science that views global economic and political systems as interconnected and hierarchical, with core countries dominating peripheral ones through exploitation and dependency. It argues that the world economy is structured in a way that benefits some nations at the expense of others, leading to inequality and underdevelopment in many parts of the world.