Colonialism and Neocolonialism

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LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Differentiate between dependency theory, world-systems theory, and the Marxist

perspective on colonialism.

ACTIVITIES

Elaborate a table that states differences among contrasting explanations on the

constitution of colonial power and its repercussions on the modern world.

For each explanation include in columns: main concept, key concepts,

characteristics, authors, historical examples, time and geography.

Compare explanations, find differences and similarities and most importantly the
limits of each concept.

In addition, research the terms: colonial period, colonialism, decolonization,

neocolonialism, age of discovery, uneven development, exploitation, foreign debt,
trade deficit, core, peripheral, and semi-peripheral countries.

Be prepared to participate in class discussion.

KEY CONCEPTS TO IDENTIFY IN RESEARCH

The colonial period

It ranges from the 1450s to the 1970s, beginning when several European powers (Spain,
Portugal, Britain, and France especially) established colonies in Asia, Africa, and the
Americas.

Colonialism
The establishment, exploitation, maint enance, acquisition and expansion of territories
(or colonies) in one geographic area by people from another area

Age of Discovery
A period in history starting in the early 15th century and continuing into the early 17th
century during which Europeans engaged in intensive exploration of the world,
 establishing direct contact with Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania and mapping the
planet.

Decolonization
The freeing of a colony or territory from dependent status by granting it sovereignty. In
some areas decolonization took place after the First and Second World Wars as former
colonies established independence from colonial powers.

Neocolonialism
It refers to the unequal economic and power relations that currently exist between
former colonies and former colonizing nations.

Marxist perspective on colonialism

Marx viewed colonialism as part of the global capitalist system, which has led to
exploitation, social change, and uneven development.

Dependency theory
It argues that countries have developed at an uneven rate because wealthy countries
have exploited poor countries in the past through colonialism and today through foreign
debt and trade.

World-systems theory
it splits the world economic system into core, peripheral, and semi-peripheral countries.

Retrived from:

Colonialism and Neocolonialism

https://www.boundless.com/sociology/textbooks/bo undless-sociology-
textbook/global-stratification-and-inequality-8/stratification-in-the-world-system-
69/colonialism-and-neocolonialism-406-10460/

And other internet sites:

Colonialism Decolonization and Neocolonialism

https://www.boundless.com/sociology/textbooks/boundless-sociology-textbook/economy-
16/the-transformation-of-economic-systems-119/colonialism-decolonization-and-neo-
colonialism-673-10479/

Atlas of colonialism
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Atlas_of_colonialism
 Books (Ebook Central)
Query words: World-System theory, Dependency theory, Neocolonialism

1. Wallerstein, I. (2004). Modern World-System in the Longue Duree. UK: Taylor and
Francis.
2. Mrquez, I. (2008). Contemporary Latin American Social and Political Thought: An
Anthology. USA: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
3. Mielants, E.H. (2008).The Origins of Capitalism and the "Rise of the West". USA:
Temple University Press.

4. Bergeron, S. (2004). Fragments of Development : Nation, Gender, and the Space of

Modernity. USA: University of Michigan Press.
5. Kamrava, M. (1999). Politics and Society in the Developing World. UK: Taylor and
Francis.
6. Sankaran, K. (2008) Globalization and Postcolonialism : Hegemony and Resistance in
the Twenty-first Century. USA: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
7. Hiddleston J. (2014) Understanding Postcolonialism. UK: Taylor and Francis.
8. Twomey, M. (2000) A Century of Foreign Investment in the Third World. UK: Taylor
and Francis
9. Dingo R. & Blake-Scott J (2014) The Megarhetorics of Global Development.USA:
University of Pittsburgh Press.
10. Rajagopal (ed.), (2011). International Trade Relations of Mexico: A Window to the
World. USA: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.