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Historical Capitalism: A Long Tail Title by Immanuel Maurice Wallerstein

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Immanuel Maurice Wallerstein (1930-2019) was a prominent sociologist who developed the **world-systems theory**. This theory argues that the world economy is a single, integrated system, and that it has been dominated by a small number of core countries since the 16th century. Wallerstein believed that the world-system is inherently unstable, and that it will eventually collapse.

Historical Capitalism

by Immanuel Maurice Wallerstein

4.3 out of 5

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Wallerstein's Life and Career

Wallerstein was born in New York City in 1930. He attended Columbia University, where he received his PhD in sociology in 1959. After teaching at several universities, he joined the faculty of the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1971. He remained at Binghamton until his retirement in 2001.

Wallerstein was a prolific writer, publishing over 30 books and hundreds of articles. His most famous work is The Modern World-System, which was first published in 1974. This book has been translated into over 20 languages and has become a classic in the field of sociology.

The World-Systems Theory

The world-systems theory is a complex and wide-ranging theory that attempts to explain the development of the modern world. Wallerstein argues that the world economy is a single, integrated system, and that it has been dominated by a small number of core countries since the 16th century.

Wallerstein identifies three main types of countries in the world-system: core countries, semi-peripheral countries, and peripheral countries. Core countries are the most developed countries in the world, and they control the global economy. Semi-peripheral countries are countries that are in the process of developing, and they often serve as a bridge between the core countries and the peripheral countries. Peripheral countries are the least developed countries in the world, and they are often dependent on the core countries for their economic survival.

Wallerstein believes that the world-system is inherently unstable, and that it will eventually collapse. He argues that the core countries are becoming increasingly wealthy and powerful, while the peripheral countries are becoming increasingly poor and marginalized. This gap between the core and the periphery is leading to a growing sense of inequality and injustice, which could eventually lead to a global revolution.

Criticisms of the World-Systems Theory

The world-systems theory has been criticized by some scholars for being too deterministic. Critics argue that Wallerstein's theory does not allow for enough agency on the part of individual countries and peoples. They also argue that Wallerstein's theory is too focused on the economic aspects of the world-system, and that it does not adequately take into account political and cultural factors.

Despite these criticisms, the world-systems theory remains a valuable contribution to the field of sociology. Wallerstein's theory provides a unique and insightful perspective on the development of the modern world, and it has helped to shape our understanding of global inequality and injustice.

Immanuel Maurice Wallerstein was a brilliant sociologist who made significant contributions to our understanding of the modern world. His world-systems theory is a complex and wide-ranging theory that has been both praised and criticized. However, there is no doubt that Wallerstein's theory has had a major impact on the field of sociology, and it continues to be a valuable resource for scholars and students alike.

Immanuel Maurice Wallerstein Historical Capitalism Immanuel Maurice Wallerstein

Bibliography

Wallerstein, Immanuel Maurice. The Modern World-System. New York: Academic Press, 1974.
Wallerstein, Immanuel Maurice. The Politics of the World-Economy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1984.
Wallerstein, Immanuel Maurice. Historical Capitalism. London: Verso, 1983.

Historical Capitalism

by Immanuel Maurice Wallerstein

4.3 out of 5