Colonialism, neocolonialism, World Systems Theory, contemporary issues, and the role of anthropologists

Question 1

why study colonialism 2

Answer 1

Colonialism is a major force of cultural change

An explanation for economic disparity, power differentials, conflict and human rights issues

Question 2

world systems thoery

Answer 2

core, semi-periphery, periphery
Idea that a discernible social system based on wealth and power differentials should transcend individual countries (focus on the world as a whole when analyzing social interactions)

Question 3

wst: core

Answer 3

Dominant position in the world system; nation with advanced systems of production (United States)

Question 4

wst: semi periphery

Answer 4

Position in the world system intermediate between core and periphery; export industrial goods and commodities, but lack the power and economic dominance of core nations. (Brazil)

Question 5

periphery

Answer 5

Weakest structural and economic position in the world system; may have a low degree of industrialization, may produce raw materials for shipment (Nigeria)

Question 6

Imperialism

Answer 6

: Policy aimed at seizing and ruling foreign territory and peoples

Question 7

colonialism

Answer 7

Political, social, economic, and cultural dominance of a territory by a foreign power over time (Colonialism is a variant of imperialism)

Question 8

types of colonialism 2

Answer 8

direct

indirect

Question 9

Direct colonialism

Answer 9

Settlers of the imperial center run plantation-based export commodities and extractive industries

Question 10

indirect colonialism

Answer 10

Local elites, appointed by imperializing country, act as colonial bureaucrats

Question 11

types of colonies 3

Answer 11

extractive, productive, settled

Question 12

extractive colony

Answer 12

forces colonists to mine natural goods for profit

Question 13

productive colony

Answer 13

forces the colonists to produce/manufacture for their benefit

Question 14

Settled Colonies

Answer 14

Set up schools, banks, infrastructures

Question 15

Reasons for colonialism 3

Answer 15

Economic: Raw materials, raw markets, trade and commerce
Political: Competition among imperializing powers for wealth and territory◦
Ideological: Civilization is synonymous with progress and the “white man’s burden

Question 16

white mans burden

Answer 16

◦
It is the obligation of white people to encourage cultural development in countries with different and perceivably primitive cultural backgrounds so that they can one day take their place in society and the global economy. (justified colonialism as a noble enterprise)◦
When imperialized peoples revolted they were seen as ungrateful for the wealth of cultural and economic potential being bestowed upon them by the white man.

Question 17

phases of colonialism

Answer 17

Phase 1 (1492-1825): Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands
Phase 2 (1825-1960): England, France, and Germany

Question 18

Phase 1 (1492-1825): Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands(drivers goals and colonies)

Answer 18

Drivers: Mercantilism and Enrich royalty
Goals: Exploration and trade of exotic goods and slaves
Colonies: America, Asia, and India

Question 19

Phase 2 (1825-1960): England, France, and Germany(drivers goals and colonies)

Answer 19

Drivers: More territory, resources, labor, and capitalism
Goals: New markets and resources to satisfy expanding global capitalism
Colonies: Africa and Asia

Question 20

Consequences of colonialism (6 plus example)

Answer 20

ex British Raj in India

1. Increased economic disparity and famine
2. Socio-psychological deterioration
3. Loss of culture, language and political autonomy
4. Mass poverty
5. Dependency cycle resulting in underdevelopment
6. Resource depletion for the benefit of colonizing entities

Question 21

British Raj in India, when and why?

Answer 21

■
Indigo was a cash crop in Indian colonies and took priority over food production for colonists

In the late 1800s monsoon rain failure resulted in country wide famine where 30 million Indians died of starvation. This an example of famine as a result of a social institution.

Question 22

Purported benefits of colonialism (5)

Answer 22

1. Social advances of culture, education and religion
2. Law and order
3. System of private property
4. Trade, cash crops, industry and technology
5. infrastructure (social, cultural and political

Question 23

Interventionist philosophy:

Answer 23

Ideological justification for outsiders to guide or rule native groups (colonialists, missionaries, governments, and development planners)

Question 24

legacy of colonialism

Answer 24

Sugar and Neoliberalism

• Europeans built plantations in Caribbean
• High demand for labor from slave trade
• After abolishment of slavery migrant workers were marginalized and poorly treated
• Now human rights organizations monitor the treatment of migrant workers in company housing

Question 25

neocolonialism

Answer 25

Indirect control over an area through geopolitics, aid, international trade agreements, and NGOs

Question 26

Neoliberalism

Answer 26

Governments shouldn’t regulate private enterprise; free-market forces should rule. The government should stay out of its nation’s economic affairs (no commerce regulations, manufacturing restrictions, or tariffs) [Laissez-Faire]

Question 27

Structural Adjustment (World Bank, IMF)

Answer 27

1. devalue currency
2. deregulate markets
3. free trade
4. austerity
   These companies are imposing neoliberal policies which entail open (tariff- and barrier-free) international trade and investment. Profits are sought through lowering costs, whether -through improving productivity, laying off workers, or seeking workers who accept lower wages.

Question 28

Modernist ideology

Answer 28

History is racing toward a technological utopia while the perceived primitive third world is in arrested development

Question 29

the case of the sugar industry

Answer 29

High demand for labor fueled slave trade–(brought poor Haitians over to work for low wages)

Sugar in Dominican Republic- Bateyes(company housing) are in very poor condition in Dominican Republic sugar plantations

Question 30

identity politics

Answer 30

Identifying oneself as belonging to a particular cultural group in order to attain political power despite stratification of said group

Question 31

applied anthropology

Answer 31

Study and understand patterns in behavior to figure out social organization, thinking and knowledge systems.
■study of humanity, the past, the present

Question 32

• How Did Colonial Powers Control People?4

Answer 32

1. Military Power: forced to join army
2. Economic Power: dual economy in urban and rural areas
3. Political power and bureaucracy: birth certificates and IDs
4. Ideological power