Marxist/Post-Structural Key Terms

Question 1

Marxism

Answer 1

• A critique of capitalism by Karl Marx, which sees class formation and class conflict as a foundational feature of society

Question 2

World System Theory

Answer 2

• Classifications of nation as either core, periphery or semi periphery. Periphery is exploited for its resources by semi-periphery and core. Core sells value added goods to semi-periphery/periphery

Question 3

Underdevelopment Theory

Answer 3

• Periphery is trapped in a state underdevelopment due to exploitation by core. Peripheral nations can only develop when cutting ties with core

Question 4

Socialism

Answer 4

• A range of economic and social systems characterized by social ownership and worers’ self-management of the means of production

Question 5

Post-Structuralism

Answer 5

• Social theory critical of universal truths and binary concepts. Post-Development is critical of linear notions of development

Question 6

Discourse Analysis

Answer 6

• Interpreting and analyzing text, images or language for embedded meanings that portray and establish power relations

Question 7

Orientalism

Answer 7

• Critique of Eurocentrism and perceptions of the ‘Orient’. Binary characterization of Europeans as strong, honest and moral, but the oriental as weak, passive and corrupt.