Outlining a research plan implicating elements of the perspective

 Outlining a research plan implicating elements of the perspective

VI.Action Plan: Outlining a research plan implicating elements of the perspective

This unit is utilized to promote group work intended to develop tentative ideas which link up the

world-system perspective and its variants with group research agendas. It is expected that the

‘linkaging’ carried out in the preceding unit will provide valuable inputs for the preparation of

group research agendas.

### VI. Action Plan: Outlining a Research Plan Using the World-System Perspective

This unit aims to guide students in formulating a **research plan** that incorporates the key elements of the **world-system perspective** and its variants. Building on the theoretical linkages discussed in the previous unit, the objective is to develop group research agendas that explore **global-local dynamics**, applying world-system theory to specific **empirical cases** relevant to Nepal or other regions of interest.

#### 1. **Defining the Research Objective**

The first step in developing a research plan is to clearly define the **research objective**. The group should collectively decide on a specific **sociological issue** or **phenomenon** that they want to explore using the **world-system perspective** as a theoretical framework. This issue could relate to:

- **Economic dependency** and the role of **remittances** in shaping local economies.

- The impact of **globalization** on **labor migration** and **employment patterns** in Nepal.

- The influence of **global trade** on **agrarian structures** and **class dynamics** in rural Nepal.

- Analyzing **Nepal's peripheral status** and its political and economic relationship with **core nations**.

- Understanding the role of **international institutions** (e.g., World Bank, IMF) in shaping **national policies**.

Once the group has selected an issue, they can begin crafting a research **question** or **hypothesis** that connects the world-system perspective to the local context. For example, one might ask, *"How does Nepal's position in the periphery of the world-system affect its reliance on foreign remittances for economic stability?"* or *"What role do international trade agreements play in reinforcing class inequalities in rural agricultural communities?"*

#### 2. **Reviewing Literature**

The next step involves conducting a **literature review**. Drawing from both **world-system theory** and **local texts** (such as those discussed in the **Colloquium on Nepal**), students should gather academic resources, articles, books, and case studies that provide insights into their research question.

For example:

- **Wallerstein’s core-periphery model** and its application in peripheral economies like Nepal.

- **Dependency theory** and critiques from scholars such as **Andre Gunder Frank**, **Chaitanya Mishra**, or **Theda Skocpol**.

- Empirical studies on **labor migration**, **agrarian economies**, or **global commodity chains** in peripheral nations.

This literature will serve as the foundation for the theoretical framework and inform the group’s understanding of both **global structural forces** and **local specificities**.

#### 3. **Developing Research Methodology**

The next stage involves outlining a **research methodology**. The group should decide which **methods** will be most appropriate for collecting and analyzing data. Possible methods include:

- **Qualitative Methods**:

  - **Interviews** with migrant workers, agricultural laborers, or local businesses to understand how global economic forces impact their livelihoods.

  - **Focus groups** with community members affected by foreign aid, remittances, or international trade policies.

  - **Ethnographic fieldwork** to observe the dynamics of rural or urban communities and their integration into global markets.

- **Quantitative Methods**:

  - **Surveys** to gather statistical data on remittance flows, income inequality, or employment patterns among migrant laborers.

  - **Data analysis** of economic indicators such as GDP, trade deficits, or remittance contributions to the national economy, which can highlight Nepal’s dependent position in the world economy.

  

- **Case Studies**:

  - Focus on specific regions (e.g., rural villages affected by cardamom cultivation or migrant-heavy districts) to explore local-global linkages in detail.

  - **Comparative analysis** of Nepal with other peripheral nations, drawing parallels and differences in how global capitalism shapes development outcomes.

#### 4. **Linking Theory and Data**

In this stage, students should focus on **linking the theoretical framework**—the world-system perspective—with the **empirical data** they plan to collect. The key here is to use **Wallerstein’s concepts** of core, periphery, and semi-periphery, as well as the **criticisms** and **variants** of the theory, to interpret the data and draw meaningful conclusions.

For example:

- If the group is studying labor migration, they might analyze how the **core countries** (Gulf states, Malaysia) extract cheap labor from **peripheral countries** like Nepal, and how this dynamic impacts local economic stability and social structures.

- If the focus is on agriculture, the group can explore how **global commodity chains** (e.g., in the cardamom industry) integrate local farmers into global markets while maintaining unequal terms of trade, as per the **dependency theory** framework.

By continuously referencing **world-system theory** and its variants throughout the data collection and analysis process, the group will ensure that their research is grounded in the theoretical concepts they have learned.

#### 5. **Organizing Group Work**

Each group should assign specific **tasks** and **roles** to members to ensure efficient collaboration. Possible roles include:

- **Research Coordinator**: Oversees the progress of the research, ensuring deadlines are met and the methodology is followed.

- **Literature Review Lead**: Gathers and organizes relevant theoretical and empirical literature.

- **Fieldwork/Survey Lead**: Manages data collection, including designing surveys or organizing interviews.

- **Data Analyst**: Analyzes quantitative or qualitative data collected during the research process.

- **Writer/Editor**: Drafts the research paper, ensuring it integrates theoretical and empirical components effectively.

Regular group meetings should be held to discuss progress, resolve issues, and ensure that everyone is aligned with the project goals.

#### 6. **Timeline and Milestones**

The group should establish a **timeline** with clear **milestones** for each phase of the research process. An example timeline might look like this:

- **Week 1-2**: Finalize research topic and develop research questions.

- **Week 3-4**: Conduct literature review and refine theoretical framework.

- **Week 5-6**: Design research methodology and create data collection tools (surveys, interview guides, etc.).

- **Week 7-8**: Collect data through interviews, surveys, or fieldwork.

- **Week 9-10**: Analyze data and link findings to world-system theory.

- **Week 11-12**: Draft the research paper and review findings as a group.

- **Week 13-14**: Finalize and submit the research paper.

#### 7. **Final Output and Presentation**

The final output of the group’s research will be a **research paper** that incorporates both the **theoretical insights** from the world-system perspective and **empirical data** collected through fieldwork or secondary sources. This paper should:

- Clearly articulate the **research question** and theoretical framework.

- Present a thorough analysis of the **data**, demonstrating how the world-system theory and its critiques explain local realities.

- Discuss the **implications** of the findings for both **global inequality** and **local development** in Nepal (or the chosen region).

  

Additionally, the group may be required to **present their findings** to the class, fostering further discussion and encouraging peer feedback. The research paper and presentation should reflect the group’s ability to **think critically** and **apply theoretical knowledge** to real-world issues.

#### 8. **Conclusion**

The development of a **group research agenda** that applies the world-system perspective to specific empirical issues promotes **collaborative learning** and the **practical application of theory**. By engaging in this process, students not only deepen their understanding of **global-local dynamics** but also hone their **research skills**, preparing them for future academic or professional work in **sociology**, **development studies**, or related fields. This **action plan** ensures that the world-system perspective becomes not just a theoretical framework but a tool for understanding and addressing **real-world problems**, especially in contexts like Nepal.

Here are **10 comprehensive questions** that cover the key topics from your course, designed to prepare you for your exams:

### 1. **Historical Context of the World-System Perspective**

   - **Question**: Discuss the evolution of the capitalist world-system according to Immanuel Wallerstein. How did the rise of capitalist agriculture and the European world-economy in the sixteenth century shape global social change?

     - *Relevant Readings*: Immanuel Wallerstein, “On the Study of Social Change” (The Modern World-System); William I. Robinson, “Globalization and the Sociology of Immanuel Wallerstein: A Critical Appraisal.”

### 2. **Capitalism and the World-System**

   - **Question**: Explain Wallerstein’s concept of the **capitalist world economy**. How does the production of surplus value contribute to global economic polarization between the core and the periphery?

     - *Relevant Readings*: Wallerstein, Chapter 2 of *World-Systems Analysis: An Introduction*.

### 3. **The Role of Nation-States in the World-System**

   - **Question**: Analyze the rise of the modern nation-state system. How did sovereign nation-states, colonies, and the interstate system develop within the framework of the capitalist world-system?

     - *Relevant Readings*: Wallerstein, Chapter 3 of *World-Systems Analysis*.

### 4. **Crisis of the Modern World-System**

   - **Question**: What are the key factors contributing to the crisis of the modern world-system, as described by Wallerstein? How do bifurcation, chaos, and choices shape the future of global capitalism?

     - *Relevant Readings*: Wallerstein, Chapter 5 of *World-Systems Analysis*; Frank Elwell, “Wallerstein’s Crisis of Capitalism”; Christopher Chase-Dunn, “Five Linked Crises in the Contemporary World System.”

### 5. **Critiques of the World-System Perspective**

   - **Question**: Critically evaluate Theda Skocpol’s critique of Wallerstein’s world capitalist system. What are the theoretical and historical limitations of world-systems analysis?

     - *Relevant Readings*: Theda Skocpol, “Wallerstein’s World Capitalist System: A Theoretical and Historical Critique.”

### 6. **Debates on the Origins of Capitalism**

   - **Question**: Examine the debates surrounding the time-scale and geographical origins of the capitalist world-system. How do the works of scholars like Andre Gunder Frank and Barry Gills challenge Wallerstein’s view on capitalism’s European origins?

     - *Relevant Readings*: Andre Gunder Frank, “Immanuel and Me Without Hyphen”; Barry Gills, “The Continuity Thesis on World Development.”

### 7. **World-Systems and Dependency Theories**

   - **Question**: Compare and contrast world-systems theory with dependency theory. What are the key critiques and new directions proposed by scholars like James Petras in understanding global inequalities?

     - *Relevant Readings*: James Petras, “Dependency and World-System Theory: A Critique and New Directions.”

### 8. **Development and Underdevelopment in Nepal**

   - **Question**: Using a world-system perspective, analyze the issues of development and underdevelopment in Nepal. How do global economic forces impact Nepal’s peripheral status in the world economy?

     - *Relevant Readings*: Chaitanya Mishra, “Development and Underdevelopment in Nepal”; Piers Blaikie, John Cameron, and David Seddon, *Nepal in Crisis*.

### 9. **Labor Migration and Global Capitalism in Nepal**

   - **Question**: Discuss the relationship between **labor migration** and global capitalism, using Nepal as a case study. How do policies and institutional mechanisms governing labor migration reflect Nepal’s position within the capitalist world-system?

     - *Relevant Readings*: Bandita Sijapati and Amrita Limbu, *Governing Labor Migration in Nepal*.

### 10. **Action Plan for Research Using the World-System Perspective**

   - **Question**: Outline a research plan that incorporates the world-system perspective to study a global-local issue relevant to Nepal. What theoretical and empirical methods would you employ to investigate this issue?

     - *Relevant Topics*: Research methodology based on Wallerstein’s world-system theory, group work agenda from the Action Plan unit.

These questions are designed to encourage **critical thinking**, **theoretical analysis**, and the application of **world-systems theory** to specific contexts, including **Nepal**. You can use them to focus your exam preparation and deepen your understanding of the material.

The juxtaposition of the world-system/world system perspectives and its variants

 The juxtaposition of the world-system/world system perspectives and its variants

V. Reflecting back on the perspective and variants 

This unit is utilized to summarize the juxtaposition of the world-system/world system

perspectives and its variants on the one hand and the ‘Nepal texts’ on the other. It is intended as

an exercise in linkaging the theoretical and the empirical and in cultivating a habit of theoretical

thinking. It is expected that the colloquium will be summarized, documented, shared, and utilized

as a learning device during subsequent semesters in Kirtipur and other campuses.

### V. Reflecting Back on the World-System Perspective and Variants in Relation to the Nepal Context

This final unit seeks to juxtapose the **world-system theory** with the specific socio-economic realities of Nepal, as examined in the previous texts. By linking theoretical insights from **Immanuel Wallerstein’s world-system perspective** and its critiques to empirical evidence from Nepal’s development trajectory, students are encouraged to reflect on how global systems of inequality manifest in local contexts like Nepal. The ultimate goal of this reflection is to cultivate a deeper understanding of **theoretical thinking** and apply it to empirical data.

#### 1. **World-System Theory and Its Key Concepts**

At the heart of Wallerstein's **world-system theory** is the idea that the modern world is organized into a global economic system characterized by unequal relations between a **core**, **semi-periphery**, and **periphery**. The core nations dominate the global economy, controlling **capital**, **technology**, and **high-skill labor**, while peripheral nations provide **cheap labor** and **raw materials**, often becoming dependent on the core for economic survival. Semi-peripheral nations act as intermediaries, experiencing both exploitation and some degree of upward mobility.

This framework emphasizes the role of **capitalism** in creating and perpetuating global inequalities, where countries in the periphery are continually exploited for their resources, labor, and markets. Wallerstein’s model, however, has been critiqued for being too **economically deterministic** and for minimizing the role of local actors, **state institutions**, and historical contingencies in shaping developmental outcomes.

#### 2. **Nepal as a Case Study of Peripheral Status**

The empirical case of Nepal, as discussed in the **Colloquium on Nepal**, provides a concrete example of a country situated in the **periphery** of the global capitalist system. Authors like **Piers Blaikie, John Cameron, and David Seddon** describe how Nepal’s peripheral status shapes its economic stagnation and dependence on foreign aid, mirroring many of the dynamics described by Wallerstein in his world-system theory. The **agrarian crisis**, **low productivity**, and **limited industrialization** position Nepal firmly as a peripheral nation, where external forces and global economic shifts exert a significant impact on local economic realities.

Nepal’s reliance on **remittances** and **foreign aid** further exemplifies its dependency, as global labor markets shape both internal migration patterns and economic development strategies. In this sense, the **unequal economic exchanges** described by world-system theory are vividly reflected in Nepal’s development trajectory.

#### 3. **Critiques and Variants of the World-System Theory**

The critiques of world-system theory, particularly those from scholars like **Theda Skocpol**, **Andre Gunder Frank**, and **Christopher Chase-Dunn**, offer important nuances that help explain Nepal’s unique development challenges. For instance, Skocpol’s critique of Wallerstein’s **overemphasis on economic factors** and **neglect of state institutions** is relevant to Nepal, where political instability, internal **class structures**, and **caste hierarchies** play significant roles in shaping developmental outcomes. Skocpol’s focus on **state autonomy** could help explain why Nepal, despite its peripheral status, has seen moments of political transformation and social movements that challenge external domination.

Similarly, **Andre Gunder Frank’s** argument for a **5,000-year world system** highlights the importance of long-term global trade networks, particularly in Asia, which may offer a broader historical context for understanding Nepal’s development. Nepal’s economic history, including its **trade relations with India** and its position as a mediator between **China and India**, might be better understood through Frank’s emphasis on **historical continuity** in global systems rather than the more rigid break proposed by Wallerstein in the 16th century.

Additionally, **Chase-Dunn’s** call for recognizing both **continuities and differences** in world-systems across time is particularly helpful for Nepal. Nepal’s internal development challenges are not solely the result of its integration into the modern capitalist world-system but also reflect long-standing **social, political, and geographical factors** that have shaped the country's position in the world economy over centuries.

#### 4. **Local Specificities: Insights from Chaitanya Mishra and Other Nepalese Scholars**

Chaitanya Mishra’s work adds a crucial **local perspective** to the world-system framework, emphasizing the internal social structures—such as **feudal land relations**, the **caste system**, and **elite dominance**—that perpetuate underdevelopment in Nepal. Mishra’s arguments are aligned with the **dependency theory** critique of world-system analysis, which focuses more on **internal class dynamics** within peripheral nations.

Mishra’s critique of **external dependency** through remittances and foreign aid resonates strongly with Wallerstein’s model but also underscores the **agency of local actors** in shaping Nepal’s development path. While global forces are undoubtedly influential, Nepalese elites, political leaders, and social movements have also played a role in the country’s development trajectory, sometimes exacerbating inequality and at other times challenging the status quo.

The work of **Ian Carlos Fitzpatrick** on the **cardamom economy** in a Limbu village and the policies governing **labor migration** further illustrate the **interplay between local and global forces**. Fitzpatrick’s ethnographic work shows how global markets affect local livelihoods and how local class structures are transformed by participation in global trade. This aligns with the world-system analysis but also highlights the **agency** of local actors in navigating these global dynamics.

#### 5. **The Theoretical and Empirical Linkages**

Linking the theoretical framework of world-systems theory to the empirical case of Nepal provides important insights into the nature of **global inequality**, **local development**, and the **role of peripheral nations** in the world economy. While world-systems theory offers a **macro-level explanation** of global inequality, the case of Nepal emphasizes the importance of **internal social structures**, **political institutions**, and **historical legacies** in shaping development.

For instance, world-system theory helps explain why Nepal, as a peripheral nation, struggles with economic stagnation and dependency on external aid. However, it is local factors—such as the **agrarian structure**, the **role of elites**, and the **political instability**—that complicate the picture and require a more nuanced understanding of development. 

Moreover, the **critiques** of world-systems theory, particularly those that emphasize the role of **state autonomy**, **internal class dynamics**, and **historical continuity**, offer valuable insights for understanding Nepal’s particular challenges. While global forces shape Nepal’s economy, the **agency of the Nepalese state**, its **elite classes**, and the broader **social structure** are also key factors in determining the country’s developmental trajectory.

#### 6. **Concluding Reflection**

The juxtaposition of **world-system theory** with the **Nepal texts** encourages a deeper engagement with both **theory and empirical data**, allowing students to develop a habit of **theoretical thinking**. By examining how global systems of inequality manifest in a specific national context, students are better equipped to understand the complexities of development in peripheral nations like Nepal.

The colloquium’s exploration of these themes underscores the value of integrating **macro-level global analysis** with **micro-level local studies**. This exercise not only broadens our understanding of **global capitalism** and **world systems** but also highlights the **importance of local specificities** in shaping national development outcomes. As this colloquium continues to be shared and utilized in future semesters, it serves as a vital tool for fostering critical thinking and analytical skills among students studying **development sociology** and **global inequality** in Nepal.

In conclusion, reflecting on both the **world-system perspective** and its variants, alongside the **Nepal texts**, helps students see the intersection between **theory** and **reality**, providing a framework to analyze contemporary society and development in Nepal within the larger global system.

Colloquium on Nepal

 Colloquium on Nepal

IV.Colloquium on Nepal 

A. Piers Blaikie, John Cameron and David Seddon’s Nepal in Crisis: Growth and

Stagnation in the Periphery. Chapter 2. Pp.24-58.

B. Chaitanya Mishra: ‘Development and underdevelopment in Nepal: A preliminary

sociological perspective.’ 1987. In Chaitanya Mishra, Essays on the Sociology of Nepal.

Pp. 47-80

C. Chaitanya Mishra: ‘Nepal: Long term and lar Colloquium on linkaging the ‘Nepal

texts’ to the ge scale: History and theory.’ Pp. 18

D. Chaitanya Mishra: ‘Samrajyabad ra Nepalko bhawisys.’ Kantipur. Feb 20, 2013 (Fagun

9, 2069). P. 7.

E. Ian Carlos Fitzpatrick. Cardamom and Class: A Limbu Village and its Extensions in East

Nepal. Pp. 1-26, 183-228, 271-78

F. Bandita Sijapati and Amrita Limbu. Governing Labor Migration in Nepal: An Analysis of

Existing Policies and Institutional Mechanisms. Chapter 1. Pp.1-24

The **Colloquium on Nepal** provides a focused discussion on the unique socio-economic, political, and developmental challenges facing Nepal. By engaging with key texts, such as those by Piers Blaikie, Chaitanya Mishra, Ian Carlos Fitzpatrick, and others, this section helps bridge the global world-systems perspective with the specific context of Nepal, examining the country's **peripheral position** within the global capitalist system and the effects of internal and external forces on its development.

### A. **Piers Blaikie, John Cameron, and David Seddon: "Nepal in Crisis: Growth and Stagnation in the Periphery" (Chapter 2, Pp. 24-58)**

This text provides a detailed analysis of Nepal's **economic stagnation** and **growth challenges** within the context of its **peripheral position** in the global capitalist system. Blaikie, Cameron, and Seddon argue that Nepal’s development is constrained by a combination of **internal factors**—such as its geography and political structure—and **external pressures** from the world system.

#### Key Points:

- **Peripheral Position**: Nepal is situated in the **periphery** of the world system, meaning it is economically dependent on core countries and subject to external influences. Its economy is largely based on **subsistence agriculture** and **low-wage labor**, which makes it vulnerable to global market fluctuations and external shocks.

  

- **Internal Factors**: The authors highlight **geographical isolation**, **political instability**, and the **lack of infrastructure** as major hindrances to economic growth. These factors contribute to a stagnant economy where wealth accumulation and capital investment are difficult.

- **Dependency on External Aid**: Nepal relies heavily on **foreign aid** and **remittances**, which deepens its dependency on core nations. This creates a cycle of dependence, where Nepal is unable to build a self-sustaining economy and remains locked in underdevelopment.

- **Agrarian Crisis**: The majority of Nepal’s population is engaged in agriculture, but the sector is characterized by **low productivity** and **land fragmentation**. The agrarian structure, combined with environmental degradation and land exhaustion, exacerbates the country’s economic challenges.

The analysis emphasizes the importance of understanding **Nepal’s economic challenges** within the context of its peripheral position in the world-system, while also paying attention to domestic factors that contribute to its stagnation.

### B. **Chaitanya Mishra: "Development and Underdevelopment in Nepal: A Preliminary Sociological Perspective" (1987, Pp. 47-80)**

Chaitanya Mishra’s essay provides a **sociological perspective** on the development and underdevelopment of Nepal. Mishra examines how **class relations**, **social structures**, and **external forces** contribute to Nepal’s underdevelopment, drawing on both **world-systems theory** and **dependency theory** to frame his argument.

#### Key Points:

- **Internal Social Structures**: Mishra focuses on the **hierarchical social structures** in Nepal, particularly the **caste system** and **feudal land relations**, which perpetuate inequality and hinder development. The **elite class**, which controls much of the political and economic power, benefits from the existing system and has little incentive to promote broad-based development.

- **External Forces**: Like Blaikie, Cameron, and Seddon, Mishra highlights the impact of **external forces** on Nepal’s underdevelopment. He emphasizes Nepal’s dependence on **foreign aid**, **trade imbalances**, and **remittances** as factors that reinforce its peripheral status in the global economy.

- **Role of the State**: Mishra critiques the **Nepalese state** for failing to enact meaningful reforms that could reduce inequality and promote economic growth. He argues that the state often serves the interests of the **elite class**, perpetuating underdevelopment through policies that reinforce dependency on foreign aid and suppress social mobility.

- **Global Inequality**: Mishra connects Nepal’s underdevelopment to broader patterns of **global inequality**, arguing that the **capitalist world-system** inherently creates conditions of wealth for some nations and poverty for others. He suggests that meaningful development in Nepal would require structural changes at both the national and global levels.

### C. **Chaitanya Mishra: "Nepal: Long Term and Large Scale: History and Theory" (Pp. 18)**

In this work, Chaitanya Mishra expands on his previous analysis by taking a **long-term, large-scale view** of Nepal’s history and development. He examines how historical processes have shaped the country’s current socio-economic conditions, linking local and global forces over time.

#### Key Points:

- **Historical Development**: Mishra traces Nepal’s development back to the **pre-capitalist era**, highlighting how its position in the world system has changed over time. He argues that while Nepal has always been economically and politically marginal, its incorporation into the capitalist world-system in the 19th and 20th centuries intensified its **dependency** on external powers.

- **Colonial Legacy**: Mishra examines the role of **British colonialism** in shaping Nepal’s development, particularly through its impact on trade and **labor migration**. While Nepal was never formally colonized, it was heavily influenced by British economic and political interests in the region.

- **Theoretical Implications**: Mishra suggests that understanding Nepal’s long-term development requires a **multi-dimensional analysis** that considers both internal social structures and external forces. He argues that the **world-systems perspective** is valuable for understanding Nepal’s peripheral position but needs to be complemented by an analysis of domestic factors, such as class and state power.

### D. **Chaitanya Mishra: "Samrajyabad ra Nepalko Bhawisya" (Imperialism and the Future of Nepal) (Kantipur, Feb 20, 2013)**

In this article, Mishra discusses the continuing impact of **imperialism** on Nepal’s development and speculates on the country’s future. He argues that while traditional forms of imperialism may have declined, Nepal remains subject to new forms of economic and political domination.

#### Key Points:

- **Neo-imperialism**: Mishra argues that **neo-imperialism** continues to shape Nepal’s development through **international financial institutions**, **foreign aid** programs, and **bilateral relations** with powerful countries. These external forces often dictate Nepal’s economic policies, limiting the country’s sovereignty and ability to pursue independent development paths.

- **Future Prospects**: Mishra remains skeptical about Nepal’s future under the current global order. He argues that unless Nepal can **break free** from its dependence on external powers and reform its internal social and political structures, it is unlikely to achieve meaningful development.

### E. **Ian Carlos Fitzpatrick: "Cardamom and Class: A Limbu Village and its Extensions in East Nepal" (Pp. 1-26, 183-228, 271-78)**

Fitzpatrick’s work provides an in-depth **ethnographic study** of a **Limbu village** in Eastern Nepal, focusing on the intersections of **class** and **agricultural production**, particularly the cultivation of **cardamom**, a high-value cash crop.

#### Key Points:

- **Class Relations**: Fitzpatrick examines how the cultivation of cardamom has created new **class divisions** within the Limbu community. While some farmers have been able to accumulate wealth and social status through the sale of cardamom, others remain trapped in poverty due to **landlessness** or lack of access to resources.

- **Global Markets**: The success of cardamom farming is heavily dependent on access to **global markets**. Fitzpatrick highlights the **vulnerability** of local farmers to fluctuations in global prices, which can have devastating effects on their livelihoods.

- **Migration and Labor**: Fitzpatrick also explores the role of **labor migration** in the region, noting that many young people leave the village to work in cities or abroad. This migration has both positive and negative effects on the village economy, as remittances provide a source of income but also contribute to **social dislocation** and a lack of investment in local development.

### F. **Bandita Sijapati and Amrita Limbu: "Governing Labor Migration in Nepal: An Analysis of Existing Policies and Institutional Mechanisms" (Chapter 1, Pp. 1-24)**

This text examines the **policies and institutional mechanisms** governing **labor migration** in Nepal. Sijapati and Limbu analyze the effectiveness of current policies in managing the large-scale migration of Nepalese workers abroad, particularly to the Gulf countries and Malaysia.

#### Key Points:

- **Labor Migration**: Nepal has one of the highest rates of **labor migration** in the world, with millions of Nepalese working abroad, primarily in low-wage, high-risk jobs. Remittances from these workers are a major source of income for Nepal’s economy, but the migration process is fraught with challenges.

- **Policy Gaps**: Sijapati and Limbu highlight the **inadequacies** in Nepal’s labor migration policies, including weak enforcement of labor rights, lack of support for migrants, and **corruption** within recruitment agencies. These gaps leave many migrant workers vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

- **Economic Dependence**: The authors argue that Nepal’s reliance on **remittances** as a major source of income creates a form of **economic dependency** that limits the country’s ability to develop more sustainable forms of economic growth.

### Conclusion

The **Colloquium on Nepal** readings offer a rich and nuanced examination of the country’s development challenges, particularly in the context of the global capitalist system. These texts draw attention to Nepal’s peripheral position in the world economy, its reliance on external aid and remittances, and the deep-rooted

Wallerstein’s world capitalist system: A theoretical and historical critique

Wallerstein’s world capitalist system: A theoretical and historical critique

III.Variants/Critiques 

A. Theda Skocpol. ‘Wallerstein’s world capitalist system: A theoretical and historical

critique’. American Journal of Sociology. Vol 82, No 5 (March 1977). Pp. 1075-89

B. ‘Debates’ on the scale and time-depth of capitalist world system

• Andre Gunder Frank. ‘Immanuel and me with-out hyphen.’ Journal of World Systems

Research. Vol. 6, No 2 (Summer/Fall 2000). Pp. 216-231.

• Barry Gills. ‘The continuity thesis on world development.’ In Sing C Chew and

Robert A. Denemark (eds.), The Development of Underdevelopment. Pp. 226-45

• Christopher Chase-Dunn. ‘World-systems: Similarities and differences.’ In Sing C

Chew and Robert A Denemark (eds.). The Development of Underdevelopment. Pp.

246-58

• Optional reading. Andre Gunder Frank. The Five Thousand Year World System.

Humboldt Journal of Social Relations. Vol. 18, No 2. Pp. 1-41

C. World-systems and dependency theories

• James Petras. ‘Dependency and world-system theory: A critiques and new directions.’

Latin American Perspectives. Vol 8, No 3⁄4. (Late Summer/Autumn). Pp. 148-155

The **variants and critiques** of the World-System Perspective reveal the richness of the theoretical debates surrounding Immanuel Wallerstein’s framework. These critiques offer alternative perspectives, point out limitations in Wallerstein’s theory, and expand on or challenge key assumptions about the nature and historical scope of the capitalist world-system. Below is a detailed examination of these critiques and alternative formulations:

### A. **Theda Skocpol: "Wallerstein’s World Capitalist System: A Theoretical and Historical Critique"**

- *American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 82, No. 5 (March 1977), Pp. 1075-89*

Theda Skocpol provides one of the most comprehensive early critiques of Wallerstein’s world-system theory, arguing that it overemphasizes the role of the global economy while underplaying the **autonomy of state actors** and **political institutions**. She is a key representative of **state-centered approaches** to understanding historical change, contrasting with Wallerstein’s **economic determinism**.

#### Key Critiques:

1. **State Autonomy**: Skocpol argues that Wallerstein’s theory treats states as mere agents of the world-system, subordinated to economic processes. She contends that states have greater autonomy and can shape their own policies in ways that challenge or circumvent the pressures of the world economy. For example, she points to **revolutions** and **social movements** that arise from domestic conditions, which Wallerstein’s model fails to fully account for.

  

2. **Historical Specificity**: Skocpol critiques Wallerstein for his reliance on **broad historical generalizations**. She argues that world-system analysis tends to flatten out differences between historical periods, reducing the complexity of social, political, and cultural factors to a simple core-periphery relationship. According to Skocpol, Wallerstein’s model is insufficiently sensitive to the **unique historical trajectories** of different states and societies.

3. **Underestimation of Political Institutions**: Wallerstein’s theory prioritizes economic factors (e.g., trade, production, and capital accumulation) while underestimating the **role of political institutions** and **state power** in shaping historical outcomes. Skocpol suggests that institutions like the military and bureaucracy have their own logic and can shape social change independently of economic factors.

### B. **Debates on the Scale and Time-Depth of the Capitalist World-System**

1. **Andre Gunder Frank: "Immanuel and Me Without Hyphen"**

   - *Journal of World Systems Research, Vol. 6, No. 2 (Summer/Fall 2000), Pp. 216-231*

   Andre Gunder Frank, a key figure in **dependency theory** and later a proponent of the **"5,000-year world system"** concept, challenges Wallerstein’s insistence that capitalism emerged in the 16th century. He argues that **global economic systems** existed long before the modern world-system.

   #### Key Points:

   - **Continuity of World Systems**: Frank contends that the world-system should not be seen as a novel development of the 16th century but rather as the continuation of a much older pattern of global economic interaction dating back millennia. He emphasizes **trade networks** in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, which had significant global influence long before European dominance.

   - **De-centering Europe**: Frank critiques Wallerstein’s Eurocentrism, suggesting that Europe’s rise to prominence was more the result of **Asian decline** than European innovation. According to Frank, regions like China, India, and the Middle East had highly developed economies that played a crucial role in the global system long before European expansion.

2. **Barry Gills: "The Continuity Thesis on World Development"**

   - *In Chew and Denemark (eds.), The Development of Underdevelopment, Pp. 226-245*

   Barry Gills, like Frank, argues for a **continuity thesis**, suggesting that global economic systems have existed for far longer than Wallerstein acknowledges. Gills highlights the **long history of interconnected trade systems**, particularly in Asia, as evidence that world systems have been present for thousands of years.

   #### Key Points:

   - **Non-European Centric Histories**: Gills emphasizes the importance of looking at **non-European** centers of power, such as China, India, and the Middle East, as primary drivers of early world systems. He suggests that Europe’s rise was a relatively **late development** in the history of global economies.

3. **Christopher Chase-Dunn: "World-Systems: Similarities and Differences"**

   - *In Chew and Denemark (eds.), The Development of Underdevelopment, Pp. 246-258*

   Chase-Dunn critiques both Wallerstein and Frank by exploring **similarities and differences** between different world-systems across time. He argues for a more nuanced understanding of world-systems, recognizing both **continuities and changes** over long periods.

   #### Key Points:

   - **Structural Continuity and Transformation**: Chase-Dunn recognizes the existence of earlier world-systems but also highlights that **capitalism** introduced novel features, such as the unique way it organizes labor and capital globally. He maintains that Wallerstein’s focus on the **16th century** is important because capitalism represents a **qualitatively different world-system**.

   - **Hybrid Models**: Chase-Dunn suggests that scholars should look for **hybrid models** that combine insights from both Wallerstein and Frank. While earlier global systems did exist, capitalism has distinct dynamics that are worth emphasizing, such as **cyclical crises**, **global polarization**, and the persistence of core-periphery relations.

4. **Andre Gunder Frank: "The Five Thousand Year World System"** (Optional)

   - *Humboldt Journal of Social Relations, Vol. 18, No. 2, Pp. 1-41*

   Frank elaborates on his thesis that world systems have existed for over 5,000 years, emphasizing the central role of **Asia** in global economic history. This work de-centers Europe entirely and challenges Wallerstein’s view that the **modern capitalist system** is a distinct historical phenomenon.

   #### Key Points:

   - **Long-Term Historical Patterns**: Frank argues that modern capitalism is not a new or distinct system but a **continuation of long-term global economic patterns** that date back thousands of years. He draws attention to the **Asian-centered trade networks** that existed well before Europe’s rise.

   - **Asia as the Core**: Frank suggests that **Asia**, not Europe, was the dominant core of the global economy for much of history, with Europe only becoming significant after 1500.

### C. **World-Systems and Dependency Theories**

1. **James Petras: "Dependency and World-System Theory: A Critique and New Directions"**

   - *Latin American Perspectives, Vol. 8, No. 3/4 (Late Summer/Autumn), Pp. 148-155*

   James Petras compares **dependency theory** with **world-systems theory** and offers a critique of both, while also suggesting new directions for understanding global inequality. Dependency theory, developed by thinkers like Andre Gunder Frank and Fernando Henrique Cardoso, focuses on the **unequal relationship** between developed and developing countries, where the latter are structurally dependent on the former.

   #### Key Points:

   - **Core-Periphery Model**: Like world-systems theory, dependency theory uses the **core-periphery** framework to understand global inequality. However, Petras criticizes both theories for being too **deterministic** and for underestimating the capacity of **local agency** and **resistance** in the periphery. He argues that peripheral nations are not entirely powerless in the face of global capitalism.

   - **State and Class Relations**: Petras also critiques Wallerstein for downplaying the role of **domestic class relations** within peripheral countries. He argues that dependency theory, by focusing more on internal dynamics, offers a better explanation for why some nations succeed in breaking free from dependency, while others remain trapped.

   - **New Directions**: Petras suggests that future research should focus on **local forms of resistance**, state-led development projects, and the **emergence of new powers** from the global South (e.g., China, India) that challenge the traditional core-periphery relationship.

### Conclusion

The variants and critiques of Wallerstein’s world-systems theory demonstrate the **diverse range of scholarly perspectives** on global capitalism and its historical development. Skocpol’s critique highlights the need to account for **state autonomy** and political institutions, while Frank and Gills emphasize the **long-term continuity** of global economic systems and challenge the **Eurocentrism** in Wallerstein’s work. Chase-Dunn offers a more nuanced view, balancing both continuity and change in the history of world-systems, and Petras bridges the gap between **dependency theory** and world-systems analysis by calling for greater attention to **local agency** and **internal dynamics**.

Together, these critiques deepen our understanding of global inequality, the role of states, and the historical development of capitalism, encouraging students to think critically about the **world-system** and its future trajectory.