Analysis of social theory of international stratification and of the practice of classifying countries of the world in one of three groups, (1) developed countries of private enterprise economy, (2) countries of collective economy, and (3) developing countries - covers sociological aspects of economic development, political aspects, cultural factors (the last with particular reference to developing countries), etc.

An intellectual history of social science and development theories, describing early, primarily European theories on development and their transformation in response to Third World realities, and looking at the relationships between development theory, mainstream social sciences, and international political economy. This second edition discusses major events that have taken place since the 1990 edition, such as the Gulf War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the Rio Conference. Designed as a core text for upper-level undergraduates. A Longman imprint, published in the US by Wiley. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Written by experts in the field, this book covers a range of contemporary developments, as well as providing coverage of the theory and practice of international development.

Essay on the various factors, especially the political ideologies, shaping the development of the Third World and the resulting social and economic conditions of the proletariat.

Recent developments have made obsolete the division of the globe into three worlds of capitalist, state socialist and underdeveloped countries. This book traces the interconnectedness of the 'disorganisation' of capitalism in the industrialised west, the transformation of former state socialist societies, and the divergent fortunes of third world countries. It argues that comparative sociology continues to have relevance in the age of globalisation and provides a framework within which these developments can be placed in their proper perspective.