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The Development of Underdevelopment: Mercantilism, Colonialism and Neo-colonialism

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The Sociology of Developing Societies
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Abstract

In Part One of this book we studied processes of societal evolution and change on a very abstract plane. From a standpoint of pure sociological theory, societal evolution presents a process of increasing structural differentiation of the functions performed by society. Thus, from a sociological perspective, structurally complex societies are more developed than structurally simple societies.

Nearly all our major problems have grown up during British rule and as a direct result of British Policy; the princes; the minority problems; various vested interests, foreign and Indian; the lack of industry and the neglect of agriculture; the extreme backwardness in the social services; and, above all, the tragic poverty of the people.

Nehru: The Discovery of India, 1946.

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Notes and References

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© 1978 Ankie M. M. Hoogvelt

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Hoogvelt, A.M.M. (1978). The Development of Underdevelopment: Mercantilism, Colonialism and Neo-colonialism. In: The Sociology of Developing Societies. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-04190-9_5

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