ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the theory of internal colonialism and examines its usefulness for studying Third World societies. Although the term internal colonialism was sporadically employed by earlier authors, its modern conceptualization was developed during the early to mid-1960s, principally by the distinguished Mexican sociologists Pablo González Casanova and Rodolfo Stavenhagen (who is also an anthropologist). This chapter starts by presenting the historical and indigenista (indianist) roots of the theory of internal colonialism. It continues by examining the main body of the theory such as the definition of, and variety of forms assumed by, internal colonialism, the specific rural-urban, class, regional, and socio-economic relationships which characterize it, and the factors which lead to its demise. Running through the analysis are the distinctive relations of exploitation and domination which characterize situations of internal colonialism in the Third World. The chapter then continues with a critical analysis of the theory. Finally, reference is made to the use of the theory of internal colonialism for studying ethnic minorities in developed countries and of regional relationships in developed and underdeveloped countries.
