Question 1

The basic idea behind structuralism is that

Accepted Answer

A)   the structure of the international political economy-namely capitalism-conditions its outcome.
B)   the core exploits the proletariat.
C)   the state exploits the market.
D)   wealth is necessary for power. A

Question 2

Ideological manipulation occurs when

Accepted Answer

A)   workers believe in the legitimacy of the capitalist system.
B)   workers post propaganda intended to incite change within the system.
C)   authoritarian leaders impose stringent measures upon their country's population.
D)   politicians convince voters that they support populist proposals. A

Question 3

Compare and contrast structuralism with mercantilism and liberalism in the following areas:
a. the dominant actors
b. political versus economic motivations behind actors' behavior
c. the role of the state in the economy

Accepted Answer

Structuralism, mercantilism, and liberalism are all theories that seek to explain the behavior of actors in the international political economy. Each theory has its own unique perspective on the dominant actors, their motivations, and the role of the state in the economy.

In terms of dominant actors, structuralism focuses on the role of multinational corporations and global financial institutions as the primary actors in the international political economy. These actors are seen as having significant power and influence over economic policies and outcomes. Mercantilism, on the other hand, emphasizes the role of the state as the dominant actor in the economy. States are seen as pursuing policies that prioritize the accumulation of wealth and power through trade and economic dominance. Liberalism, meanwhile, emphasizes the role of individuals and private businesses as the dominant actors in the economy. Liberalism advocates for free markets and minimal state intervention in economic affairs.

In terms of political versus economic motivations behind actors' behavior, structuralism argues that actors are primarily motivated by economic interests, particularly the pursuit of profit and market dominance. This perspective emphasizes the role of economic structures and power imbalances in shaping actors' behavior. Mercantilism, on the other hand, emphasizes the political motivations behind actors' behavior. States are seen as pursuing policies that prioritize national interests and power, often at the expense of other states. Liberalism, meanwhile, emphasizes the economic motivations behind actors' behavior, arguing that individuals and businesses are primarily motivated by self-interest and the pursuit of wealth.

In terms of the role of the state in the economy, structuralism sees the state as playing a significant role in shaping economic outcomes, particularly through policies that regulate and control multinational corporations and financial institutions. Mercantilism, as previously mentioned, emphasizes the central role of the state in the economy, advocating for protectionist policies and state intervention to promote national economic interests. Liberalism, on the other hand, advocates for minimal state intervention in the economy, emphasizing the importance of free markets and individual economic freedom.

In conclusion, while structuralism, mercantilism, and liberalism all seek to explain the behavior of actors in the international political economy, they differ in their perspectives on dominant actors, motivations behind actors' behavior, and the role of the state in the economy. These differences reflect the diverse and often conflicting views on how the international political economy operates.

Question 4

Structuralists argue that capitalists use what kinds of mechanisms to control the subordinate classes and get them to believe in the legitimacy of the capitalist system?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Structuralists argue that capitalists use what kinds...

Question 5

Which of these statements is correct?

Accepted Answer

A)   In 2014 approximately 15 percent of total U.S. post-tax income went to the top 1 percent of Americans.
B)   In 2014 approximately 20 percent of total U.S. post-tax income went to the bottom 50 percent of Americans.
C)   In 2014 approximately 40 percent of total U.S. post-tax income went to the top 10 percent of Americans.
D)   All of these statement are correct.

Question 6

Which economist asserts that, over the long term, the rate of return on capital tends to exceed the rate of growth of GDP?

Accepted Answer

A)   Thomas Piketty
B)   Branko Milanovic
C)   John Maynard Keynes
D)   Karl Marx

Question 7

Summarize some important trends in inequality in developed countries over the period from 1980 to 2014. What changes, if any, have there been in income and wealth of the lower, middle, and upper classes?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Summarize some important trends in inequality in...

Question 8

Which of the following kinds of workers is most likely to be part of the precariat?

Accepted Answer

A)   White-collar workers
B)   The industrial working class
C)   Immigrants
D)   Professionals

Question 9

Lenin argued that capitalism was able to delay its crisis through international expansion. Explain what Lenin meant by imperialism. Outline several examples of imperialism in the global political economy today.

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The answer of Lenin argued that capitalism was able to...

Question 10

What specific factors do structuralists think have contributed to rising inequality in industrialized countries since the 1980s?

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The answer of What specific factors do structuralists think have...

Question 11

Outline the essential characteristics of dependency theory and the Modern World Systems theory. Discuss some examples of how the concepts would account for policy situations in the world today.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Outline the essential characteristics of dependency theory...

Question 12

Which one of the following refers to the privately-owned assets used to produce the commodities in an economy?

Accepted Answer

A)   the means of production
B)   the mode of production
C)   false consciousness
D)   private property

Question 13

According to many structuralists, which of the following is not one of the outcomes of the global financial crisis?

Accepted Answer

A)   The re-emergence of the debt crisis in Asia*
B)   Great global inequality.
C)   Increased consumer debt in industrialized nations.
D)   Many state officials promoting austerity policies to decrease debt and promote recovery.

Question 14

Which of the following is not one of Marx's Laws of Capitalism?

Accepted Answer

A)   the law of the falling rate of profit
B)   the law of disproportionality
C)   the law of concentration
D)   the law of capitalist imperialism

Question 15

Outline some of the views structuralists have about globalization. Why do they tend to be so critical of it?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Outline some of the views structuralists have...

Question 16

Which of the following most closely resembles Marx's definition of class?

Accepted Answer

A)   Class is determined by ownership of capital, which can be mixed with labor to form a commodity that is profitably sold.
B)   Class is defined by income, with the amount of money earned signifying one's position.
C)   Classes are delineated based on property ownership.
D)   Class is nonexistent; all capital is communally owned.

Question 17

Which of the following is not a characteristic of the transnational capitalist class (TCC)?

Accepted Answer

A)   It promotes a culture-ideology of consumerism.
B)   It has power over national governments and exercises authority through the IMF, the WTO, and the EU institutions.
C)   Its elites come exclusively from the United States, the EU, and Japan.
D)   It owns most of the world's financial assets.
E)   One of its fractions is globalizing professionals with technical skills.

Question 18

Imagine a structuralist and neoliberal having a discussion about globalization-its many positive and negative features. What sorts of ideas would they agree on and disagree about?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Imagine a structuralist and neoliberal having a...

Question 19

According to dependency theory, why do LDCs remain underdeveloped?

Accepted Answer

A)   They are dependent on food aid to keep their population alive.
B)   LDCs are unable to attract investment and thus rely on loans from international institutions.
C)   Their dependency on industrialized nations prevents them from acquiring capital and technology for their own development.
D)   They are unable to transition from capitalism to socialism.

Question 20

Structuralists argue that capitalists use a number of political and economic mechanisms to control the subordinate classes and to get them to believe in the legitimacy of the capitalist system. Find at least three examples of this assertion in the text or in a news article.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Structuralists argue that capitalists use a number...

Exam 4: Economic Determinism and Exploitation: the Structuralist Perspective