THIRD WORLD Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "third world" originated during the Cold War era and initially referred to countries that were not aligned with either the capitalist First World or the communist Second World. Over time, the definition evolved to encompass broader connotations related to economic, social, and political circumstances. Today, it is commonly understood as a designation for economically disadvantaged and less-developed countries.
The concept of the third world is characterized by persistent poverty, limited industrialization, low living standards, and inadequate infrastructure. These nations often face challenges such as insufficient access to healthcare, education, and technology, as well as political instability and high levels of corruption. The term is also associated with disparities in income distribution, where wealth is concentrated in a small elite while the majority of the population struggles with poverty.
While the third world typically encompasses countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, it is important to note that not all countries in these regions are necessarily considered third world today. The term has become somewhat outdated as global development has led to progress in many countries, prompting the use of alternative terms such as "developing countries" or "low-income countries" to describe similar economic and social conditions.
In summary, the term "third world" refers to economically disadvantaged and less-developed countries characterized by poverty, limited industrialization, inadequate infrastructure, and social and political challenges. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the dynamic nature of global development as some nations previously classified as third world have made significant progress.
Common Misspellings for THIRD WORLD
- rhird world
- fhird world
- ghird world
- yhird world
- 6hird world
- 5hird world
- tgird world
- tbird world
- tnird world
- tjird world
- tuird world
- tyird world
- thurd world
- thjrd world
- thkrd world
- thord world
- th9rd world
- th8rd world
- thied world
Etymology of THIRD WORLD
The term "third world" was first coined during the Cold War era in the early 1950s. It was initially used to classify countries into three broad categories: First World, Second World, and Third World. The classification was based on the geopolitical context of that time.
The term "third world" was introduced by the French demographer Alfred Sauvy in a 1952 article in the French magazine L'Observateur. Sauvy used it to refer to the countries that did not align themselves with either the capitalist First World (mainly Western countries) or the communist Second World (mainly Eastern Bloc countries). He drew inspiration from the French term "tiers monde", which translates to "Third Estate" and represents the common people during the French Revolution.
The word "third" in "Third World" connotes a hierarchical order, but it does not necessarily imply inferiority or backwardsness.
Similar spelling words for THIRD WORLD
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
