World Polity Theory

Define: World Polity Theory describes transnational interaction and global social change as norming that results from structural processes from the top down rather than functional processes from the ground up (i.e. industrialization/ modernization). In it, “social actors and associated structures and behaviors are viewed as shaped by the broader environment” while “other actors are embedded in a cultural context that frames and determines their identity, structure, and behavior” (McNeely, 2012).

Apply: World Polity theory suggests that commonly accepted community development approaches are likely working towards a global norm that keeps certain members of society oppressed. For example international aid or welfare strategies often help to mitigate conflict, but do not work towards changing norms and ultimately keep certain individuals in power. An individual working with a community that is at the periphery of power, such as the African American community, must be cognizant that that their community “solutions” may not be solutions at all and could be limiting these individuals from obtaining greater power.

Adapt: Within global politics, World Polity suggests that all nations (particularly those in power) are constantly norming towards each other. As a global actor in this theory, the United States needs to be mindful of how its policies send a message for other nations to follow. Particularly, the U.S. and other nations need to be mindful of how they define and stick to commitments to fuel and power usage. By continuing to neglect policies, these nations are setting a global norm that will lead to damaging levels of carbon in the atmosphere, resulting in global warming.

Sources: 

McNeely, C. L. (2012). World Polity Theory. The Wiley-Blackwell Encyclopedia of Globalization.