Class Notes on Third World

Theologies
INTRODUCTION
Upon hearing such designation as “Third World” one is immediately left with the outright
imagination and question whether we also have other parts of the world which are
referred to as “First World” and “Second World.” Such contemplation might not be out of
place following simple logic which will argue that whatever has a second is supposed to
have a first and whatever has a third must have a second. But one still wonders whether in
reality we have second world and first world.
Historically, the origin of the term Third World dates back to the period of the Cold War
when two opposing parts of the globe, the United States of America and USSR appeared to
dominate world politics. The political ideologies of these two blocs varied significantly.
While the United States of America prided itself as the leading figure in the propagation of
democratic1 system of governance, the USSR on the other hand was the leading figure in the
political ideology of communism2. As a result of the impact these two blocs were making in
the political arena, the United States of America was considered the most powerful and was
therefore seen as the First World while the USSR which followed closely was referred to as
Second World.3

With these political developments in the global scene, Frantz Fanon, a Martinique-born
marxist, in his socio-political writings decided to term other parts of the globe who did not
fit into the previous categories in world politics and economic advancement as Third
World.4 Although the motive behind Fanon’s labelling of these countries as the Third World
was essentially negative, an attempt to degrade them in terms of their influence in the
political and economic progress of the world, the designation came to be accepted and
1
Democracy is broadly seen as a system of governance that emphasizes political participation of
citizens of a particular nationality in terms of exercising their franchise and being given equal rights to vie for
certain political positions in the electoral process, express themselves freely, and have their say in the
political developments without prejudice and bias. It is simply seen as “government of the people, for the
people, and by the people.”
2
Communism as a political ideology emphasizes the participation of the community, rather than
individuals, in the politics of a community. The aim is to create a classless society of abundance and freedom
in which every member of the society would have equal share of resources. This political ideology is mostly a
socio-economic system that stands at odds with capitalism, which emphasizes the ownership of resources by
few individuals of the society who have the means of production. In theory, therefore, commmunism
emphasizes the equal ownership and distribution of resources by the community, rather than the individuals.
But in practice however, this dream was far from realization in that most of the communist leaders in history
ended up being coercive, authoritarian, autocratic, and more corrupt than the capitalists and democrats
whom they set out to oppose.
3
For more information about this, read the article in the Encarta Premium titled “Third World” and
any other relevant materials available.
4
See the article “Third World” in the Encarta Premium.
maintained in the global scene which was concomitant with the sudden disappearance of
the terms First World and Second World.

The countries that have been termed as the Third World are Latin America, Africa, and
Asia. It is needful to also stress here that these countries knowing fully that such a
designation was essentially deregatory and has negative implications, have never accepted
to be referred as such. The term Third World is a connotation that refers to countries that
are yet to attain certain level of political, economic and technological advancement. With
the passage of time, several attempts have been made to substitute the negative
designation of Third World with seemingly better words like Developing Countries,
Underdeveloped Countries and Majority World, but suffice it to say here that each of
these designations has undergone a series of criticisms in nearly the same way the term
Third World has been widely criticized. The new term presently being use to replace
“Third World Theologies” is “Theologies of the Global South.”

AREAS OF COMMONALITIES AMONG THE THIRD WORLD CONTINENTS

1. Population Growth
The Third World countries have an increasing rate of population growth than other parts of
the world. Two-thirds of the world population is found in these countries. This implies that
more than half of the world’s population is in these countries.

2. History of Colonialism Versus Imperialism

Historically, a great number of the Third World Countries mostly in Africa and Latin
America have experienced colonialism and/or imperialism at one point or the other. The
negative impact of such political and economic supression and control they have
undergone is still being felt in most of these countries. This fact has made development
look more like a mirage for these countries.

3. Political Disinheritance
By political disinheritance we mean inability to practice the true process of democracy. In
its basic Western meaning and practice, democracy entails a system of governance that is
devoid of dictatorship and autocracy in which every citizen is given the freedom not only to
participate in the electoral process, but to also particpate in governance and enjoy its
rewarding benefits. But this process is nearly absent among the Third World Countries.
What is mostly obtained in these countries is something that is far from the reflection of
true democracy as a result of the precarious political instability experienced in leadership.

4. Poverty
The economic condition of most of the Third World countries is overwhelmingly alarming
as result of the poverty level among citizens. A number of factors account for this problem.
One of the basic causes of poverty among the Third World countries is as a result of the
exploitation that was wrought forth by the colonial masters and the imperialists on these
countries. Another factor is possibly because of bad leadership which has remained the
major factor that enhances underdevelopment in the Third World.

5. Habitat and Environment

The living condition and the environment of majority of the third world Countries are
degrading. The third world countries have the most deplorable environment, overcrowding
and all manner of pitiable living state.

6. Electricity
Electricity in almost all the third world is nothing to be desired. Most people live in
complete darkness in the third world nations. Energy supply is very low and thus, hinders
advancement in technology in these countries.

7. Mortality Rate
Death rate in most third world societies is very high, this is caused by a number of issues
that have plagued the third world nations through the period of time. The United Nations
2017 report shows that Life expectancy in most of these countries is between 60 to 69
years of age.

8. Health Care
Health Care delivery is poor, most citizens of the third world regions do not have access to
good health care. The system of health care in most third world countries is dysfunctional
and not working, therefore not accessible to the masses.

9. Food Sustainability
Greater percentage of people living in the third world still do not have access to food and
not just food, but healthy food. There is serious food insecurity and malnutrition among the
third world countries (developing nations). The UN report on food security and nutrition
around the world shows that hunger is on the rise and about 821 million people are
undernourished, that is means they are facing food deprivation. The statistics shows that
the situation is worsening in South America and most regions of Africa.
 Picture 15

Picture 2

Picture 3

5
J Francis B. James, “Third World Theology: An Introduction” (Class Note on STH421/CRS 408 Third
World Theologies. ECWA Theological Seminary, Jos. Second Semester 2008), 1. Note that pictures 1 to 5 are
all adopted from J Francis B. James, “Third World Theology Note 2018
Picture 4

Picture 5