Interpreting the world with world-systems theory: Its significance, strengths, and weaknesses as an alternative approach in social science

The recognition of the significance of the findings obtained by social scientific methods in analysing social problems has led to developing social theory. One of the most indispensable parts of this continuing development has been to analyse the world as a complete structural system defined by social, economic, and cultural features. World-systems theory, which Immanuel Wallerstein pioneered, has attained a significant place in the world of social science by aiming to achieve such an analysis from a unique perspective that differs from widely known classical theories. For over forty years, it has provided theoretical and methodological grounds to many studies aiming to understand and explain the social world. This article explains the significance of World-Systems Theory as an alternative approach to social studies, considering its theoretical and methodological strengths and weaknesses. This article aims to catalyse forty-year-old fruitful scientific discussions with content that covers a wide range of discussions from historical occurrences to capitalist systems and globalisation with global identifications. Thus, it nourishes the development of new research ideas that aim to understand social problems over the world with a distinctive approach.