developed / developing countries (First World / Third World countries, Global North, Global South)
Last updatedDefinition
“Developing countries” is often used to describe countries with low per capita incomes, but this still suggests a hierarchy among “developed” nations (which in reality are still developing, as this is not a process with a clear endpoint) and “developing” nations (many of which are very developed in economic and structural terms). Similarly, phrases like “First World” and “Third World” are now seen by many groups as outdated and offensive. In 2016, the World Bank announced it would stop using “developed” and “developing” in its data reporting, instead using region names and specific income levels.
There are several recent alternatives, including “LICs” and “MICs” (low-income countries and middle-income countries); “minority world and majority world,” to signify the countries where the majority of the world’s population lives; and “Global North” and “Global South,” which refer primarily to economic conditions rather than geography. All of these terms are somewhat vague and mutable, and ignore vast disparities among populations within regions and countries. More precise phrasing, where possible, would be to specify countries and metrics, and include income levels. Whichever term is used, it’s helpful to explain to the audience how it’s defined.
Additional resources
- ‘Third World’ Is An Offensive Term. Here’s Why (NPR)
- If You Shouldn’t Call It The Third World, What Should You Call It? (NPR)
- Why There Was Nothing ‘Third World’ About the Capitol Hill Rioting (Vice)
Summary
“Developing” or “developed countries” are vague terms used to classify countries via various measures, including income levels and mortality rates. “First World” and “Third World” are now seen by many groups as offensive. “Global North” and “Global South” refer primarily to economic conditions rather than geography. More precise phrasing, where possible, would be to specify countries and metrics, and include income levels. Whichever term is used, it’s helpful to explain to the audience how it’s defined.