| Available from UMI in association with The British Library. Requires signed TDF.; During the last century various economic, political and social changes have taken place in Third World countries. These changes have produced major economic differences between urban and rural areas. Economic development programmes in developing countries have resulted in a mass migration to the cities. Farmers have left the land for wage work in urban enterprises and agriculture is no longer the only source of income for many rural people.; The aims of this thesis are to examine socio-economic changes such as these, in Libya, and to establish the nature of the development process in that country. These aims are achieved in the following way. Firstly, there is a discussion of the different models of development which are set out in the development literature. The relevance of these models for the Libyan experience is considered. Particular attention is paid to the role of the labour-form in the models. Secondly, there is an historical and contemporary account of Libyan society and political structure. Thirdly, economic development in Libya during the 20th century is considered, with particular attention being paid to the relations between the Libyan economy and the international economic system. Fourthly, the results of a survey of Libyan cement workers are presented and analysed. Fifthly, the results of a survey of Libyan villagers are presented and analysed. There is a systematic comparison of the two groups of workers, using computer analysis. Sixthly, there is an analysis of Libyan village life. Finally, there is a discussion of the nature of labour organisation in Libya and the relevant model for Libyan development.; This thesis shows that the classical model of capitalist development, involving the emergence of free labour and an industrial proletariat, is not relevant for Libya. Whilst there has been capitalist development in Libya, this has been dependant on relations with the international economy and has led to the growth of a migrant labour-force. However, recent political and social changes in Libya have interrupted this capitalist development, and Libya is now in a process of transition to an Islamic socialist society, in which property is being abolished and producers are receiving shares of the product, rather than wages. The extent of this transition continues to be affected by Libya's relations with the international economy. |
