Settler colonialism and extractive colonialism are both forms of colonialism, but they differ in terms of their objectives, methods, and long-term impacts on the colonized regions. Here are the key differences:
1. Objective
- Settler Colonialism: The main goal is to establish a permanent settler population in the colonized territory. Colonizers aim to displace or eliminate indigenous populations and settle the land, creating a new society that is distinct from the native one.
- Extractive Colonialism: The primary objective is to exploit the natural resources of the colonized region for the benefit of the colonizing power. Colonizers extract valuable materials (e.g., minerals, agricultural products, timber) without establishing a significant permanent settlement.
2. Nature of Settlements
- Settler Colonialism: Colonizers seek to establish long-term, often self-sustaining communities. These settlers will form the foundation of the colonial state’s society and economy. Over time, settler populations often dominate political and economic power in the region.
- Extractive Colonialism: Colonizers are typically less interested in settling permanently. Instead, they maintain a more temporary presence, usually in the form of extractive industries (such as mining, agriculture, or logging). There is little to no integration of the colonizers into the indigenous society.
3. Impact on Indigenous Populations
- Settler Colonialism: Indigenous populations are often displaced, marginalized, or subjected to violence and policies of assimilation. Settler colonialism can lead to the near-total eradication or significant alteration of indigenous cultures and societies.
- Extractive Colonialism: While indigenous populations may be exploited and subjected to labor or land appropriation, they are not typically displaced in the same large-scale manner as in settler colonialism. However, their societies can still be significantly impacted, particularly through environmental degradation and economic exploitation.
4. Economic Structure
- Settler Colonialism: The economic structure often evolves to benefit the settlers. Agriculture, industry, and other sectors are developed to serve the needs of the settler population and, in many cases, the colonial power.
- Extractive Colonialism: The economy is focused on resource extraction, often with little to no development of local infrastructure or industries for the benefit of the indigenous population. The resources extracted are typically shipped to the colonizing power.
5. Long-term Legacy
- Settler Colonialism: The legacy is often a deeply altered social and political landscape, with the settler population becoming the dominant group. This can lead to long-term tensions between the settler population and indigenous groups.
- Extractive Colonialism: The legacy may include environmental degradation, social inequality, and economic dependence on the colonial power. The colonial system may leave the region with limited infrastructure and development, which can result in long-lasting underdevelopment.
6. Examples
- Settler Colonialism: The colonization of the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where settlers established permanent communities and displaced or assimilated indigenous populations.
- Extractive Colonialism: The colonization of parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America (e.g., Belgian Congo, British India, and Spanish colonies in the Americas), where the primary goal was to extract resources for the benefit of the colonial powers.