Deck 19: D: Globalization

Question 1

Discuss the criticism that has been given to the terminology associated with development in recent years and outline a suggested alternative.

Answer 1

Rich,industrialized countries have traditionally been referred to as being developed,while poor countries have been called undeveloped,underdeveloped,or developing.These terms are being questioned in the contemporary literature because they imply a Western bias.The term undeveloped suggests the lack of any economic talent or exposure;underdeveloped implies that some countries are "lesser" than others;and developing indicates that they are on the right path but have not yet arrived.These discussions are important;they demonstrate not only that Western researchers are beginning to reflect more closely on their own biases but also that non-Western academics are challenging existing beliefs and practices from a new and uniquely informed perspective.Today most sociologists prefer to use the term Global North rather than First World,and Global South rather than Third World.The term Second World as well as vague descriptors of a country's level of "development" are now used only rarely.

Question 2

"It has been calculated that if the 400 richest people in the world were charged a 4 percent tax on their wealth,that tax would generate enough money to provide food,clean water,basic sanitation,and health care for 1.2 billion of the world's poorest people." What does this quote suggest about globalization and inequality?

Answer 2

Answers will vary but should include a discussion of the accumulation of wealth by the few,leading to extreme wealth inequality in the world,most of it centred in the Global North.Students might also mention the lack of incentive for the Global North and the world's wealthy to address this inequality,as they are greatly benefiting from it.

Question 3

Explain the development of globalization from a world system theoretical perspective.

Answer 3

Answers will vary but should include the links between all economies into a global system,division of labour,dispersal of raw materials for industrial growth,small core of the wealthy who control the periphery,and human costs.

Question 4

In your opinion,which is a better measure of poverty in poor countries,absolute poverty or relative poverty,and why?

Question 5

Compare the benefits and drawbacks of each of these theories: modernization,dependency,and world systems.

Question 6

While globalization has resulted in a higher standard of living for many people,its benefits have not been extended equally.Which theory do you think best explains why this is so and why?

Question 7

Discuss the three factors contributing to globalization and then state which one you think is the most influential,and why.

Question 8

Using examples,discuss whether the cumulative costs of the operations of transnational corporations in poor countries outweigh the benefits.

Question 9

Despite the assistance that organizations such as the International Monetary Fund,the World Bank,and the World Trade Organization provide to poor countries,critics charge that their practices and policies really only benefit the rich.Using examples,assess whether such criticisms are valid.

Question 10

Compare and contrast modernization theory and dependency theory.Which do you agree with and why?