‘The consequences of globalisation for developing countries are entirely negative.’ Evaluate this view
CAMBRIDGE
A level and AS level
2021
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Defining Globalisation and its Impact on Developing Countries
Define globalisation: Briefly explain the concept of globalisation, including its economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions. Introduce the debate: Outline the contrasting perspectives on globalisation's impact on developing countries, highlighting both positive and negative viewpoints.
Arguments Supporting Negative Consequences
Economic exploitation: Discuss how globalisation can lead to the exploitation of developing countries by multinational corporations and wealthier nations. Political instability: Explain how globalisation might contribute to political instability and the rise of oppressive regimes in developing countries. Exploitation of migrants: Analyse the potential negative consequences of global migration for individuals from developing countries, including exploitation and poor working conditions. Brain drain: Discuss how globalisation can lead to a "brain drain" from developing countries, as skilled workers seek opportunities elsewhere. Cultural homogenization: Examine the potential negative impact of globalisation on local cultures and traditions in developing countries.
Arguments Against Entirely Negative Consequences
Economic growth: Discuss the neoliberal perspective that globalisation can stimulate economic growth and development in developing countries. Spread of democracy: Examine the argument that globalisation promotes the spread of democratic values and institutions. Global interconnectedness: Analyse the potential for globalisation to foster greater understanding and cooperation between different cultures. Modernisation and development: Discuss the modernisation theory perspective that globalisation can help to modernise developing countries and improve living standards.
Evaluation and Conclusion
Weigh the evidence: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of both sides of the argument. Acknowledge nuances: Recognize that the impact of globalisation on developing countries is complex and multifaceted. Provide a balanced conclusion: Conclude by stating whether the view that the consequences of globalisation for developing countries are entirely negative is justified, providing clear reasoning for your stance.
The Impact of Globalisation on Developing Countries
Globalisation, the increasing interconnectedness of nations through economic, social, and cultural ties, has sparked heated debates regarding its effects on developing countries. While some argue that it leads to exploitation and exacerbates existing inequalities, others view it as a catalyst for economic growth and societal progress. This essay will critically evaluate both perspectives, ultimately concluding that the consequences of globalisation for developing countries are multifaceted and cannot be reduced to an entirely negative assessment.
Arguments Against Globalisation
Critics, particularly those aligned with Marxist perspectives such as dependency theory and world-systems theory, contend that globalisation perpetuates a neo-colonial system that benefits wealthy nations at the expense of developing ones. They argue that multinational corporations, driven by the pursuit of profit, exploit cheap labour and resources in developing countries, hindering their ability to achieve economic self-sufficiency. For instance, sweatshops in Bangladesh, producing garments for Western brands, often operate under unsafe conditions with meagre wages, highlighting the potential for exploitation within global supply chains (Seabrook, 2001).
Furthermore, the influx of Western cultural products and values through globalisation can disrupt traditional social structures and erode cultural diversity. Critics argue that this process, often termed "McDonaldization" (Ritzer, 2004), leads to a homogenization of cultures, undermining local traditions and identities.
Arguments for Globalisation
Conversely, proponents of globalisation, including neoliberals and modernisation theorists, posit that it offers significant opportunities for developing countries to improve their economic and social well-being. They argue that free trade and open markets foster competition and innovation, leading to economic growth and job creation. The rise of export-oriented industries in countries like China and South Korea, facilitated by their integration into the global economy, is often cited as evidence of this potential.
Moreover, globalisation facilitates the transfer of technology and knowledge across borders, potentially aiding developing countries in enhancing their productivity and technological capabilities. For instance, access to advanced agricultural techniques through global networks can improve crop yields and contribute to food security in developing nations.
Furthermore, globalisation can foster greater interconnectedness and cultural exchange, promoting tolerance and understanding between people from diverse backgrounds. The increasing popularity of music, film, and cuisine from various parts of the world exemplifies this positive aspect of cultural diffusion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while globalisation undoubtedly presents challenges and risks for developing countries, particularly the potential for exploitation and cultural homogenization, it also offers substantial opportunities for economic growth, technological advancement, and cultural exchange. A nuanced perspective acknowledges both the positive and negative consequences, recognizing that the impact of globalisation is contingent on factors such as a country's specific circumstances, governance structures, and policies implemented to mitigate potential risks. Ultimately, rather than viewing globalisation as inherently beneficial or harmful, it is crucial to adopt a critical and context-specific approach to maximize its potential benefits while mitigating its drawbacks for developing nations.
References
Ritzer, G. (2004). The McDonaldization of Society. Pine Forge Press.
Seabrook, J. (2001). The No-Logo Report on Brand Overkill and Anti-Corporate Resistance. Vintage.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
The consequences of globalisation for developing countries are entirely negative. Evaluate this view.
The question invites candidates to demonstrate knowledge of what is meant by globalisation and the consequences it has for developing countries. Candidates might distinguish between different types of consequences, including economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions. However, it would be equally acceptable to focus on one particular type of impact, such as economic consequences.
For example, dependency theory and the world systems perspective both view economic globalisation as a negative development for developing countries. These Marxist-influenced theories claim that economic globalisation represents a form of neo-colonialism and creeping westernisation of the world. The economy of poorer countries is seen to be weakened by exposure to global capitalism and contact with westernised values and lifestyles disrupts the traditional social order.
Other sociologists have argued that globalisation is linked to an increase in global crime which has particularly negative consequences for people in poorer countries who are vulnerable to exploitation by organised crime networks.
By contrast, neo-liberals and proponents of modernisation theory see many benefits for developing countries from the spread of capitalism and the adoption of westernised values. Good answers will consider the arguments from both sides, examining potential negative and positive consequences of globalisation for developing countries.
Indicative content
For:
- Globalisation is seen by Marxist sociologists as westernisation (or Americanisation); as such, it benefits western capitalist elites at the expense of underprivileged groups in less economically developed countries which effectively become satellite states for western multinational corporations to exploit.
- Claims that globalisation led to a spread of democracy and liberal values in developing countries are questionable; in many developing countries, there has been a backlash against globalisation that, in some cases, has strengthened the hand of oppressive regimes and led to violent clashes and abuse of human rights.
- Globalisation has involved a huge increase in global migration, but it is not clear that migrants from less economically developed countries necessarily benefit from opportunities to work in the more economically developed countries. These workers may be exploited and exposed to dangerous working conditions for very little financial reward. In some cases, their conditions of life in the country of destination are harsher than they were in their country of origin.
- Increased opportunities for global migration may result in a depletion of the skilled and highly educated workforce available in poorer countries.
- The western model of capitalism that is promoted through globalisation is not necessarily appropriate for meeting the economic and social needs of the less economically developed countries. It may actually hinder development rather than help; for example, because it disrupts local value systems and ways of organising the economy.
Against:
- Neoliberals argue that free markets and global trade contribute to economic growth in all countries and from which everyone benefits.
- Neoliberals claim that globalisation has been associated with the spread of democracy and liberal values, helping to free people from oppressive political regimes and exploitative social practices; it gives hope to others that liberation from intolerable social and political circumstances is possible.
- Increasing contact and exchange between people in different countries is helping to break down barriers that in the past might have led to conflict and wars; a cosmopolitan society of global citizens is viewed by some as the best antidote to the inward-looking nationalism that has so often led to bloody conflicts in the past.
- Modernisation theorists argue that globalisation helps spread the cultural values that they believe are essential for successful economic development in poorer countries, including the values of democracy, entrepreneurship, individual freedom, and meritocracy.