Outline and explain two ways in which globalisation may affect social mobility.
AQA
A Level
2024
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Outline: Globalisation and Social Mobility
This essay will explore two ways in which globalisation can affect social mobility. It will first examine how globalisation can lead to increased opportunities for upward mobility through migration and access to new markets and industries. Then, it will analyze how globalisation can also contribute to downward mobility due to job displacement and economic inequality.
I. Globalisation and Upward Social Mobility
A. Migration and Opportunity
Globalisation has facilitated the movement of people across borders, creating opportunities for upward social mobility. Individuals may migrate to countries with better job prospects, higher wages, and access to education and healthcare. For example, skilled workers from developing countries often migrate to developed countries, seeking employment in sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance.
B. Access to Global Markets and Industries
Globalisation has broadened access to new markets and industries, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses in developing countries. These opportunities can lead to economic growth and prosperity, driving upward social mobility for individuals and families. For example, emerging economies have benefited from global trade in goods and services, leading to increased employment and income levels.
II. Globalisation and Downward Social Mobility
A. Job Displacement and Economic Inequality
Globalisation can lead to job displacement due to outsourcing, offshoring, and automation. Companies may relocate their operations to countries with lower labor costs, leaving workers in developed countries unemployed and facing downward mobility. For instance, the decline of manufacturing jobs in developed countries due to competition from low-wage economies has led to increased unemployment and economic insecurity.
B. Uneven Distribution of Benefits
The benefits of globalisation are not always evenly distributed, leading to increased economic inequality. While some individuals and businesses prosper from globalisation, others may experience downward mobility due to factors like job losses, wage stagnation, and reduced access to social services. For example, the rise of global corporations can lead to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, while many others face declining living standards.
Conclusion
Globalisation has both positive and negative impacts on social mobility. While it can create opportunities for upward mobility through migration and access to new markets, it can also contribute to downward mobility due to job displacement and economic inequality. The impact of globalisation on social mobility is complex and multifaceted, requiring careful consideration of both the opportunities and challenges it presents.
Globalisation and Social Mobility
Globalisation, the increasing interconnectedness of the world, has profound effects on social mobility, the movement of individuals or groups between different social positions. This essay will examine two key ways in which globalisation influences social mobility: firstly, by creating new opportunities for upward mobility through international migration and secondly, by potentially leading to downward mobility due to increased global competition.
Opportunities through International Migration
Globalisation has facilitated international migration by easing travel restrictions and opening up labour markets across borders. This creates opportunities for individuals to move from countries with limited economic prospects to those with more opportunities, potentially leading to upward social mobility. For example, individuals from developing countries may migrate to developed countries with higher wages and better living standards. This can lead to improved economic outcomes for migrants and their families, facilitating upward social mobility. A study by the World Bank found that migrants from developing countries experienced a 15% increase in their incomes after moving to a developed country. This demonstrates the potential for globalisation to empower individuals and contribute to upward social mobility through migration.
Downward Mobility due to Global Competition
While globalisation creates opportunities, it also intensifies competition within and between countries. This can result in downward social mobility for certain groups. For instance, the outsourcing of jobs to countries with lower wages can lead to unemployment and reduced wages for workers in developed countries. This is particularly true for those in manufacturing and low-skilled jobs, who may face difficulty finding new employment opportunities. This can lead to a decline in their social standing and contribute to downward mobility. The decline of the manufacturing industry in the United States, partly due to global competition, serves as an example of this phenomenon. This illustrates how globalisation, while fostering interconnectedness, can also exacerbate social inequalities and lead to downward mobility for specific segments of society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, globalisation presents both opportunities and challenges for social mobility. While it creates prospects for upward mobility through international migration and access to new markets, it can also lead to downward mobility due to increased global competition and job displacement. The overall impact of globalisation on social mobility is complex and multifaceted, depending on factors such as individual skills, government policies, and the specific economic landscape of different countries. It is crucial to consider these nuances when analysing the relationship between globalisation and social mobility.
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Answers in this band will show very good knowledge and understanding of two ways in which globalisation may affect social mobility.
There will be two applications of relevant material, eg migrating to another country for work may lead to either upward or downward social mobility; workers may become unemployed and downwardly mobile because of foreign competition to their place of work.
There will be appropriate analysis, eg the extent to which globalisation leads to new opportunities for employment.