G
Globalisation has led to an increase in international migration because of easier access to transport. It has also changed the way corporations operate, contributing to greater profits.
Globalisation has had effects on employment in the UK.11 Applying material from Item G, analyse two ways in which globalisation has affected employment in the UK.
AQA
A Level
2024
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Globalisation and Its Impact on Employment in the UK
This essay will analyse two ways in which globalisation has affected employment in the UK, drawing upon the insights of various sociologists and utilising Item G as a starting point. The essay will focus on the following two crucial aspects of globalisation's influence on labour markets:
1. The Rise of Global Labour Markets and International Migration
This section will explore how globalisation has facilitated the movement of labour across national boundaries, resulting in significant changes to the UK's employment landscape. It will address:
- Increased Migration: Item G highlights the role of easier access to transport in driving international migration. This section will examine how globalisation has facilitated migration and its impact on the UK workforce, drawing on the works of sociologists such as Bauman and Standing who have explored the social consequences of global mobility.
- Competition and Inequality: This section will analyse the impact of international migration on wages, working conditions, and the overall distribution of employment opportunities in the UK. Drawing on the work of sociologists such as Pollert and Thompson, it will explore the potential for both positive and negative consequences on different segments of the UK workforce.
- The Role of Multinational Corporations (MNCs): Globalisation has also empowered MNCs to operate across national borders, influencing labour markets in both source and destination countries. This section will discuss the role of MNCs in shaping global labour markets and their potential effect on employment patterns in the UK. Relevant sociologists include Ritzer and Klein, who have studied the impact of corporate globalization on labour.
2. Technological Advancements and the Changing Nature of Work
This section will focus on the impact of technological advancements, driven by globalisation, on the structure and nature of work in the UK. It will analyse how technological developments have:
- Restructured Industries: Globalisation has fuelled technological innovation, leading to automation and the rise of new industries. This section will examine how these changes have affected traditional sectors in the UK, drawing on the work of sociologists such as Brynjolfsson and McAfee and Frey and Osbourne who have explored the effects of automation on employment.
- Created New Skills Requirements: Technological advancements have significantly changed the skills needed in the workplace, creating demand for highly skilled workers and potentially marginalising those with less specialised skills. This section will explore the changing skills landscape and its potential consequences for employment in the UK, drawing on the works of sociologists such as Braverman and Taylor who have studied the relationship between technology and skill changes in the workforce.
- Led to Precarious Work: Globalisation has contributed to the growth of precarious work, characterized by instability and insecurity, through the outsourcing of jobs and the rise of gig economies. This section will discuss the implications of these developments for the UK workforce, drawing on the work of sociologists such as Standing and Dex and McCulloch who have explored the various forms and consequences of precarious work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this essay will demonstrate that globalisation has had a multifaceted and significant impact on employment in the UK. It has generated new opportunities and challenges, reshaping the labour market and contributing to both positive and negative outcomes for different segments of the workforce. By drawing upon sociological perspectives and examining the evidence, this essay will highlight the complex ways in which globalisation has altered the nature and organization of work in the UK.
Globalisation and its Impact on Employment in the UK
Globalisation, the increasing interconnectedness of nations, has profoundly reshaped the landscape of employment in the UK. This essay will utilise the insights provided in Item G, alongside sociological perspectives, to analyse two key ways in which this transformation has unfolded: the rise of international migration and the changing nature of corporate operations.
International Migration and the UK Labour Market
Item G highlights the role of globalisation in facilitating international migration through "easier access to transport". This increased mobility of labour has had a two-pronged effect on UK employment. Firstly, it has led to an influx of workers from other countries, often willing to work for lower wages. This has, as argued by Standing (2011), contributed to the creation of a "precariat" class in the UK, characterised by job insecurity and low wages, particularly in sectors like construction and agriculture.
Secondly, the emigration of skilled UK workers seeking better opportunities abroad has led to skill shortages in certain sectors. This "brain drain", as noted by Pollert (2003), can hinder economic growth and innovation within the UK. However, it's important to acknowledge that migration also brings benefits, such as filling labour shortages and contributing to cultural diversity, as highlighted by Bauman (2004).
Corporate Restructuring and the Changing Nature of Work
Item G also points to the impact of globalisation on corporations, enabling them to operate across borders and maximise profits. This has led to significant changes in employment patterns within the UK. One key trend is the rise of outsourcing and offshoring. Companies can now relocate production or service sectors to countries with lower labour costs, leading to job losses in the UK, particularly in manufacturing, as analysed by Brynjolfsson and McAfee (2014). This fuels concerns about deindustrialisation and the decline of traditional industries.
Furthermore, globalisation has intensified competition, pushing companies to adopt flexible work practices to remain competitive. This has led to an increase in part-time, temporary, and precarious work, as argued by Dex and McCulloch (1999). This shift towards flexible work arrangements, while providing some benefits, often comes at the expense of job security and benefits for workers, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the "precariat".
Conclusion
In conclusion, globalisation has significantly impacted employment in the UK, contributing to both opportunities and challenges. While it has facilitated international migration, leading to a more diverse workforce, it has also generated concerns about wage depression and skill shortages. Furthermore, the restructuring of corporations to maximise profits in a globalised market has resulted in job losses through outsourcing and a shift towards precarious employment. It is crucial for policymakers to address these complex and multifaceted effects of globalisation to ensure a fair and sustainable labour market for all in the UK.