Outline and explain two ways in which globalisation has affected the extent of poverty in the UK today.
AQA
A Level
2024
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Outline and explain two ways in which globalisation has affected the extent of poverty in the UK today.
This essay will explore two key ways in which globalisation has impacted poverty levels in the UK: the increased competition for jobs and the emergence of a globalised underclass.
1. Increased Competition for Jobs
Globalisation has led to increased competition for jobs in the UK. This is due to several factors:
- Outsourcing: Companies can now relocate production to countries with lower labour costs, leading to job losses in the UK.
- Immigration: The influx of migrants from poorer countries can put downward pressure on wages, as they are often willing to work for less.
- Automation: Technological advancements have replaced some jobs, leading to unemployment.
These factors have contributed to:
- Rising unemployment: This disproportionately affects low-skilled workers, pushing them into poverty.
- Low-wage work: The competition for jobs means that many people are forced to accept low-paying, insecure work, trapping them in poverty.
2. The Emergence of a Globalised Underclass
Globalisation has also contributed to the emergence of a globalised underclass. This refers to a group of people who are excluded from the benefits of globalisation and are increasingly vulnerable to poverty.
This underclass includes:
- Undocumented workers: These individuals are often exploited by employers due to their precarious legal status and lack of rights.
- People trafficked for labour: Globalisation has facilitated the trafficking of people into forced labour, often in exploitative conditions.
- Asylum seekers: Seeking refuge in the UK can be a long and arduous process, leaving many vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion.
These groups face:
- Limited access to services: They are often excluded from education, healthcare, and social support networks.
- Discrimination: They face prejudice and discrimination based on their nationality, immigration status, or ethnicity.
- Vulnerability to exploitation: They are often forced into low-paid work, dangerous conditions, or debt bondage.
Conclusion
This essay has explored two ways in which globalisation has affected the extent of poverty in the UK: increased competition for jobs and the emergence of a globalised underclass. While globalisation has brought economic benefits to some, it has also exacerbated poverty for those at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Addressing these issues requires political action to ensure that globalisation benefits all members of society.
Globalisation and Poverty in the UK
Globalisation, the increasing interconnectedness of societies worldwide, has had a profound impact on the UK, influencing various facets of life, including poverty. This essay will examine two key ways globalisation has affected the extent of poverty in the UK today: by driving economic restructuring and by influencing migration patterns.
Economic Restructuring and Poverty
Globalisation has led to significant economic restructuring in the UK. Deindustrialisation, the decline of manufacturing industries, is a prime example. As companies seek cheaper labor and production costs overseas, traditional manufacturing jobs in the UK have been lost, leading to unemployment and poverty, particularly in industrial heartlands. This effect is exacerbated by the rise of automation, further reducing the need for manual labor.
Furthermore, globalisation has fuelled the growth of the service sector in the UK. While this has created new job opportunities, many of these jobs are low-paying, insecure, and offer limited social mobility. The rise of the "gig economy," characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work, exemplifies this trend, often trapping individuals in a cycle of low-income and precarious employment.
Migration and Poverty
Globalisation has significantly influenced migration patterns, both into and out of the UK. The free movement of labor within the European Union, before Brexit, led to an influx of migrant workers, many of whom filled low-wage jobs. While this provided economic benefits, it also placed downward pressure on wages and increased competition for housing and public services, potentially impacting the living standards of the most vulnerable in society.
However, focusing solely on the negative impacts of migration on poverty provides an incomplete picture. Migrants contribute significantly to the UK economy, filling labor shortages and contributing to tax revenues. Moreover, remittances sent by migrants back to their home countries can alleviate poverty globally. It is crucial to recognize the complex and multifaceted relationship between migration and poverty, acknowledging both the challenges and contributions of migrants to the UK.
Conclusion
Globalisation has undeniably shaped the landscape of poverty in the UK. While it has brought about economic restructuring that has disproportionately impacted certain communities and led to increased competition within the labor market, it has also facilitated migration, which has brought both economic benefits and social challenges. Addressing poverty in the UK requires a nuanced understanding of these multifaceted impacts of globalisation, implementing policies that promote social mobility, invest in education and training, and foster inclusive economic growth that benefits all members of society.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
Family Structures in a Globalised World
The following themes are central to understanding family structures in a globalised world:
Family Formations and Trends
- The extent of extended family units
- Incidence of lone parent families
- Differential birth rates among different communities
Migration and Its Impact
- Reasons for migration
- The age and gender of migrants
- Globalisation
- Cultural diversity
- Mixed marriages
- Asylum seekers
- Globalised family networks
Challenges and Complexities
- Undocumented workers
- People trafficking
- Living apart together