Globalisation: The Debate (AQA A Level Geography): Revision Note

A critique is a detailed assessment of something which examines its strengths and weaknesses before reaching a reasoned judgement

It is important to critique things in order to improve them and to hold stakeholders to account if necessary

Critical thinking enhances people’s analytical and evaluative skills and improves problem-solving and decision-making

Benefits of globalisation include:

• Increased economic growth – global trade and FDI can create new job opportunities and stimulate a multiplier effect e.g. China became the world’s second-largest economy after opening up to globalisation

• Improved living standards – additional wealth enables countries to invest in infrastructure and improve education and health care, which in turn will stimulate further growth

• Cultural integration – cultures and ideas can flow freely across borders, promoting cultural awareness and diversity e.g. the popularity of K-pop

• Political stability and global governance – as countries become more interdependent, they become more likely to work together and international cooperation can be promoted e.g. the Paris Climate Change Agreement

Costs of globalisation include:

• Environmental degradation – deforestation and increased carbon emissions present a significant threat to the planet both locally and globally e.g. China is now the largest emitter of greenhouse gases

• Inequalities – there is a growing gap between rich and poor both within and between countries e.g. the top 1% of the world’s population holds 44% of the world’s wealth, while the bottom 50% holds just 1% of the wealth

• Cultural erosion – the spread of western culture leads to the dilution or loss of culture elsewhere e.g. the growing dominance of English as a dominant language contributes to the decline of indigenous languages with one language dying out every two weeks

• Injustice and conflict – exploitation of people and the environment can lead to conflict and tensions e.g. the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh highlighted the exploitation of workers in the garment industry

It is crucial to recognise that although globalisation has created huge benefits, it has also resulted in significant costs

On the one hand, it has led to increased economic growth, trade and investment which have helped to reduce poverty and improve living standards in many parts of the world

On the other hand, it has also led to greater inequality, exploitation of people and resources and contributed to social and political tensions

To create a more just and sustainable world, we need to pursue policies that can deliver growth without compromising the well-being of people or the planet