Social, Political & Environmental Tensions (Edexcel A Level Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Louise Stone
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Social, Political & Environmental Tensions
Social, Political & Environmental Tensions
International migration is a feature of globalisation and has been encouraged by:
Open borders - e.g., the large numbers of post accession migration following eight eastern European countries joining the EU in 2004
Deregulation - the removal of ‘red-tape’ for businesses
Foreign Direct Investment which have encouraged TNC workers to move abroad
This has created culturally mixed societies and thriving migrant diasporas throughout the world
However, tensions can easily arise between immigrant groups and communities in the host country for example:
Migrants require housing, jobs and education which could put certain services under strain which could lead to tensions between communities
Immigrants may feel that they are being discriminated against
The rise of extremism in Europe e.g., there are some nationalist parties that oppose immigration
Worked Example
Explain how rapid globalisation has created political tension in some locations.
[6 marks]
This is a levelled answer
Rapid global changes include:
Open borders
Deregulation
Encouragement of FDI/TNCs
Migration
Use of social media
Tensions could be between countries, governments and locals and include:
Migration pressures
Economic development but growing inequalities
Environmental damage
Tourism, leading to clashes of culture
Climate change
Level | Marks | Example Answer |
|---|---|---|
1 | 1 - 2 | Globalisation has led to the opening of borders which leads to large numbers of people migrating to other countries. This rapid increase of people can put a strain on services in the area such as schools and healthcare which can create tensions. |
2 | 3 - 4 | Globalisation has led to the opening of borders, for example the opening of borders for EU nations which led to large numbers of people migrating. This influx of people can put a strain on services and some people worry that the birth rate will increase beyond the coping capacity of schools in the local area. |
3 | 5 - 6 | Globalisation has led to open borders, for example, in 2004, eight Eastern European countries became members of the European Union (EU). This led to huge numbers of migrants in the UK and Ireland which can put a strain on services in some areas. Some local people worried that because of the large numbers of young migrants, the birth rate may increase beyond the coping capacity of schools in the local area. |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Migration can be a sensitive issue, with many people having different opinions. In the exam, make sure you provide a range of different opinions/attitudes from a geographical viewpoint to maintain balance in your answer
Limiting Globalisation
Limiting Globalisation
There are governments that have tried to prevent or control the spread of globalisation through government policy
Censorship - governments limiting access to online information
In China the internet is widely used but censored e.g., Facebook and Twitter are unavailable
In North Korea the internet is banned as the Leader Kim Jong-Un, to avoid access to westernised ideas
Strengthening laws to limit immigration
Australia uses a points based system to ensure the economic needs of the country are met
Tightening restrictions on immigration was one of the reasons behind the UK voting to leave the EU
Trade protectionism - the restriction of international trade to help domestic industries
In 2005, the EU banned imports of cheap chinese textiles, for a short period, to try and protect its own manufacturers
Cultural Identities & Economic Advantages
Resource Nationalism & Protecting Cultures
Resource nationalism is when governments take measures to ensure that domestic industries and consumers have priority access to the resources found in their country, for example:
Hugo Chávez took control of ExxonMobil operations in Venezuela
Canada based First Quantum had to hand over 65% ownership of a copper mining project (worth US$550 million) in the Democratic Republic of Congo to the country’s government
Cultural groups within a country may oppose the exploitation of their resources by global companies especially when the environment is threatened for example:
The First Nations in Canada oppose attempts of global companies to exploit oil resources in their region
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