Resistance to Globalisation (HL IB Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Jacque Cartwright
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Rejection of Globalised Production
There are a range of individuals, pressure groups and governments that all have some concern over the impacts of globalisation
Countries have reacted in different ways, from resisting almost all change (e.g., North Korea) to being more selective over how much change is accepted, for example:
China prevents internet users from using BBC or Facebook and has a strict quota of 34 foreign films a year; however, Christmas is now celebrated by many Chinese people
France is very protective of its culture, with the government encouraging work filmed in French through subsidies and 40% of television must consist of French productions under local content law
There have been many movements where groups of people have taken a stand against globalisation, for example:
Occupy Wall Street Movement: a 59-day extended protest against economic inequality
Global Justice Movement promotes the equal distribution of resources and access to advances in technology
Others include:
Creating a level playing field for developing countries
Supporting free access to information
Making global civil society more accountable and transparent
Developing new relationships with global institutions
Globalised production involves 3 industrial sectors of interconnection
Extraction
Production
Design and marketing
Within these, there are hidden injustices that civil society groups actively campaign to expose to the world
However, it must be recognised that globalised production has many advantages and disadvantages and that views vary between stakeholders
Globalised Production | Localised Production | |
|---|---|---|
Advantages to producers | Producers benefit from economies-of scale by producing on a large scale Producers can source materials from the cheapest locations | Reduced transportation costs as products are purchased and sold locally Can operate 'just-in-time' production, which is easier as suppliers and customers are closer |
Disadvantages to producers | Higher costs transporting raw materials and finished products Changes in demand is difficult to meet Many customers are now demanding local products It is harder to ensure quality when production is outsourced or offshored | There can be problems sourcing local raw materials Local workers may not have the required levels of skill or education Restaurants and food producers will have to change their menus or products according to the seasons |
Advantages to consumers | There is a wider choice of products, all year round Mass production can lower prices | Perishable products (food) will be fresh and in season Products should meet local customs Should be more suited to personal tastes and traditions |
Disadvantages to consumers | There is less choice and products are homogenised/standardised Prices may actually increase if a monopoly exists It is harder to source and know the quality of products being bought Perishable goods may have been grown using chemicals and picked unripe so have less flavour They may suffer from pollution caused by large-scale production and transportation | Perishable products are not available all season Some products maybe more expensive because they are produced on a smaller scale There may actually be less choice because there are few local companies |
Advantages to local economy | Some local companies may become suppliers to global chains Local businesses may benefit from improved levels of technology Global companies will train staff with new skills Improved trading relations with other regions and countries | Local employment and local taxes There is less economic leakage Local workers learn new skills which can be passed on to other manufacturers Positive multiplier effect as suppliers, etc. benefit from increased custom |
Disadvantages to local economy | Local producers may not be able to compete on price and be forced to close Many managerial positions maybe filled by expatriates (foreigners) There is often economic leakage from the area (profits repatriated) | Small local companies pay less tax Small companies employ fewer people and buy fewer products Local companies may be exploited for low prices Local companies take risks and may incur debt |
Anti-Immigration Movements
Anti-immigration movements are on the rise and is partly in response to globalisation
There are several factors against immigration, and these include:
Economic fears
Cultural and identity concerns
Security concerns
Environmental concerns, especially in LICs and NICs, as a result of rapid population growth
In the past, it has had a huge impact on both donor and receiving nations
In terms of the receiving countries, the consequences have generally been beneficial
But today, few countries support or want a large influx of outsiders, for a variety of reasons
Immigrants will vote for parties' centre or left and not to the right, as these tend to be against migration
Immigrants will head for economic core regions and to inner city regions, which can impact on voting patterns
When immigrant groups reach a certain size and standing, they begin to develop their own politicians instead of people from the host society
Environmental issues are based on the notion that migrants put excessive strain on environmental systems, but others feel this is a way of curtailing immigration
Several countries, such as New Zealand and Australia, operate a points-based system, which admits those that have the skill set that the country’s economy currently requires
Other countries limit travel opportunities for their population, for example, North Korea and China
Globalisation and its pervasive nature have increased the sense of nationalism, with many countries attempting to reassert a national identity and sever the interconnectedness of countries
Brexit was a nationalist movement for the UK to leave the EU
Political parties refer to 'taking back control' over the flow of laws, people, goods, etc.
Building of the US/Mexico border wall to reduce migration
In 2017, President Trump prevented migrants from 7, mainly Muslim, countries from entering the USA, although his decision was overturned by a number of US courts
Examiner Tips and Tricks
When discussing the rise of anti immigration movements, remember to refer to recent elections and their results. Don't get bogged down on political views here, this is not the place to discuss politics or the rights and wrongs of political parties. Stay geographical in your responses.
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