A LevelGeographyAQARevision Notes7. Global Systems & Governance7.7 Globalisation Critique7.7.1 Globalisation: The Debate

Globalisation: The Debate (AQA A Level Geography)

Revision Note

Rhiannon Molyneux

Expertise

Geography Content Creator

What is a Critique?

  • 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

Exam Tip

To be able to critique an issue you must:

  • Have a secure knowledge and understanding of the issue and the different views people hold
  • Be able to express an opinion and support that view with evidence from all viewpoints

The Benefits of Globalisation

  • 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

The Costs of Globalisation

  • 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

Globalisation: A Summary

4-1-1-impact-of-globalisation

  • 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

Exam Tip

Look back through the notes for this topic and consider all the costs and benefits of globalisation. Do you think the benefits outweigh the costs? Why? Make sure you can support your argument with specific examples and evidence.

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    Rhiannon Molyneux

    Author: Rhiannon Molyneux

    Rhiannon graduated from Oxford University with a BA in Geography before training as a teacher. She is enthusiastic about her subject and enjoys supporting students to reach their full potential. She has now been teaching for over 15 years, more recently specialising at A level. Rhiannon has many years of experience working as an examiner for GCSE, IGCSE and A level Geography, so she knows how to help students achieve exam success.