Globalisation, poverty and inequalities

What is Globalisation? 🌍

Think of globalisation as a giant, invisible web that connects every country. Just like a spider’s web, each strand (trade, migration, communication) links places together, making it easier for ideas, goods, and people to travel across the planet.

• Trade links: 🇺🇸↔️🇨🇳, 🇪🇺↔️🇲🇽
• Digital communication: 📱, 🌐
• Migration flows: ✈️, 🏠

Exam Tip: Use the “Spider Web” Analogy

When answering questions, start with the web metaphor to explain how globalisation spreads influence. Then, support with specific examples (e.g., the rise of multinational corporations or the spread of social media). This shows you understand both the concept and its real‑world impact.

How Globalisation Affects Poverty

Globalisation can reduce poverty by creating jobs and increasing access to markets, but it can also increase poverty if local industries cannot compete.

1. Job creation in export‑oriented sectors.
2. Access to cheaper goods and services.
3. Risk of “race to the bottom” in labour standards.

Illustrative Table: Poverty Rates Before & After Globalisation

Note: Numbers are illustrative. Use real data from the exam brief.

Exam Tip: Analyse Both Positive & Negative Impacts

When discussing poverty, always balance the benefits (e.g., employment, lower prices) with the drawbacks (e.g., exploitation, environmental damage). Use the table or graphs from the question to support your argument.

Types of Inequality

• Global inequality: Rich vs. poor countries (GDP per capita).
• National inequality: Wealth gaps within a country.
• Gender inequality: Pay gaps, education access.
• Racial/ethnic inequality: Discrimination in employment.

Analogy: The Inequality Ladder 🪜

Imagine a ladder where each rung represents a level of opportunity. Some people start on the bottom rung, while others begin higher up. Globalisation can either add more rungs (new opportunities) or widen the gap between rungs.

Exam Tip: Use the “Ladder” Analogy to Explain Inequality

Start your answer by describing the ladder, then explain how globalisation changes the number of rungs or the distance between them. Cite specific examples (e.g., digital divide, access to higher education).

1. Define globalisation clearly and use the web/ladder analogies.
2. Show both positive and negative effects on poverty and inequality.
3. Support arguments with data (tables, graphs, statistics).
4. Use the exam tip boxes as quick reminders of how to structure answers.
5. Keep language simple but precise; avoid jargon unless you define it.