Case Studies for Unit 3

Question 1

Gold mining in Ghana

Answer 1

• dependency theory
• natural resource curse
• globalisation and multinational cooperations

Gold mining in Ghana exemplifies the dependency theory and the natural resource curse, as multinational corporations like Newmont Goldcorp dominate the sector, extracting wealth while leaving limited benefits for local communities. Despite Ghana’s abundant gold reserves, the industry often perpetuates poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, with profits flowing to foreign companies rather than fostering local development. Globalisation intensifies this dynamic, as international demand and capital drive resource exploitation, undermining local governance and economic diversification. Advocacy efforts emphasize fair trade practices, stronger regulatory frameworks, and reinvestment in local economies to break the cycle of dependency and ensure sustainable development.

Question 2

Asian Tigers’ Development

Answer 2

• modernisation theory
• economic developmennt vs sustainability
• GDP per capita growth
• Rostows development theory

The development of the Asian Tigers—South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong—illustrates modernization theory, as these nations rapidly industrialized and adopted Western-style economic practices to transition from agricultural/rural to advanced economies. Their GDP per capita saw significant growth, driven by export-led industrialization, technology adoption, and investments in education. However, this rapid economic development often came at the expense of environmental sustainability, with high levels of pollution, deforestation, and resource exploitation. Balancing economic growth with sustainability remains a challenge, as these nations now focus on green technologies and policies to mitigate the environmental costs of their development trajectory.

Question 3

Garment industry in Bangladesh

Answer 3

• advantages and disadvantages of globalisation
• development and hr

The garment industry in Bangladesh highlights both the advantages and disadvantages of globalisation in the context of development and human rights. As a major global hub for textile production, the industry has created millions of jobs, particularly for women, contributing significantly to GDP growth and poverty reduction. However, this development comes with significant human rights concerns, including poor working conditions, low wages, and safety risks, as seen in the 2013 Rana Plaza disaster (commercial building collapsed due to a structural failure, about 1,100 people died). Globalisation has amplified these issues by fostering competitive cost-cutting practices driven by multinational corporations and fast fashion demand. Efforts to address these challenges focus on enforcing labor rights, promoting ethical sourcing, and ensuring that economic development aligns with human dignity and sustainability.

Question 4

Small scale vs Large scale farming in India

Answer 4

• globalisation
• inequality
• rural vs urban

Globalisation opened up to the Indian rural economy. This meant Indian farmers, which were mostly small-scale, could access foreign technology and credit to improve their businesses. It also meant they could sell their products to more markets. Small-scale farmers face limited access to resources and markets, leading to low productivity and income, while large-scale farms benefit from better technology, subsidies, and economies of scale. This widens inequality, displaces smallholders, and exacerbates rural poverty. Supporting small-scale farmers through land reforms, credit access, and sustainable practices is essential to reduce this disparity.