Theories of Globalisation

Question 1

What is the world systems theory

Answer 1

Wallerstein - world viewed as one economy whereby the world is divided into 3: core (developed), semi-periphery (south africa, mexico), and periphery (Ethiopia)
• core = have a global reach, make full use of economy - get most out of capitalism
• semi-periphery = exploit periphery and are exploited by core - due to exploiting it is argued that lack of unity between exploited means no united action to change system
(-) deterministic

Question 2

Giddens - globalisation has resulted in a global economy
(communication + transportation across the world)

TNCs ««

Answer 2

• international trade = global economy
• transnational corporations (TNC’s) operate across countries eg headquarters in MEDC’s and production in LEDCs

positives of TNC’s: provide jobs and investment - can help with development

negatives: exploitation, neo-marxists argus people are turned into ‘wage slaves’ for capitalism

Question 3

The media - increased communication spreads cultural goods across the world

Answer 3

• local cultures have become global due to the media: e.g american culture spread through music and movies internationally

critics argue that TNCs may lead to replacing traditional culture with western culture to try and create new markets for western goods THUS globalisation = cultural imperialism (rule)

Question 4

Global organisations are more powerful than governments/nation states

Answer 4

+ TNCs=lack of respect for local cultures and hard to control yet little action against them due to the amount of lost jobs if TNCs decide to move somewhere else
+ international political agencies like EU and UN take decision making away from national governments
- People are determined to keep their national identity when globalisation occurs, can strengthen the nation state