Global Divides - North and South

Global Divides - North and South

• The world can be divided into a pyramid with clear distinctions, referred to as the North-South Divide.
• The Global North encompasses developed, industrialized countries, while the Global South includes less developed countries.
• This divide stems from historical factors like colonialism, imperialism, and unequal trade relationships.
• Colonialism exploited resources and labor, imposing economic structures favoring colonizers at the expense of local development.
• This legacy created lasting inequalities in wealth, technology, and infrastructure between former colonizers (Global North) and former colonies (Global South).

Colonial Legacy

• Colonial mentality: a perception of inferiority in one's identity compared to foreign culture and ethnicity.
• Economic disparity: the Global North enjoys higher per capita income, easier access to technology, technology-based and finance-focused employment sectors, while the Global South experiences low per capita income, difficult access to technology, and agriculture-focused/export-heavy/labor-intensive employment sectors.

Impact of Globalization

• Globalization has both worsened and improved the North-South divide.
• It has broadened economic opportunities for some developing countries while reinforcing existing inequalities.
• Developing nations struggle to compete in global markets due to limited capital, technology, and skills.
• Globalization leads to the marginalization of certain industries and regions within developing countries, perpetuating poverty and disparity.

Social and Political Implications

• The Global North enjoys greater access to education, healthcare, and other basic services compared to the Global South.
• Countries in the Global North hold significant political influence, while the Global South struggles to contribute meaningfully to global governance.

Poverty and Wealth Inequity

• Globalization impacts poverty worldwide both positively and negatively.
• It creates new economic opportunities through expanded markets, foreign investments, and technological advancements, generating jobs and raising incomes.
• However, it can exacerbate poverty by widening income inequalities, challenging developing economies to compete with advanced ones, leading to job losses in traditional sectors, and increasing vulnerability for marginalized populations.

Impact on Latin America

• Latin America faces significant income disparities, with a small elite controlling a disproportionate share of wealth.
• Global economic trends often favor developed regions, exacerbating this inequality.
• Latin American countries encounter challenges in accessing global markets due to trade barriers, tariffs, and unequal agreements.
• Many Latin American economies rely heavily on commodity exports, making them vulnerable to price fluctuations.
• Poverty and social exclusion persist in Latin America, with a large portion of the population lacking access to basic services.
• Economic disparities drive migration from Latin America to more developed regions, impacting sending and receiving countries.
• Access to quality healthcare and education varies, with rural and marginalized urban populations facing significant barriers.
• Latin American countries have limited influence in global decision-making forums, hindering their ability to advocate for their interests.
• Economic disparities contribute to political instability and governance challenges, including corruption, social unrest, and polarization.
• A digital divide exists in Latin America, with disparities in internet access and connectivity between urban and rural areas and across socioeconomic groups.
• Limited investment in research and development hampers technological innovation and competitiveness, hindering economic growth and development.
• Latin America faces environmental and climate challenges, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and vulnerability to disasters.

Impact on the Philippines

• The integration of Philippine industries into global markets has fueled economic growth, particularly in sectors like BPO, manufacturing, and tourism.
• This has contributed to GDP growth and increased foreign direct investment.
• Income inequality persists, with globalization concentrating wealth in urban centers and certain sectors, leaving rural areas and marginalized communities behind.

UN's Role in Mitigating Poverty and Wealth Inequity through SDGs

• The UN aims to eradicate extreme poverty and reduce inequalities through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• SDG 1 (No Poverty): The UN strives to ensure everyone has access to basic resources, services, and economic opportunities.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The UN advocates for policies that empower marginalized groups, promote social protection systems, and ensure equal access to resources and opportunities.
• The UN encourages member states, including the Philippines, to adopt inclusive policies prioritizing poverty reduction and equitable economic growth.
• This includes investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainable livelihoods to uplift disadvantaged communities and bridge the gap between rich and poor.