Global Divides: North and South

Global Divides: North and South

• Globalization's unevenness creates socioeconomic and political imbalances globally.
• The world is categorized by North-South divisions, and First, Second, and Third World classifications.
• Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) experience stark living condition differences between the Philippines and Western countries. Though earning more abroad, they still face economic hardship.
• The "Global South" is a metaphorical term highlighting interstate inequality, largely a Western construct.
• Historically, global divisions existed; examples include the Spanish colonization of Latin America and the Treaty of Tordesillas.
• The Global South generally refers to countries in the Southern Hemisphere, including Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. It commonly represents developing nations, contrasting with the wealthier, industrialized Global North.
• The Global North includes the G8 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, Russia, USA) and permanent UN Security Council members. It also encompasses developed nations in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Poverty, inequality, unfair labor practices, and human rights abuses exist within the Global North, demonstrating shared experiences with the Global South.
• "Global South" and "Third World" are conceptually similar, with the latter predating the former.
• The "Third World" classification emerged during the Cold War, initially distinguishing countries not aligned with the US (First World) or the Soviet Union (Second World). It often included impoverished former colonies.
• Alfred Sauvy coined the "Third World" term in 1952.
• The "Third World" initially encompassed countries not aligned with either superpower; it also became associated with poverty, lack of industrialization and underdeveloped financial and trade systems.
• The "Third World" term is outdated and no longer appropriate following the end of the Cold War.