A World of Regions: The Global Divides PDF

GE2406 A WORLD OF REGIONS THE GLOBAL DIVIDES In today's interconnected world, understanding global divides and...

GE2406 A WORLD OF REGIONS THE GLOBAL DIVIDES In today's interconnected world, understanding global divides and regional dynamics is essential to grasp the complexities of contemporary global issues. The North and the South In today’s popular culture, poverty and segregation As referenced in some songs such as Upuan (by are always tackled because these are some of the GLOC-9) and Tatsulok (by Bamboo), our world can be points of conversation that show disparity (i.e., a organized into a pyramid with clear distinctions, marked difference) between social classes. A social generally called the North-South Divide. It is the class is defined as a group of people within a society economic, social, and political gap between the who possess the same socioeconomic status. It has developed, industrialized countries of the Northern been studied extensively in social science, as it was Hemisphere (often referred to as the Global North) covered by several philosophers such as Thomas and the less developed countries of the Southern Hobbes, Karl Marx, and Max Weber, to name a few. Hemisphere (referred to as the Global South). This divide is rooted in historical factors such as colonialism, imperialism, and unequal trade relationships, which have shaped the trajectory of development across different regions of the world. Historical Context of the Divide The origins of the North-South divide can be traced back to the colonial era, when European powers colonized vast territories in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Colonialism not only exploited natural resources and labor but also imposed economic structures that favored the colonizers' economies at the expense of local development. This historical legacy created enduring patterns of inequality in terms of wealth, technology, and infrastructure between former colonizers (now part of the Global North) and former colonies (now part of the Global South). KEY POINT DESCRIPTION Colonial Legacy Some of the long-standing consequences of colonialism are as follows: 1. Colonial mentality. The perception that one’s identity is inferior compared to foreign culture and ethnicity. 2. Racism. The behaviors or attitudes that reflect and foster the belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits, where differences make one (1) superior. 3. Discrimination. The unjust (or prejudicial) treatment of different categories of people, particularly with their ethnicity, age, sex, or disability. Unequal Trade Relationships Colonizers imposed trade patterns that benefited their economies, leading to enduring economic disparities between former colonizers (Global North) and former colonies (Global South). These can be traced as far back as the Age of Exploration, where Portugal and Spain practically divided the world into the East (Spain-centric) and West (Portugal-centric). This was intensified during the Industrial Revolution, when slavery and exploitation of natural resources became rampant, sparking the rise of imperialism. 03 Handout 1 *Property of STI Page 1 of 5  GE2406 Historical injustices continue to shape economic opportunities, infrastructure development, and access to resources in modern times, perpetuating inequalities between regions. Economic Disparities Economic indicators starkly illustrate the disparities between the North and South. ECONOMIC DISPARITY GLOBAL NORTH GLOBAL SOUTH Per Capita Income High Low Access to Technological Advancement Easy Difficult Employment Sectors Technology-based Agriculture-focused Finance-focused Export-heavy Manufacturing Labor-intensive Impact of Globalization Globalization, characterized by increased trade, investment flows, and technological exchange, has both worsened and improved aspects of the North-South divide. While globalization has opened up new economic opportunities for some developing countries, it has also reinforced existing inequalities. Developing countries often face challenges in competing in global markets due to unequal access to capital, technology, and skills. Moreover, globalization can lead to the marginalization of certain industries and regions within developing countries, perpetuating poverty and economic disparity. Social and Political Implications Beyond economic factors, the North-South divide has profound social and political implications. ECONOMIC DISPARITY GLOBAL NORTH GLOBAL SOUTH Access to Education High Low Access to Healthcare High Low Access to other basic services High Low Global Governance Can influence Can barely contribute In terms of political influence, the relationships between countries of the Global North and South can be influenced by historical ties, economic dependencies, and geopolitical interests, impacting global policies and cooperation efforts. Poverty and Wealth Inequity Globalization, characterized by increased interconnectedness of economies through trade, technology, and investment, has both positive and negative impacts on poverty worldwide. 03 Handout 1 *Property of STI Page 2 of 5  GE2406 POSITIVE IMPACTS NEGATIVE IMPACTS Can create new economic opportunities via: Can exacerbate poverty by widening income o Expanded markets inequalities o Foreign investments, and May face challenges in competing with more o Technological advancements advanced economies Generates jobs May lead to job losses in traditional sectors Increases incomes Increases vulnerability for marginalized populations Impact on Latin America The global divide significantly impacts Latin America across various dimensions, including economic, social, political, and technological aspects. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts at both regional and international levels to promote inclusive development, equitable access to resources, and sustainable growth in the region. Income Inequality Latin America is known for its significant income disparities, where a small elite holds a disproportionate share of wealth compared to the majority of the population. This disparity is exacerbated by global economic trends that often favor developed regions over developing ones. The Global Market Latin American countries often face challenges in accessing global markets on equal terms due to trade barriers, tariffs, and unequal trade agreements. This limits their ability to compete globally and benefit fully from international trade. Commodities Many Latin American economies are heavily reliant on exports of primary commodities (such as oil, minerals, and agricultural products). Fluctuations in global commodity prices can lead to economic instability and vulnerability. Social and Human Development The global divide perpetuates poverty and social exclusion in Latin America, where a significant portion of the population lacks access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and sanitation. Economic disparities drive migration from Latin America to more developed regions seeking better economic opportunities and living conditions. This has social and economic implications for both sending and receiving countries. Finally, access to quality healthcare and education varies widely across the region, with rural and marginalized urban populations often facing significant barriers to accessing these essential services. Political Influence and Governance Latin American countries may have less influence in global decision-making forums compared to more economically powerful regions. This can impact their ability to advocate for their interests on issues such as trade agreements, environmental policies, and international aid. Economic disparities can contribute to 03 Handout 1 *Property of STI Page 3 of 5  GE2406 political instability and governance challenges in Latin America, including corruption, social unrest, and political polarization. Technological Access and Digital Divide There is a digital divide in Latin America, with disparities in internet access and connectivity between urban and rural areas, as well as across socioeconomic groups. This affects access to information, education, and economic opportunities. Limited investment in research and development compared to more developed regions hinders technological innovation and competitiveness in Latin America, impacting economic growth and development. Environmental and Climate Challenges Latin America is home to rich biodiversity and natural resources. However, global environmental policies and climate change disproportionately affect the region, leading to challenges such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and vulnerability to natural disasters. The demand for Latin America’s natural resources by more developed regions can lead to environmental degradation and social conflicts over land use and resource extraction. Impact on the Philippines In the Philippines, much like Latin America, globalization has influenced economic growth and social dynamics in various ways: Economic Growth The integration of Philippine industries into global markets has stimulated economic growth, particularly in sectors such as business process outsourcing (BPO), manufacturing, and tourism. This has contributed to overall GDP growth and increased foreign direct investment. Income Inequality Despite economic growth, income inequality remains a significant challenge. Globalization has concentrated wealth in urban centers and among certain sectors, leaving rural areas and marginalized communities behind. This disparity in wealth distribution underscores persistent poverty and social inequities within the country. UN’s Role in Mitigating Poverty and Wealth Inequity through SDGs The United Nations has identified poverty eradication and reducing inequalities as central goals in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, encapsulated in the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 1: No Poverty The UN aims to eradicate extreme poverty globally, ensuring that all people have access to basic resources, services, and economic opportunities. 03 Handout 1 *Property of STI Page 4 of 5  GE2406 SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities Addressing inequalities within and among countries is crucial to promoting inclusive and sustainable development. 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 like the Philippines to adopt inclusive policies that prioritize 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. Reference Global inequality - inequality.org. (2024). Inequality.org. https://inequality.org/facts/global-inequality/ Roser, M. (2023). The history of global economic inequality. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/the-history-of-global-economic-inequality These charts show the growing gap between the world’s richest and poorest. (2022). World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/12/global-income-inequality-gap-report-rich-poor/ Unequal global exchange: colonization, politics, and economics. (n.d.). Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity. https://www.washington.edu/omad/50th/ctcenter/projects-common-book/mountains-beyond- mountains/unequal-global-exchange/ United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. (n.d.). Racism, and discrimination are legacies of colonialism. Retrieved June 21, 2024, from https://www.ohchr.org/en/get- involved/stories/racism-discrimination-are-legacies-colonialism United Nations. (n.d.). Inequality – Bridging the divide | United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/un75/inequality-bridging-divide 03 Handout 1 *Property of STI Page 5 of 5