GLOBALISATION : P2 REVIEW

In this passage…

Diane Coyle defends globalisation against criticisms from anti-globalisation protesters. She highlights certain criticisms, challenges their validity and relevance. Note that there are two voices in this passage: that of anti-globalisation protestors; that of Coyle.

The AQ in this paper asks you to evaluate the applicability of critiques of globalisation in your society.

1. From paragraph 1, why does the writer use the word “rightly” (l.4)? Use your own words as far as possible.

1. From paragraph 1, why does the writer use the word “rightly” (l.4)? Use your own words as far as possible.

He uses it because he wants to show how it is only fair/justifiable that discussion returns to the impact ofglobalisation on the poor [1] after attention had beendiverted by business-related greed. [1]

2. From paragraph 1, according to the writer, what is NOT the best way to deal with globalisation and its associated ills? Use your own words as far as possible.

2. From paragraph 1, according to the writer, what is NOT the best way to deal with globalisation and its associated ills? Use your own words as far as possible.

It is to move away from/avoid being part of the globalisation phenomenon. [1]

(You have to paraphrase ‘retreat’)

4. What does the writer mean when she says that “the creation of a level playing field requires developed countries to live up to their own free market rhetoric” (lines71-73)?

4. What does the writer mean when she says that “the creation of a level playing field requires developed countries to live up to their own free market rhetoric” (lines71-73)?

She means that for less developed nations to compete fairly with the rich [1], the rich nations should practise what they preach / commit to unrestricted trade. [1]

5. Why have ‘the IMF and World Bank not succeeded in putting themselves out of business’ (lines 75 to 76). Use your own words as far as possible.

5. Why have ‘the IMF and World Bank not succeeded in putting themselves out of business’ (lines 75 to 76). Use your own words as far as possible.

• They have shown their ability to adapt to change through the reformation of some of their policies. [1]

• They are also crucial in ensuring that monetary aid and loans reach their target nations. [1]

• They also encourage rich non-governmental groups and individuals to put their money into developing countries. [1]

5. Explain why the writer uses the word ‘utopian’ in line 82.

Consider: who is evaluating their performance against “utopian alternatives”?

6. Explain why the writer uses the word ‘utopian’ in line 82.

The writer uses the word to suggest that critics of the IMF and World Bank are too idealistic/ naive.[1]

OR

The writer is suggesting that we do not assess IMF and the World Bank based on impractical ideals. [1]

6. What does the word ‘legitimate’ (line 88) suggest about the grievances of the developing world?

6. What does the word ‘legitimate’ (line 88) suggest about the grievances of the developing world?

LEGITIMATE

1 fair or reasonable:

That's a perfectly legitimate question.

Most scientists believe it is legitimate to use animals in medical research.

It suggests that such grievances should be recognised/ are valid. [1]

Answers that claim ‘legitimate’ = ‘real’ will not get the mark. The sense of validity should be conveyed.

7. Explain four features in paragraph 8 which show that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) behaves democratically. Use your own words as far as possible.

7. Explain four features in paragraph 8 which show that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) behaves democratically. Use your own words as far as possible.

• “One member, one vote”: Members are given equal say in the organisation. [1]

• “member governments, a majority of which are elected”: Many member countries in the WTO are voted in [1]

• “agenda…trade liberalisation”: The WTO is committed to advocating free trade practices. [1]

• The WTO does not impose trade policies on countries but merely asks them to be consistent in their implementation. [1]

9. “the strongest weapon in the armoury” (lines 105-106)Explain the metaphor used in paragraph 9.

Received wisdom: Knowledge that majority of people take to be true.

9. “the strongest weapon in the armoury” (lines 105-106)Explain the metaphor used in paragraph 9.

Just like the strongest weapon in the armoury is the most effective means of destroying an enemy, [1] the

economic evidence available also can be employed as the most powerful means of contesting anti-globalisation criticisms. [1]

GLOBALISATION : SUMMARY QN

Using material from paragraphs 2 to 6, summarise the criticisms against globalisation and the writer’s corresponding counter-arguments.

Common paraphrasing errors:

1. “Unprecedented” ≠ unexpected.

Unprecedented (adj.): Never done before

2. “Impose” ≠ influence/ integrate

Impose [verb]: to force something (usually unpleasant) on someone

Lifted Paraphrased

A commonly held belief is that globalisation has caused extensive poverty. (l.15-17)

… this number has not changed much since 1950 and has actually fallen sharply from 55% to 24% as a proportion of the world population. The recent era of rapid globalisation has improved the living standards of many of the poorest, not worsened them. (l.17-20)

One criticism against globalisation is that…

it has resulted in widespread destitution/ large-scale poverty. [1]

+

However, the writer points out that the number of destitute has decreased as a percentage of people around the globe. / Globalisation has actually made the lives of the poor better. [1]

Lifted Paraphrased

Another common argument is that globalisation has resulted in an unprecedented degree of inequality (l.21-22)…average incomes in the richest and poorest countries are indeed further apart than they have ever been. (l.24-25)

Another criticism is that globalisation has caused a disparity in living conditions/wages to an extent not seen before. [1]

…total world inequality has been virtually stable since the Second World War. (l.23-24)

….the distribution of incomes within most countries is now more equal. (l.27-28)

However, actual income disparity has not really changed since World War Two, [1]

and within the majority of nations, wages are now spread more evenly. [1]

Lifted Paraphrased

In addition, some very large countries, such as India and China, have grown rapidly, offsetting the effect of African stagnation on total world income distribution. (l.28-30)

Taken as a whole, the quick economic progress of big nations has made up for the non-progress of African countries. [1]

almost daily news of accounting fraud and corporate greed in the United States. (l.36-37)

…many of the assertions about corporate behaviour turn out to be at best simplistic and often wrong.(l.34-35)

Accusations of deceptive business practices and selfish desire for more money [1]

are usually misguided/not well thought through. [1]

Lifted Paraphrased

…there is no evidence that corporate power has led to a 'race to the bottom' in taxes…in labour and environmental standards. (l.37-39)

There is no proof that businesses’ increased influence has resulted in less ethical behaviour. [1]

Government regulation of companies is not diminishing – if anything, their operation in different jurisdictions subjects multinationals to more control rather than less. (l.39-41)

Companies working in different countries are made to follow more locally imposed restrictions. [1]

…charges of profiteering through the use of sweatshop labour…(l.43)

Companies are also accused of making money through exploitation of their workers. [1]

Lifted Paraphrased

Yet most cross-border investment takes place between OECD countries, or flows towards middle-income countries. (l.47-48)/ …real wages have been rising in those countries that have attracted a lot of inward investment. (l.52-53)

However, financial transactions between countries have led to higher incomes in recipient nations. [1]

…In addition to creating jobs (l.53-55)

…investment by multinationals is important for the transfer of technology and expertise from rich to poor countries. (l.55-57)

These higher incomes have led to greater capital inflow, therefore generating employment for people. [1]

Globalisation has led to the flow of skills and scientific know-how from wealthier to less developed nations. [1]

Lifted Paraphrased

..big US multinationals forcefully impose US culture on the rest of the world. (l.58-59)

Critics say that big American companies compel other countries to adopt the American way of life. [1]

The top global brands change…declined significantly in global terms (l.59-60)

Those that do well around the world find they have to adapt to local culture in order to succeed.(l.62-63)

However, established (American) companies have witnessed a drop in international standing/reputation. [1]

Those that thrive worldwide have to adjust to suit the native way of life of the countries they operate in. [1]

Lifted Paraphrased

...no brand is in the position of being able to impose itself in a highly competitive marketplace. (l.64-65)

No business is powerful enough to force its way of doing things on others in the era of free enterprise. [1]