7.3 Globalisation

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to identify important issues within this topic, recognise contrasting perspectives, suggest causes and consequences, consider possible courses of action and develop suitable questions for Global Perspectives research.

How To Use This Topic Guide

This is not a chapter to memorise. Use it to explore possible issues, practise Cambridge skills and decide whether this topic is suitable for an Individual Report or Team Project.

What This Topic Includes

Globalisation describes growing connections between countries through trade, technology, finance, culture, travel, communication and migration.

Possible Global Issues

Whether globalisation reduces or increases inequality.
Power of multinational companies.
Outsourcing and movement of jobs between countries.
Spread of global brands and cultural influence.
Dependence on international supply chains.
Tax avoidance and movement of profits.
Global cooperation during crises.
Whether national governments retain enough control over economies and information.

Stakeholders And Perspectives

Consumers may value low prices, choice and global access.
Workers may gain jobs but face wage pressure or insecurity.
Multinational companies may seek efficient production and open markets.
Local businesses may gain new customers or struggle against large competitors.
Governments may seek investment while protecting national interests.
Communities may welcome cultural exchange but fear loss of identity.
Developing countries may seek access to markets but face unequal bargaining power.
Environmental groups may criticise transport emissions and resource use.

Possible Causes

Advances in transport and digital communication.
Trade agreements and reduced barriers.
International investment and global finance.
Business efforts to reduce costs and reach markets.
Migration and tourism.
Global media and online platforms.
International cooperation and shared institutions.
Consumer demand for global products and services.

Possible Consequences

Greater access to products, ideas, technology and markets.
New jobs and investment in some regions.
Job losses or wage pressure in others.
Faster spread of economic shocks, disease or misinformation.
Cultural exchange and hybrid identities.
Decline of some local industries or traditions.
Environmental impacts from production and transport.
Greater power for organisations operating across borders.

Possible Courses Of Action

Use international labour and environmental standards.
Support local businesses and fair competition.
Require corporate transparency on tax and supply chains.
Diversify supply chains and strengthen local resilience.
Protect cultural heritage without blocking exchange.
Use trade agreements to include social and environmental safeguards.
Improve international cooperation on shared risks.
Provide retraining and regional support where industries decline.

Possible Individual Report Questions

Does globalisation benefit consumers more than workers?
Should multinational companies be taxed where they sell products rather than where they register profits?
Does globalisation weaken national culture?
Are global supply chains too vulnerable to crisis?
Can fair-trade rules make globalisation more equal?

Possible Team Project Ideas

Compare local and global products sold in one market and investigate consumer choices.
Create a campaign promoting responsible purchasing and supply-chain awareness.
Study the effect of a global brand on local businesses.
Map how one everyday product is produced and transported.
Investigate whether students see global media as enriching or weakening local culture.

Useful Types Of Evidence

Trade and investment data.
Company supply-chain and tax information.
Worker and small-business interviews.
Consumer-price and purchasing surveys.
Media and cultural-content analysis.
Reports on global shocks and supply-chain disruption.

Skill Practice

Trace one common product from raw material to consumer. Identify who gains value at each stage and where environmental or labour costs are carried.

Lesson Summary

Globalisation creates benefits and risks that are distributed unevenly.
National, business, worker and consumer perspectives may conflict.
Claims should distinguish global connection from equal benefit.
Good evaluation considers both local effects and wider international relationships.