Topic Summaries

Economic globalisation

A-Level > Sociology > AQA > A Level Sociology Topic Summaries > Global development > Economic globalisation
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Exam overview
  • 👤 Bauman (2000): highlights a mobility divide between a globally mobile elite and a trapped poor majority. Global trade, TNCs, and digital finance integrate markets.
    • Boosts growth in some areas but increases inequality and economic vulnerability.
  • 👤 Sachs (2005) argues well-targeted aid can be effective, breaking poverty traps. 👤 Moyo (2009) warns aid can create dependency and reduce self-sufficiency.
  • International agencies (i.e. IMF, World Bank, WTO) shape macro rules. SAPs liberalise, cut spending, open trade.
    • Can stabilise or damage social sectors and growth if procyclical. 👤 Stiglitz (2000) is critical, and 👤 Sachs (2005) argues for targeted investment.
  • South–South and triangular cooperation: knowledge, technology, and finance flows within the Global South, coordinated by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).
    • Diversifies options, outcomes depend on governance.
Actor Role Positive Impacts Negative Impacts
Transnational corporations (TNCs)
  • Invest
  • Create jobs
  • Transfer technology
  • Can boost GDP
  • Provide infrastructure
  • Exploit labour
  • Pay low wages
  • Cause environmental damages
NGOs
  • Deliver aid
  • Promote rights
  • Fill state gaps
  • Flexible
  • Community-focused
  • Can impose Western values
  • Limited accountability
International agencies (IMF, World Bank, WTO)
  • Provide loans
  • Promote trade liberalisation
  • Implement Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs)
  • Integrate economies into global markets
  • Undermine sovereignty
  • Impose austerity
  • Cut social services (👤Stiglitz, 2000)

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