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Outline and explain two ways in which globalisation may affect global inequalities. - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 16 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 16
Outline and explain two ways in which globalisation may affect global inequalities.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline and explain two ways in which globalisation may affect global inequalities. - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 16 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
Increase in Inequalities in a Global World System
Answer
Globalisation often leads to increased economic inequalities within and between countries. As multinational corporations expand their reach, they focus on maximizing profits, typically leading to a concentration of wealth among a small elite. For instance, in many developing countries, the economic benefits of globalisation disproportionately favor urban areas where foreign investments are concentrated, leaving rural regions with little development. This creates a widening gap between wealthy urban centers and impoverished rural areas, amplifying global inequalities.
Step 2
Development of a Powerful Transnational Capitalist Class
Answer
Globalisation facilitates the rise of a transnational capitalist class, which comprises individuals and corporations that operate across national borders. This class benefits from neoliberal policies, such as deregulation and tax cuts, which favor capital over labor. As a result, ordinary workers often see stagnating wages and reduced job security, while the wealth of the elite grows exponentially. This shift leads to a deeper divide where the affluent accumulate more resources, while lower-income individuals struggle, thereby exacerbating global inequalities.