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Examine the impact of colonisation on a developing economy you have studied and on its adjustment to globalisation. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 1 - 2008
Question 1
Examine the impact of colonisation on a developing economy you have studied and on its adjustment to globalisation.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Examine the impact of colonisation on a developing economy you have studied and on its adjustment to globalisation. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 1 - 2008
Step 1
Impact identified: Positive and Negative Effects
Answer
Colonisation has had profound positive and negative impacts on developing economies. On the positive side, colonisation often introduced advanced technologies, education systems, and infrastructure. For example, countries like India saw the establishment of railways and communication networks that improved connectivity.
On the negative side, colonisation led to the exploitation of local resources, suppression of local cultures, and economic dependency on the colonizing power. This can create long-term challenges in political stability and social cohesion.
Step 2
Named Developing Economy: India
Answer
India serves as a prime example of a developing economy impacted by colonisation. The British colonial period transformed India's economic landscape by integrating it into the global economy, but it also resulted in significant economic inequities and social disintegration. The long-lasting effects of colonial policies on agriculture and industry can still be observed today.
Step 3
Examination: Adjustment to Globalisation
Answer
India's adjustment to globalisation is multifaceted. Following independence, India adopted a mixed economy model, embracing both socialism and capitalism. The liberalisation policies initiated in the 1990s allowed India to integrate more deeply into the global economic system, attracting foreign investment while also promoting domestic industries.
However, the colonial legacy of economic disparities has posed challenges in this adjustment phase. Issues such as poverty, unequal distribution of wealth, and a decaying agrarian sector reflect the lingering impacts of colonisation. Additionally, the adjustment to globalisation necessitated addressing these disparities to ensure sustainable growth and fair economic opportunities for all segments of the population.
India's experience illustrates the complex interplay of historical legacies and contemporary global dynamics, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges posed by globalisation in a post-colonial context.