Globalization and Job Sectors

What is globalization?

The process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments worldwide, accelerated by transportation and communication tech.

Name three historical eras of strong globalization.

Silk Road, Colonialism, Industrialization

Name three periods of weak globalization.

Middle Ages, WWI–WWII, Cold War

List three effects of globalization since 1991.

Increased trade, rise of Asian economies, decline of manufacturing in wealthy nations

Cultural aspects of globalization include…

Language, religion, values

Economic aspects of globalization include…

Free trade, capitalism (e.g., NAFTA)

Political aspects of globalization include…

Multilateralism (UN, EU, NATO)

Who on the left dislikes globalization?

Anti-capitalists, environmentalists, anti-corporatists, anti-Americans (e.g., Occupy movement)

Who on the right dislikes globalization?

Economic nationalists, anti-immigrant groups, religious fundamentalists, anti-Americans (e.g., MAGA, Al-Qaeda)

Why might environmentalists oppose globalization?

They associate it with pollution, resource exploitation, and environmental degradation

List two cultural criticisms of globalization.

Homogenization of culture, “Americanization” or “McDonaldization”

Give an example of cultural globalization.

Pizza Hut in Moscow

Who on the left supports globalization?

Human rights activists, tech companies, multilateralists, pro-government democracy advocates

Who on the right supports globalization?

Free market capitalists, American exceptionalists, minimal government advocates

What is one economic benefit of globalization?

Reduction of trade barriers and increased access to cheaper goods

What is one political benefit of globalization?

Spread of democracy and human rights

What are the costs of globalization for national sovereignty?

Weakens government control, pressures conformity, and increases vulnerability to global crises

What are some global problems worsened by globalization?

Crime, disease, terrorism, environmental damage, economic crises

How has technology helped globalization?

Enabled rapid communication, social media activism, and flash-mob organization

What are the effects of globalization on developing nations?

Increased industrial growth, but also more exploitation of land, labor, and resources

What are the effects of globalization on consumers?

Greater access to products and lower prices

What organizations are associated with globalization?

UN, WTO, IMF, EU, NAFTA

Define McDonaldization.

The global spread of Western (especially American) cultural values, lifestyles, and consumer products

What is global citizenship?

A sense of belonging to a worldwide community with shared rights and responsibilities

What is the primary job sector?

Jobs that involve extracting natural resources (e.g., farming, fishing, mining)

What is the secondary job sector?

Jobs involving manufacturing or building products (e.g., factories, making electronics)

What is the tertiary job sector?

Jobs providing services (e.g., education, healthcare, hospitality, banking)

What is the quaternary job sector?

Jobs focused on knowledge and research (e.g., scientists, engineers, software design)

What is the quinary job sector?

Jobs involving high-level decision making and elite services (e.g., CEOs, politicians, influencers)

Which sectors dominate in poorer economies?

Primary and some Secondary jobs (e.g., farming, low-skill manufacturing)

Which sectors dominate in wealthier economies?

Tertiary, Quaternary, and Quinary jobs (e.g., services, STEM, executives)

How does job distribution change with economic development?

Primary jobs decrease, and TQQ jobs increase with wealth and education

Country A has mostly TQQ jobs. What kind of economy is it?

A wealthy or developed economy

Country B has mostly Primary and Secondary jobs. What kind of economy is it?

A poorer or developing economy

How does automation affect job sectors?

Reduces need for unskilled labor in Primary and Secondary sectors

How do gender roles show up in job sectors?

Men dominate Primary/Secondary jobs; women dominate Tertiary jobs in wealthier countries

What are women’s roles in TQQ jobs?

Women can excel in TQQ sectors and contribute to societal wealth

What are examples of unpaid or unofficial work done by women?

Housework and jobs in the informal (untaxed) economy

How much more unpaid domestic labor do women perform in wealthy countries?

15–20 hours per week more than men

Why do poorer countries want to reduce primary employment?

To move workers into more profitable sectors and improve economic development