A World of Regions: The Global Divides

Vocabulary flashcards covering the North-South Divide, historical colonial legacies, economic disparities, impacts of globalization, and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

North–South Divide

The long-standing economic, social, and political gap between the world's more developed and industrialized countries (Global North) and the less developed countries (Global South).

Global North

The world's more developed and industrialized countries, typically possessing diversified economies, strong institutions, higher living standards, and the ability to influence global governance.

Global South

The less developed countries characterized by challenges such as low per capita income, limited industrial capacity, dependence on primary exports, and structural vulnerabilities.

Colonial mentality

The perception that one's identity is inferior compared to foreign culture and ethnicity.

Racism

The behaviors or attitudes that reflect and foster the belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits, where differences make one (1) superior.

Discrimination

The unjust (or prejudicial) treatment of different categories of people, particularly with their ethnicity, age, sex, or disability.

Unequal Trade Relationships

Trade patterns imposed by colonizers that benefited their economies, leading to enduring economic disparities between former colonizers (Global North) and former colonies (Global South).

Age of Exploration

The historical era during which unequal trade relationships were established as Portugal and Spain practically divided the world into the East (Spain-centric) and West (Portugal-centric).

Industrial Revolution

A historical era during which the exploitation of natural resources and slavery became rampant, sparking the rise of imperialism and intensifying global economic disparities.

Globalization

The increased interconnectedness of economies through trade, technology, and investment flows, which can generate jobs and increase incomes while also exacerbating income inequalities.

Primary commodities

Raw natural goods—such as oil, minerals, and agricultural products—whose export forms the primary economic reliance of many Latin American countries, creating vulnerability to price fluctuations.

Digital divide

Disparities in internet access and connectivity between urban and rural areas, as well as across socioeconomic groups, affecting access to information, education, and economic opportunities.

SDG 1: No Poverty

A United Nations Sustainable Development Goal aiming to eradicate extreme poverty globally, ensuring that all people have access to basic resources, services, and economic opportunities.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

A United Nations Sustainable Development Goal that advocates for empowering marginalized groups, promoting social protection systems, and ensuring equal access to resources within and among countries.