globalization and calls for reform 9.5

Globalization and Human Rights Movements

• Globalization has increased interactions between diverse cultures, leading to various reform movements sharing a theme of liberation.
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
  • Created by the United Nations.
  • Articulated basic human rights inherent to all individuals by virtue of being human.
  • Focused on protecting citizens oppressed by oppressive structures, such as women, children, and refugees.

Significant Movements and Milestones

• UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund)

  • Established to support children's rights, especially post-World War II, with a focus on combating child hunger.

• Women's Rights

  • First World Conference on Women (1975): International representatives strategized for women's advancement.
  • Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1979): Proposed an international bill of rights for women, including:
  • Women's suffrage.
  • Right to choose marital partners.
  • Educational equality.
  • Access to birth control and family planning.

• Negritude Movement (1930s-1940s)

  • A literary and ideological movement among French-speaking Caribbean and African artists promoting black culture.
  • Celebrated blackness and provided language for future civil rights and anti-colonial movements.

• Liberation Theology

  • Emerged in Latin America, redefining Catholic theology to focus on the poor and marginalized.
  • Advocated for social justice and the transformation of oppressive structures.

Reforms in Education and Politics

• Global human rights discourse led to reforms in education and politics, focusing on inclusivity:

  • Women's Suffrage: Expanded women's voting rights worldwide.

  • Examples:

    • United States: 1920
    • Turkey: 1934
    • Japan: 1945

  • Civil Rights Act of 1964 (U.S.): Ended discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in various spheres, including education.

  • Caste Reservation System (India): Reserved seats in educational institutions and government for historically marginalized caste groups.

Environmental and Economic Reform Movements

• Environmentalism

  • Gained global recognition in response to environmental threats caused by globalization.
  • Notable organization: Greenpeace (founded in 1971).
  • Utilizes non-violent protests for environmental protection.

• World Fair Trade Organization

  • Addressed exploitative practices in global manufacturing, particularly low wages and poor working conditions.
  • Advocates fair prices for producers to ensure sustainable livelihoods and community investment.