SS

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.