Social 10 Issue 3

Key Terms and Concepts:

Chapter 9

Economic Globalization

The spread of trade, transportation and communication system all around the world with the interest or promoting worldwide commerce.

Reparations

An act that makes amends for wrongdoing and is may include payments made by defeated enemy to countries whose territory was damaged during war.

Communism

A political and economic ideology that aims for a classless society where all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs.

Economic Depression

A period of low economic activity and high levels of unemployment

Market Economy

An economy in which government regulations are reduced to a minimum and businesses are free to make their own decisions.

Chapter 10

Outsourcing

A business strategy that involves reducing costs by using suppliers of products and service in other countries where labor is cheap.

Containerization

A Transporting of goods in standard sized shipping containers.

Trade Liberalization

A process that involves countries in reducing or removing trade barriers such as tariffs and quotas, so good and service can move around the world more freely.

Free Trade

A trade that occurs when two or more countries eliminate tariffs and taxes on the goods and services they trade with one another.

Consensus

General agreement for something.

Sanctions

A penalty, often an economic penalty such as a trade boycott and pressure a government to agree to carry our certain actions or follow certain rules.

Chapter 11

Ecological Footprint

An area on earht surface where sustain the level of resources a person uses and the waste they creates.

Sustain

To provide the basic necessities needed to support life.

Sustainability

The degree to which Earth is able to provide the resources necessary to meet people’s needs.

Stewardship

Accepting responsibility for ensuring that the earth resources remain sustainable.

Flag of convenience

A flag flown by ships when they are registered in a country that is not the country of their owner.

Chapter 12

Sustainable prosperity

Practicing stewardship of the environment and resources so that future generations are able to achieve prosperity.

Sustainable development

Development that meets people’s need in the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their needs.

Knowledge economy

Businesses and individuals who use research, education, new ideas, and information technologies for practical purposes.

Privatization

The selling of public service, such as electricity delivery or health care, to private company so that the service is no longer owned by the government.

Global climate changes

Small but steady changes in the average temperature on earth.

Chapter 9 - Globalization and Prosperity

  • Defining Prosperity: Often described through wealth, health, and happiness, prosperity varies based on individual perspectives and cultural context.

  • Measuring Prosperity: Commonly assessed via economic indicators (wealth), personal happiness assessments, and health metrics.

  • Understanding Sustainability: Involves ensuring resources are available for future generations, emphasizing conservation and responsible consumption.

  • Way of Life and Sustainability: Personal lifestyles often depend on a steady resource supply; depletion can drastically alter living conditions.

Economic Globalization

  • Impacts of Economic Globalization:

    • Famine: Can be both a direct consequence of economic turmoil and a factor influencing global stability (psychological impacts on societies).

    • Economic Uncertainty: Driven by conflicts (war) affecting international markets, causing shifts in confidence among investors.

    • Natural Disasters: Events like earthquakes and floods have ripple effects on the global economy by disrupting supply chains and causing mass displacements.

    • Investor Confidence: Changes can dictate global economic stability; optimism can lead to expansion while fear can freeze markets.

    • Resource Pricing: Prices for essential non-renewable resources like oil can significantly impact economic predictions, stock values, and international relationships.

    • Government Policies: Tariffs and trade regulations can either promote or hinder trade efficiency and economic growth.

Historical Influence on Economic Globalization

  • Global Events Impacting Economics: Historical events, such as wars, shape economic policies and trade relations globally.

    • Examples include the effects of World War I, the Russian Revolution, and the Great Depression on global economics.

  • Criteria for World Events: Factors such as the level of human involvement, geographical reach, and lasting impacts define a 'world event.'

    • For an event to be labeled a world event, it usually needs to impact multiple countries or a significant number of people.

World War I 🌎

Impact and Costs

Understanding world events like World War I involves recognizing their extensive impact. The war brought:

  • Monetary costs

  • Human suffering

  • Trauma to soldiers

  • Alterations to the economy

During the war, women took on roles in factories and manufacturing, which allowed Canada and the United States to flourish economically due to their geographical separation from the European battlegrounds.

Russian Revolution πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί

Overthrow and Civil War

The Russian Revolution is significant due to its impact on global relationships, particularly leading to the Cold War and nuclear arms race. Key points include:

  • The Czar was forced to resign, or abdicated

  • An election was planned to transition Russia into a democratic country, but the Communist Party, despite initially losing, instigated a civil war.

  • After five years of civil war, the Communist Party won and executed the royal family.

This led to a dictatorship and adversarial relationship with the West, influencing the rise of capitalism and trade among free countries.

The Great Depression πŸ“‰

Global Impact and Social Programs

The Great Depression significantly changed the world and individual countries.

  • It highlighted the interconnectedness of the world economy.

  • In Canada, it led to the implementation of social programs like healthcare, which were not previously available.

The economic hardships during the Depression facilitated significant governmental changes, such as the rise of Hitler in Germany.

World War II πŸ’£

Economic Effects and Civilian Impact

World War II had a profound impact, especially concerning civilian deaths.

Economically, the war ended the Depression due to government hiring for soldiers and factory workers. However, the main part of World War II was the death of civilians. Germany bombed civilian targets in Britain to try and force a surrender, a tactic mirrored by Putin in current conflicts. The Allies also bombed German cities, and the atomic bombs were dropped on Japanese cities, causing horrific civilian casualties.

Economically, the United States emerged as a dominant power because Europe and Japan were devastated, leaving them with little competition.

Key Dates

Event

Year(s)

World War I

1914-1918

Great Depression

1930s

World War II

1939-1945

September 11th

2001

Legacies of War πŸ•Š

Trauma and Healthcare

Legacies of war include long-term effects such as:

  • Trauma, including shell shock (early form of PTSD)

  • Racism

  • Hatred

The trauma experienced by soldiers returning from World War II led to the establishment of national healthcare in Canada.## 🌍 The Aftermath of Trauma: Seeking Answers and Prevention

When people survive traumatic events like wars, their immediate concerns often revolve around understanding what happened and preventing future occurrences. This quest for answers typically unfolds in two parts:

  1. Why did it happen?

  2. How can we ensure it doesn't happen again?

This mirrors the approach taken by investigators after events like house fires or car accidents, where the focus quickly shifts to preventing similar incidents.

βš” Preventing Another World War

After World War II, the focus shifted to preventing future conflicts by emphasizing economics, trade, and prosperity. The idea was that countries are less likely to turn hostile when their populations are employed, prosperous, and happy.

🏦 The World Bank

  • Definition:

    The World Bank is a bank whose head is always appointed by the United States and is run by its member countries.

  • Original Goals (post-World War II):

    • Lend money to help war-torn countries rebuild.

    • Speed up economic progress and industrialization in countries.

    • Help countries develop their natural resources.

    • Shape long-term loans to these productivity countries

  • Intended Outcome: To help countries rebuild and prosper, thus promoting peace.

  • Current Goals:

    • Increase economic growth and reduce poverty in developing countries.

    • Fund specific infrastructure projects.

      • Infrastructure Projects Defined:

        Necessary structures important to society, such as utility towers, railroads, airports, ports, internet cables, and phone lines, that are needed to run an economy.

  • Controversies:

    • The World Bank decides which infrastructure projects to fund. Critics argue that these projects may primarily benefit the rest of the world rather than the poor countries themselves.

    • There are some that believe the poor countries themselves know best what kind of infrastructure to build for the good of their people.

πŸ’° The International Monetary Fund (IMF)

  • Definition: The International Monetary Fund is essentially a pile of money.

  • The head of the IMF is nominated by the European Union.

  • Funded by member countries; the more a country contributes, the more influence it has.

  • Original Goals: To set dependable international exchange rates for the world.## 🀝 The Importance of Agreed-Upon Exchange Rates

Exchange rates are crucial for international trade. Without agreement on the value of different currencies, countries can't effectively trade with one another.

Imagine trying to trade your bike for clamshells, but the other person doesn't value clamshells the same way you do. No trade can occur unless there's an agreed-upon value.

🎯 Goals of International Organizations

Original Goals (Post-World War II)

  • Establish economic stability.

  • Promote trade between countries, especially to discourage conflict.

Current Goals

  • Provide emergency short-term loans to countries facing natural disasters or other crises.

  • Demand reforms in a country to promote good governance and eliminate corruption.

    • Criticism: These organizations may exploit poorer countries for their own interests by dictating what constitutes "good governance" and "corruption."

Structure

  • Both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank are headquartered in Washington, D.C.

  • They operate under the umbrella of the UN.

  • Founded in 1945, membership has grown to include almost all countries (185+ by 2006).

  • .

πŸ’° Capitalism vs. Communism

Feature

Capitalism (Free Market)

Communism

Government Role

Minimal interference; lets people make economic decisions.

Government controls all aspects of the economy (production, sales, prices).

Decision-Making

Individuals and businesses plan their own activities.

Government decides what to make, sell, and at what price.

Historical Context

Associated with the U.S. and Western countries during the Cold War

Associated with the Soviet Union during the Cold War

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ China: A Unique Economic Model

China presents a unique case in the global economy.

  • Officially Communist: The government identifies as communist.

  • Economic Practice: In reality, China operates as a mixed economy, with significant elements of a market economy.

  • This blend makes China a major player in global trade, though this can lead to trade wars.

πŸ“Š Market Economy vs. Mixed Economy

Market Economy

A market economy has minimal government interference.

Mixed Economy

A mixed economy is primarily capitalist, but the government plays a more active role.

  • Example: Canada's banking system is more heavily regulated than the U.S. system.

  • Drawbacks: Government involvement can sometimes lead to bureaucracy and slow down processes.

  • In reality, nearly every country in the world operates as a mixed economy to some extent.

Chapter 10 - Factors Contributing to Expanding Globalization

Sustainability Defined β™»

Sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time. When discussing the environment, it means the ability to replenish resources at the rate they are being used. It involves ensuring resources are available for future generations. The current rate of resource consumption is generally considered unsustainable.

Sustainability, from a human perspective, means access to necessities like food, water, shelter, and clothing. The definition of what is sustainable depends on geographical location and economic status.

Carbon Footprint πŸ‘£

A carbon footprint measures the impact of human activities on the environment, specifically in terms of greenhouse gases produced. These gases, particularly carbon dioxide, are the primary drivers of climate change. Every human activity contributes to a carbon footprint.

Climate change is largely caused by human economic activity, consumption, globalization, economics, and trade. While completely eliminating carbon footprint might be difficult, it can be reduced.

Key Concepts Related to Carbon Footprint

  • Carbon Tax: A fee levied on activities that release carbon dioxide, aiming to discourage emissions.

  • Carbon Neutral: Achieving a balance between carbon emissions and carbon removal.

Communication

Communication technologies are pivotal in expanding globalization. Consider how advancements enable quicker and broader information sharing across the globe.

Trade πŸ›

Trade involves the exchange of goods and services across international borders.

Just-in-Time Delivery Systems 🚚

These systems ensure that materials and products arrive exactly when they are needed in the production process, reducing storage costs and improving efficiency.
Walmart is challenging Amazon by offering faster delivery times and competitive pricing. Amazon utilizes lockers for package delivery to prevent theft.

Impact on Globalization

  • Just-in-time delivery systems enhance reliability, attracting more customers.

  • Encourages more purchases due to convenience.

  • Companies like FedEx and UPS facilitate trade, enabling product delivery even to remote locations.

Reshaping Trade Patterns πŸ”„

Globalization has significantly altered traditional trade routes and patterns, creating new economic relationships between countries.

Transportation 🚒

Efficient transportation networks are crucial for the movement of goods and people, facilitating international trade and travel.

Media πŸ“°

Media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions and connecting people across different cultures and regions.

Reflect and Respond πŸ“

Consider the following factors and how they contribute to expanding globalization:

  • Communication Technologies:

    • Enable instant communication across vast distances.

    • Facilitate the spread of ideas and cultural exchange.

  • Trade:

    • Promotes economic interdependence between nations.

    • Allows access to a wider variety of goods and services.

  • Transportation:

    • Reduces the cost and time of moving goods.

    • Enables efficient supply chains and distribution networks.

  • Media:

    • Shapes perceptions and awareness of global issues.

    • Connects people across different cultures and regions.

International Agreements and Organizations 🀝

The World Trade Organization (WTO)

Consider whether the effects of the WTO have been more positive or negative overall and provide an explanation.

USMCA (NAFTA) Agreement 🌎

The country is American, Mexico, and Canada. The agreement is a free trade agreement and become more interconnected.

European Union (EU) πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί

The European Union (EU) was created with specific goals in mind, including a shared currency, free movement of people, and shared laws. It shares similarities and differences with the USMCA agreement. It aims to create a single market with free movement of good, service, capital and people.

Contributions of Transnational Corporations 🏒

Transnational corporations play a significant role in expanding globalization. Here is an image illustrating that: The image provides a structured format for exploring the specific contributions of each corporation.

Transnationals and Poverty θ΄«ε›°

Consider whether transnational corporations can bring greater prosperity to all people.

Corporations and Responsibility πŸ€”

A corporation permits groups of people to become shareholders, who participate in the profit of the company, while only the organization itself is legally responsible for any wrongdoing.

Reflect on who is held responsible if a corporation causes harm to others and consider examples of corporations that may have caused harm.

Socializing Online πŸ“±

Consider the prevalence and purpose of social networking in Canada and around the world.

Technology πŸ’»

Reflect on the photos displayed and answer these questions:

  • What do the three photographs have in common?

  • What benefits of technology do the photos present?

  • Where were the photographs taken?

  • What can people in Canada and Japan do that people in developing countries may not be able to do?

How Do Communication Technologies Contribute to Expanding Globalization? 🌐

E-Commerce

E-commerce is a significant contributor to expanding globalization.

Chapter 11 - Globalization and Sustainability

Sustainability Defined β™»

Sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time. When discussing the environment, it means the ability to replenish resources at the rate they are being used. It involves ensuring resources are available for future generations. The current rate of resource consumption is generally considered unsustainable.

Sustainability, from a human perspective, means access to necessities like food, water, shelter, and clothing. The definition of what is sustainable depends on geographical location and economic status.

Carbon Footprint πŸ‘£

A carbon footprint measures the impact of human activities on the environment, specifically in terms of greenhouse gases produced. These gases, particularly carbon dioxide, are the primary drivers of climate change. Every human activity contributes to a carbon footprint.

Climate change is largely caused by human economic activity, consumption, globalization, economics, and trade. While completely eliminating carbon footprint might be difficult, it can be reduced.

Key Concepts Related to Carbon Footprint

  • Carbon Tax: A fee levied on activities that release carbon dioxide, aiming to discourage emissions.

  • Carbon Neutral: Achieving a balance between carbon emissions and carbon removal.

🚒 Shipbuilding and Globalization

The shipbuilding industry is growing rapidly because globalization is growing. As we buy and produce more goods, more ships are needed to transport them. This growth is a side effect of increasing global wealth and decreasing poverty.

Zebra Mussels: A Consequence of Shipping

Zebra mussels, native to Europe, attach to the bottom of ships and can spread to different water systems, such as the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. They are an example of invasive species being transported by cargo ships due to globalization.

🐷 Invasive Species

Invasive species are organisms that are introduced to an environment and cause harm. Examples include:

  • Cane toads in Australia, which eat native bugs.

  • Rabbits in Australia.

  • Feral pigs/boars in North America, including Alberta.

These species often arrive through human activities, such as livestock transport, and can cause significant ecological problems.

⚠ Unsustainability in Shipbuilding

The shipbuilding industry faces numerous sustainability issues, including:

  • Pollution

  • Environmental damage from dismantling ships

  • Improper disposal of toxins

  • Poor labor practices

🚩 Flags of Convenience

Ships are registered to a specific country, indicated by the flag they fly. The laws of that country typically apply on board, even in international waters. Companies sometimes use flagging out to register ships in countries with weaker regulations, such as Indonesia, to reduce costs. This allows them to:

  • Pay workers less

  • Have lower safety standards

πŸ“‰ Race to the Bottom

The "race to the bottom" is a term used to describe: The practice of companies cutting corners to save money. Walmart is often credited with pioneering this approach by outsourcing and seeking ways to reduce costs, such as flagging out ships.

πŸ’₯ Ship Breaking

Some countries with limited land, such as Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore, have considered repurposing ships into usable buildings like apartments or restaurants. However, this practice isn't popular or profitable due to the specialized work required.

Ship breaking involves the demolition of ships to salvage scrap metal and other useful items. This process raises several concerns:

  • Worker safety due to falling debris and unsafe equipment

  • Long-term health effects from exposure to asbestos and other chemicals

  • Environmental damage from dismantling ships on beaches

  • Potential child labor issues

  • Low wages (e.g., 47 cents an hour)

β™» Alternatives to Ship Breaking

There are alternatives to ship breaking that are not widely used:

  1. Sinking Ships to Create Reefs:

    • Ships can be cleaned of toxins and reusable items, then sunk to create artificial reefs.

    • Coral can attach to the ship, creating a marine ecosystem.

    • This is not popular because it is more expensive than ship breaking.

  2. Repurposing cruise ships into floating hotels

    • Instead of being destroyed, the ships can be used for other purposes.

    • This is not popular because it is more expensive than ship breaking.

International Laws and Enforcement βš–

There are international laws to regulate ship breaking, especially in places like Bangladesh, but they are often unenforced:

  • Owners are required to notify ship-breaking yards of hazardous materials.

  • Waste should be discharged in approved facilities.

  • The International Labor Organization sets labor safety standards.

The lack of enforcement stems from:

  • Cost: Enforcing these laws increases operational costs.

  • Government Complicity: Governments may turn a blind eye due to the need for steel and economic benefits.

  • Lack of Reporting: If a country doesn't report violations, international laws are ineffective.

Climate Agreements 🌍

  • Kyoto Protocol: An earlier international agreement where countries promised to make changes to address climate issues but largely failed.

  • Paris Climate Accord: A more recent agreement where most countries acknowledged the climate problem and committed to action. The U.S. initially joined but later withdrew.

Canada's Role:

Canada did not achieve its Kyoto targets, arguing that its efforts would be futile without participation from major polluters like India, China, and the U.S.

Alberta Oil and Alternative Energy β›½

Dirty Oil Explained

Alberta's oil is often referred to as "dirty oil" because extracting it requires a lot of energy and resources. Unlike in Saudi Arabia, where oil can be extracted easily, Alberta's oil is mixed with soil in the form of tar sands.

The extraction process involves:

  1. Digging up the earth with giant trucks.

  2. Steaming the earth to separate the oil.

  3. Using large amounts of fresh water and energy (natural gas) to create the steam.

  4. Dealing with toxic wastewater called tailings.

Challenges with Alternative Energies ⚑

  • Cost: Green energy is often more expensive than traditional sources.

  • Government Policies: Preference is often given to oil companies through tax breaks and policies that hinder green energy development.

What is Green Energy? β™»

Any type of energy that is considered sustainable and non-damaging to the environment.

While wind turbines and solar panels require resources to produce, their actual generation of power is non-polluting.

Dams are controversial:

  • They can flood ecosystems.

  • They can alter ecosystems.

  • They generate power without ongoing pollution.

Green Belt Movement 🌳

This movement addresses deforestation in impoverished areas, such as Africa, where people rely on wood for fuel. It focuses on:

  • Tree planting.

  • Educating people on sustainable practices.

The goal is to ensure a renewable source of fuel and prevent the depletion of trees.

Chapter 12 - 🌍 Sustainable Prosperity: Balancing Act

Defining Sustainable Prosperity

Sustainable prosperity, according to the United Nations, is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The challenge lies in maintaining economic stability without negatively impacting the social elements of a society.

πŸ“Š GDP: A Limited Indicator

GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is the value of all goods and services produced within a country in a given year. A drawback of using GDP as an indicator:

  • It only measures overall economic output/productivity of a nation.

  • It doesn't show how wealth is distributed among the nation's people.

πŸ§‘β€πŸ€β€πŸ§‘ HDI: A Broader Perspective

HDI (Human Development Index) is a metric developed by the United Nations.

Three main categories upon which the HDI is based:

  • Longevity

  • Knowledge

  • Standard of living

HDI vs GDP: The HDI serves as a better indicator of a country’s prosperity than the GDP because it considers more than just wealth. It gives a better indication of how individuals within the country are faring.

Norway often ranks higher than Canada in HDI because they may be doing a better job in terms of wealth distribution and provision of services to its citizens.

πŸ’§ Water and Sanitation: A Basic Necessity

  • 1 billion people do not have access to clean drinking water daily.

  • 1.8 million children die each year due to diseases related to unclean water and poor sanitation.

  • Water and sanitation are considered political issues because they are becoming more difficult to attain, leading to conflict.

πŸ˜ƒ GNH: Measuring Happiness

GNH (Gross National Happiness) index.

  • Developed in Bhutan.

  • Based on Buddhist spiritual values.

Four purposes of the GNH:

  • Promote sustainable and equitable social and economic development.

  • Preserve and promote cultural values.

  • Conserve the natural environment.

  • Establish good governance.

βœ… GPI: Accounting for Social Factors

GPI (Genuine Progress Index). Three social measurements of the GPI not considered in calculating the GDP:

  • Environmental assets

  • Volunteer work

  • Raising children

πŸ’Έ Economic Ideologies and Global Trade

The economic ideas of Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman, promoting a market economy free from government interference, have influenced global trade, especially in North America and Europe. Trade liberalization is a process that involves countries in reducing or removing trade barriers, such as tariffs and quotas, so goods and services can move around the world more freely. A criticism of trade liberalization policies:

  • It has led to unfettered growth that has been ruinous for the environment.

πŸ§‘β€πŸŒΎ Farm Subsidies: Impact on Global Agriculture

Farm subsidies are government grants that are given to farmers, which lead to lower food prices ultimately as the assistance given to farmers reduces their costs to provide their produce to markets.

How farm subsidies hurt farmers in developing countries:

  • Subsidies in the developed world make it very difficult for farmers in the developing world to compete because their governments cannot afford to provide such assistance and reduce their costs in the same manner.

The eradication of tariffs and farm subsidies for all agricultural products would hurt farmers in the developed world because they rely on these subsidies to remain profitable.

πŸ’‘ The Rise of the Knowledge Economy

Knowledge economy refers to industries such as microsystem technologies, computer software, robotics, and biotechnology that create high-tech products for business.

🏒 Privatization and Nationalization

Privatization is the sale of public assets to private entrepreneurs.

Arguments in favor of privatization:

  • Lowers taxes because the service is no longer paid for by taxpayers.

  • The competition that results from privatization improves the quality of service and leads to lower prices.

Arguments against privatization:

  • It makes services more expensive because of the profit motive.

  • It also does not ensure quality or equitable service.

Nationalization is the taking over of private business by government.