Lecture Notes on Globalization, Population Dynamics, and Gender Inequality

Globalization provides access to diverse goods and services but also exacerbates world inequalities.
Changes in family structure and increased life expectancies influence societal status based on education and health.
Population growth demands increased industrial and agricultural output globally.

Many regions experience higher consumption rates, while others face famine and resource scarcity.
Environmental degradation, including deforestation and fossil fuel consumption, contributes to global climate change.

In 1979, China implemented the one-child policy to control population growth.
- Policy restrictions led to forced abortions and a significant increase in female orphans.
A 1996 billboard in Wuhan emphasizes the importance of family planning, depicting a family with one girl child.

Global population increase: From 1 billion (1800) to 3 billion (1960); followed by 3 billion to over 6 billion (2000).
- Factors: Decline in mortality rates and increased life expectancy, notably among children.
- Population growth varies significantly across regions; particularly high in Asia (400%), Africa (550%), and Latin America (700%).

By the 1980s, prominent global cities were predominantly located in Asia, Africa, and Latin America:
- Greater Tokyo - Yokohama: 30 million
- Mexico City: 20 million
- São Paulo: 17 million
- Cairo: 16 million
- Calcutta: 15 million
- Jakarta: 12 million
Slower growth in richer societies; many developed nations see zero or negative growth rates post-1970s.

Changes in marriage structures; rising divorce rates noted:
- U.S. divorce rates doubled from 1970 to 1998, with about 50% of marriages ending in divorce by the century's end.
- Beijing's divorce rate approached 25% by century end, with over 70% initiated by women.
New forms of child-rearing emerge as marriage norms shift globally.
Family definitions become fluid; many unmarried couples in Europe opt to cohabit.

Increased longevity creates economic challenges:
- Historical parental support roles shifted to elderly needing societal support.
- Public and private pension funds grow; for example, over 30% of German social policy spending allocated to pensions.
In China, one-child policy raises concerns about supporting elderly family members.

Health issues reflect global inequalities with diseases like cholera resurging in regions with inadequate sanitation.
New diseases emerge; HIV/AIDS epidemic claimed 12 million lives in first two decades.
- Initially associated with specific populations, later became widespread leading to advocacy for safe sex practices.
By 2000, 33 million people had AIDS, largely in developing countries, with two-thirds in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Socioeconomic factors impact transmission rates; education correlates with lower incidence.

Despite progress, gender disparities persist globally in education, health, and workforce participation.
- Women hold more college degrees, yet a significant gap remains in leadership positions.
- Up to 70% of illiterate adults in China were women by 2000; similar disparities driven by cultural norms persist in many countries.
Feminist movements enhance awareness and urgency for equal treatment, yet local customs affect universal applicability of gender equality principles.

Global population growth accelerates demand for resources; balancing food production with sustainable practices becomes critical.
- The Green Revolution (1950s-1970s) transformed agricultural output through chemical and technological advances.
- American farmers dominate production; by century's end, they produced a significant portion of global wheat and corn.
Regional agricultural advancements: Significant yield increases in Taiwan, Korea, and India.

Resource exploitation leads to deforestation; Amazon rainforest suffers due to agricultural and urban expansion.
Environmental movements emerge, advocating for indigenous rights and conservation.
Global food shortages, particularly in Africa, are exacerbated by social inequities and overpopulation.

Mid-1980s conflict over oil resources highlighted geopolitical tensions, particularly notable in the Iran-Iraq War.
- Iraq's invasion of Kuwait prompted U.S-led military intervention to restore regional stability.

Late 20th century reveals growing environmental crisis; global warming acknowledged as a critical challenge; developed nations bear disproportionate responsibility.
- International treaties like the Kyoto Protocol aimed to curb emissions but faced hurdles in implementation, especially from the U.S.
Environmental legislation often lacks global enforcement; pollution transcends national borders, complicating regulatory efforts.
- The Chernobyl disaster exemplifies the need for urgent environmental and health reforms in response to nuclear safety failures.

The characteristics of the new global order emerge through interlinked themes of population growth, economic transformation, environmental challenges, and social inequities, each necessitating cohesive and coordinated international responses across all sectors.