Module 6 - Global Divides-North and South

GLOBAL DIVIDES: THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH

Overview

  • The global divide is manifested in social, economic, and political distinctions between countries, fueling perceptions of a rich class and a poor class.

  • Social divisions demonstrate that the rich grow richer while the poor remain impoverished.

Objectives

  • Understand the concept of 'Global South'.

  • Differentiate the Global South from the Third World.

  • Analyze different lenses of global relations.

Course Outline

  • Distinctions between the Global North and Global South.

  • Comparative analysis of economic entities (e.g., Starbucks vs. shanties).

  • Conceptualization of the Global South.

  • Examination of state inequalities and global relations.

  • Historical context: Colonialism's role in global inequality.

  • Strategies for challenging the colonial order.

  • Closing economic and social gaps.

Picture Analysis (LET'S GET READY)

  • Evaluation of images depicting:

    • High-rise buildings.

    • Shanties.

    • Condominiums.

    • Rich and poor people.

Discussion Points (LET'S GET ON WITH IT)

  • Analyze the presented pictures and reflect on:

    • Their presence in the Philippines and globally.

    • Reasons for social division and inequality.

    • Experiences of discrimination in various countries.

Definitions of Global North and Global South

  • The terms 'Global North' and 'Global South' often confuse as they are not strictly geographical.

Definition of Global South

  • Socio-economic and political divide often refers to developing countries primarily in the southern hemisphere, including parts of Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Global North vs. Global South

  • Countries in the Global North tend to be wealthier (e.g., USA, Canada, Western Europe).

  • The Global South comprises poorer nations (e.g., Somalia, Vietnam, Haiti).

Economic and Social Divide

  • The wealth gap is exemplified by:

    • The richer nations in the Northern Hemisphere vs. the poorer nations in the Southern Hemisphere.

    • Historical context of slavery; North endorsed it for economic gain while the South relied on agriculture.

Global Relations and Development Inequalities

  • The disparity in wealth indicates:

    • Predominant role of rich nations influencing global economics.

    • Inequities in representation for developing nations, particularly in organizations like WTO.

Globalization and Its Discontents

  • Critiques of current globalization: it often exacerbates poverty through neoliberal policies.

  • International Financial Institutions (IFIs) impose strict economic conditions that hinder domestic growth in the Global South.

Colonialism's Legacy

  • Historical overview of Western colonialism illustrates how colonial powers shaped the economic landscape of countries in the Global South.

  • Examples of colonial narratives portray the West as bringing civilization while concealing violence and oppression.

Theoretical Perspectives

  • Modernization Theory emphasizes economic development through material production.

  • Clash of Civilizations posits cultural conflicts as central to global tensions.

  • Post-colonial critiques challenge narratives of progress projected by historical Western paradigms.

State Analysis in Global Inequalities

  • Importance of analyzing states and systemic inequalities to understand representations in global organizations.

  • The case for local governance in addressing issues like poverty and climate.

Concluding Thoughts

  • The ongoing globalization presents both challenges and opportunities for equity.

  • Emphasis on new models of resistance from developing nations to counteract global inequalities.

  • Continuous efforts needed to support developmental goals to eradicate poverty and promote equality.