Global Stratification & Poverty: Crash Course Sociology #27

Deconstructing Global Stratification

• Discussion of "First World" and "Third World" problems and their implications.

• Terms originated during the Cold War:

  • First World: Western capitalist countries.

  • Second World: Soviet Union and its allies (became irrelevant after the Cold War).

  • Third World: Non-aligned countries; later associated with impoverished states.

Problems with Terminology

• Outdated and Inaccurate:

  • Over 100 countries classified as "Third World" show vast differences in economic conditions (e.g., Botswana vs. Rwanda).

• Modern classification uses economic productivity indicators:

  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Total country output.

  • Gross National Income (GNI): Per capita income.

Current Economic Classifications

• High-Income Countries:

  • GNI above $12,500; includes 79 countries (US, UK, etc.).

  • Higher living standards and urbanization (81% live in cities).

  • Example: High cell phone penetration (124 plans per 100 people).

• Upper Middle-Income Countries:

  • GNI between $4,000 and $12,500; 56 countries (China, Mexico, etc.).

  • Advancing economies with access to education and health services.

• Lower Middle-Income Countries:

  • GNI between $1,000 and $4,000; includes Ukraine, India, etc.

  • Less urbanization (40% live in cities); limited access to healthcare and education.

  • Higher rates of maternal mortality (5 times higher than upper middle-income).

• Low-Income Countries:

  • GNI less than $1,000; often rural.

  • Economies based on agriculture; high rates of disease and poor access to resources.

  • 8% child mortality before age 5; one-third of children never finish primary school.

Poverty Distinctions

• Relative vs. Absolute Poverty:

  • Relative poverty exists in all societies; absolute poverty threatens life.

• Vulnerable Groups:

  • Children: 150 million engaged in child labor; high malnutrition in South Asia/Africa.

  • Women: 70% of those in absolute poverty; limited access to work and resources.

Causes of Global Poverty

• Access to Technology:

  • Simple technologies could significantly improve outcomes in low-income countries.

• Population Growth:

  • High birth rates strain resources in lower-income countries.

• Gender Inequality:

  • Limits women's workforce participation and access to reproductive healthcare; higher birth rates.

• Social and Economic Stratification:

  • Wealth distribution impacts poverty alleviation.

Colonialism and Neo-Colonialism

• Colonialism: Historical exploitation of regions for wealth; impacts continue today.

• Neo-Colonialism: Economic control rather than political; corporations exert pressure on poorer nations.

Progress in Global Poverty

• Positive trends:

  • Life expectancy increased by 9 years in low-income countries (1990-2012).

  • Child mortality rates halved globally.

• Combatting global poverty requires addressing social, cultural, and economic factors contributing to it.

Summary of Discussion

• Overview of terminologies around global stratification, classifications of countries, impacts of poverty, and economic disparities.

• Emphasis on the distinguishable effects of poverty and need for updated perspectives on global inequality.