Go to: Issue Description - Key Facts - Table of Contents
Issue Description
With the rise in international trade, communication and travel, the world appears to be shrinking. While some people argue that free trade around the world is necessary for the economy, others believe the current trade rules allow rich countries to take advantage of workers in developing countries. This book looks at the impact of globalisation and the debate surrounding global trade.
The information comes from a variety of sources, including government reports and statistics, newspapers and magazine articles, surveys and polls, academic research and literature from charities and lobby groups; articles have been tailored to an 11 to 14 age group. Additionally, at the end of each chapter are two pages of activities relating to the articles and issues raised in that chapter.
return to top of page
Key Facts
- Globalisation is a process driven by technological change and rapid advances in communications. It leads to greater interdependence between countries as goods, services, capital, labour, knowledge and information move increasingly quickly and freely around the world. (page 1)
- Whilst globalisation presents opportunities for all countries, it is clear that some countries have benefited more than others. (page 1)
- Global income is more than $40.2 trillion a year, but 19 per cent (1.21 billion) of the world's population earn less than $1 a day. (page 2)
- The goods we buy in the shops and the materials used to make them have often been traded many times before we buy them. World trade is currently worth US$7 trillion every year. (page 12)
- Globalisation gives an opportunity for domestic firms to export to a wider market. Export-led growth has been an important factor in increasing economic welfare in Asian countries. (page 18)
- Worldwide consumers spent over £1.6 billion on Fairtrade certified products in 2007. This represents a 47% increase on the previous year. (page 20)
return to top of page
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Overview
What is globalisation?, Globalisation explained, Types of globalisation, Globalisation defined, The IMF and the World Bank, A globalisation glossary, Concerns about globalisation, Activities.
Chapter Two: Globalisation and Trade
World Trade, Trade – did you know?, Examples of unfair trade rules, 10 common misunderstandings about the WTO, Globalisation and the poor, 'Sweatshops shame' fashion alert, Global Fairtrade sales increase by 47%, Unfair trade?, 'Teach us how to fish – do not just give us the fish', Globalisation will not threaten skilled UK workers, Attitudes to global trade, Activities.