Chapter 9 Global Inequality The Global Divide inequality is a significant determinant of human behavior divides in global wealth emerged as result of industrial revolution and rising agricultural productivity resulting rise in living standards not evenly distributed across the world Stratification in the World System stark contrasts between industrial and developing countries legacy of colonialism o o multinational corporation s o modernization How did the world s nations become stratified World Systems Theory Immanuel Walerstein core nations industrialized first semi periphery countries dependent on trade with core nations o o o periphery countries left out of capitalist development o process by which one nation takes over another usually for exploiting labor colonialism and resources o economic colonies legacy of colonialism o colonialism foreign power maintains political social economic and cultural domination for extended period o neocolonialism continued dependence on more industrialized nations for managerial and technical expertise by former colonies o globalization worldwide integration of government policies cultures social movements and financial markets through trade and exchange of ideas Universal Human Rights initiating policy o many national policy makers hesitate to interfere in worldwide human rights issues o most initiatives come from international bodies o remains an ideal not reality Multinational Corporations commercial organizations headquartered in one country but doing business throughout the world o total revenue of multinational businesses on par with total value of goods and services exchanged in entire nations o over 10 of US goods and services are related to foreign countries functionalist view o multinational corporations helps developing countries jobs and industry maximum advantage of tech while reducing cost and boosting profits make nations more independent and less likely to enter conflicts conflict view o multinational corporations exploit local workers to maximize profits investment by multinationals initially contributes to host nation s wealth eventually increase economic inequality within developing nations Case Study Stratification in Mexico Mexico s Economy o In 2009 gross national income per person in the US was 46 970 Mexico was 14 270 o About 88 of US adults have high school education 21 Mexicans o Gap between Mexico s poorest and richest citizens one of the widest Race relations in Mexico The color Hierarchy o Subordinate status of Mexico s Indians one reflection of nations color hierarchy Mexico o Social class linked to appearance of racial purity o Widespread denial to prejudice and discrimination against people of color in o Marked growth in last decade of organizations and associations for rights of indigenous Indians The status of women in Mexico o Constitute 46 of labor force o More mired in lowest paying jobs than counterparts in industrial nations o When Mexican women work outside home often not recognized as active and productive household members o Organizing to address economic political and health issues Borderlands area of common cultures along border of Mexico and US o Maquiladoras foreign owned factories that do not have to pay taxes or provide benefits to workers year Remittances migradollars estimated to be minimum of 22 billion a
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