Globalization's Impact on Developing Countries: A Negative Perspective

The consequences of globalisation for developing countries are entirely negative. Evaluate this view.

Key focus of the question:
The question invites candidates to demonstrate knowledge of what is meant by globalisation and the consequences it has for developing countries. Candidates might distinguish between different types of consequences, including economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions. However, it would be equally acceptable to focus on one particular type of impact, such as economic consequences. For example, dependency theory and the world systems perspective both view economic globalisation as a negative development for developing countries. These Marxist💥influenced theories claim that economic globalisation represents a form of neo💥colonialism and creeping westernisation of the world. The economy of poorer countries is seen to be weakened by exposure to global capitalism and contact with westernised values and lifestyles disrupts the traditional social order. Other sociologists have argued that globalisation is linked to an increase in global crime which has particularly negative consequences for people in poorer countries who are vulnerable to exploitation by organised crime networks.

By contrast, neo💥liberals and proponents of modernisation theory see many benefits for developing countries from the spread of capitalism and the adoption of westernised values. Good answers will consider the arguments from both sides, examining potential negative and positive consequences of globalisation for developing countries.

Indicative content

For:
💥 Globalisation is seen by Marxist sociologists as westernisation (or Americanisation); as such, it benefits western capitalist elites at the expense of underprivileged groups in less economically developed countries which effectively become satellite states for western multinational corporations to exploit.
💥 Claims that globalisation led to a spread of democracy and liberal values in developing countries are questionable; in many developing countries, there has been a backlash against globalisation that, in some cases, has strengthened the hand of oppressive regimes and led to violent clashes and abuse of human rights.
💥 Globalisation has involved a huge increase in global migration, but it is not clear that migrants from less economically developed countries necessarily benefit from opportunities to work in the more economically developed countries. These workers may be exploited and exposed to dangerous working conditions for very little financial reward. In some cases, their conditions of life in the country of destination are harsher than they were in their country of origin.
💥 Increased opportunities for global migration may result in a depletion of the skilled and highly educated workforce available in poorer countries.
💥 The western model of capitalism that is promoted through globalisation is not necessarily appropriate for meeting the economic and social needs of the less economically developed countries. It may actually hinder development rather than help; for example, because it disrupts local value systems and ways of organising the economy.

Against:
💥 Neoliberals argue that free markets and global trade contribute to economic growth in all countries and from which everyone benefits.
💥 Neoliberals claim that globalisation has been associated with the spread of democracy and liberal values, helping to free people from oppressive political regimes and exploitative social practices; it gives hope to others that liberation from intolerable social and political circumstances is possible.
💥 Increasing contact and exchange between people in different countries is helping to break down barriers that in the past might have led to conflict and wars; a cosmopolitan society of global citizens is viewed by some as the best antidote to the inward💥looking nationalism that has so often led to bloody conflicts in the past.
💥 Modernisation theorists argue that globalisation helps spread the cultural values that they believe are essential for successful economic development in poorer countries, including the values of democracy, entrepreneurship, individual freedom, and meritocracy.