Globalization, Development, and Inequality
The Global Social World
Globalization
Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, technologies, and politics across borders. It can create new opportunities, but it also produces winners and losers.
Development Concepts
Important Distinction
Economic growth and human development are related, but they are not the same thing.
Growth vs Development
Economic Growth
- Measures increases in output or income
- Can happen without broad social gains
- Often tracked with GDP
Human Development
- Includes health, education, and living standards
- Focuses on capabilities and quality of life
- Better captures social progress
Which statement is most accurate?
Development is broader than income and includes well-being and capabilities.
Correct answer: Development includes more than income alone.
What is one way globalization can increase inequality?
Global integration does not benefit everyone equally.
Correct answer: It can concentrate profits, skills, or opportunities in certain regions or groups.
Measuring Progress
Social scientists use indicators such as literacy, life expectancy, infant mortality, poverty rates, and access to services. No single measure captures all aspects of development, so multiple indicators are needed.
Why is GDP alone an incomplete measure of well-being?
GDP captures output, but not how evenly benefits are shared or how people live.
Correct answer: It ignores health, education, and distribution.
Name one indicator social scientists use to assess development.
Multiple indicators provide a fuller picture of development.
Correct answer: Any valid indicator such as literacy, life expectancy, or poverty rate.