Online Lesson

Is Globalization a Dirty Word?

Introduction:

Is globalization a dirty word? Not according to a recent study conducted by the World Bank. The report, entitled Globalization, Growth, and Poverty: Building an Inclusive World Economy, makes the case for globalization as a method for easing poverty in the world’s poor countries. What do you think?

In this lesson you will access several types of information about the World Bank report, including a video file, a PowerPoint slide show, and a press release. Your objective is to determine the benefits of globalization and also to consider the costs or disadvantages of globalization.

Task:

In this lesson you will:

• Define globalization, growth, and poverty.
• Analyze data regarding the connection between poverty reduction, economic growth, and globalization.
• Summarize the benefits and costs associated with an increasingly global economy..

Process:

Activity 1:

If you have not already printed the PDF questions, this would be a good time to do so. You will encounter a term in the video clip below that is critical to your understanding. That term is integration. Consider the word integration, how would you define it? The American Heritage Dictionary provides several definitions. Review the three definitions below; then as you listen to the clip, determine which definition most accurately fits the the information provided.

1. to make whole by bringing all parts together
2. to join with something else; unite
3. to open to people of all races or ethnic groups without restriction

Click on the link below to access a video file introducing the World Bank report on Globalization. As you watch and listen to the video, answer the questions in activity 1. Hint: use the pause key on RealPlayer to write down your answers and then click play to continue.

www.worldbank.org/html/extdr/video/vnr/vnr12052001.ram Accesses a video on the World Bank report on globalization, growth, and poverty to determine the causes of concern.

Activity 2:

Now that you have been introduced to the World Bank report, let’s deepen your understanding of the terms globalization, growth, and poverty. The World Bank provides a brief PowerPoint slide show highlighting important points. You will access the slide show and consider the following questions, as well as defining for yourself the terms globalization, growth, and poverty.

Click on the link below to access the eight PowerPoint slides in the presentations and consider the Activity 2 questions:

www.worldbank.org/research/global/slides/PRR/index.htm
Accesses The World Bank provides a brief PowerPoint slide show highlighting important points of the report on globalization, growth, and poverty.

You have just investigated many of the points about the value or benefits of globalization. Write one sentence that summarizes the main point of the World Bank report and you must utilize at least three out of the five following words: globalization, integration, poverty, growth, non-globalizers.

Activity 3:

We have seen, based on the research conducted by the World Bank, how beneficial globalization can be for poor countries. Why is it, then, that globalization is so controversial to some people? In this activity you will access the World Bank report on globalization, growth, and poverty to determine the causes of concern. Click on the link below to access the Overview of the report.

http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTGGP/Resources/Globalization_PRR_Presentation.pdf
Accesses an overview article on the World Bank report on globalization, growth, and poverty to determine the causes of concern.

You will read pages 15, 16, 17 and consider the questions for activity 3:

Conclusion:

You have investigated how globalization has helped reduce poverty in a number of countries around the world. You have also noted some of the controversies that surround globalization.

Assessment Activity:

To conclude this lesson on globalization, click on the link below and locate the Seven-Point Plan of Action. Out of the seven agenda items listed, select the two you believe are most important and write a brief statement of support for the two items you selected.

http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK :20034434~menuPK:34465~pagePK:34370~piPK:34424~theSitePK :4607,00.html

Accesses a seven-point plan of action that aims to strengthen the benefits of globalization for poor people and to help those countries that have not benefited from globalization.

Extension Activity:

Explore one of the following links and then write a brief summary of the reaction of this particular group to the World Bank.

• "Global Trade Watch" www.publiccitizen.org/trade/
  Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch leads the way in educating the American public about the enormous impact of international trade and economic globalization on our jobs, the environment, public health and safety, and democratic accountability.
• "FREE TRADE FUELS RISING POVERTY AND GROWING RICH-POOR GAP: World Bank's Claims of Success are Challenged"www.citizen.org/print_article.cfm?ID=6300
• "Economic Policy Institute" www.epinet.org/
  The Economic Policy Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that seeks to broaden the public debate about strategies to achieve a prosperous and fair economy.
• "Global Policy Network" www.gpn.org/
  The Global Policy Network (GPN) provides information to the general public on the state of working people in the global economy
• "Fair Labor Association" www.fairlabor.org/
  The Fair Labor Association (FLA) is a nonprofit organization established to protect the rights of workers in the United States and around the world.
• "Workers Rights Consortium" www.workersrights.org/