Globalisation, Poverty And Inequalities: Sociological Explanations For Global Inequalities, Including Capitalism, Colonialism, Post-Colonialism And Patriarchy (Copy)
Sociological Explanations for Global Inequalities
Core Idea
| Concept | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Global Inequalities | Uneven distribution of wealth, power, and opportunities worldwide. | North–South divide in development. |
| Sociological Focus | Inequalities are structured by history, economy, and gender, not natural. | Colonial exploitation shaping today’s poverty. |
Capitalism
| Aspect | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Marxist View | Capitalism exploits workers globally for profit. | Sweatshops in Global South. |
| Dependency | Global South economies locked into unequal trade. | Coffee farmers receiving low prices. |
| Unequal Exchange | Core nations dominate global markets. | USA and EU subsidies undermining African agriculture. |
| Criticism | Some capitalist integration has reduced poverty. | Asian “tiger economies” rising. |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change A2 Level Sociology Full Scale Course
Colonialism
| Aspect | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Exploitation | Colonisers extracted wealth and resources. | British exploitation of Indian cotton. |
| Cultural Imposition | Western education, religion, and norms forced. | French colonial schools in Africa. |
| Economic Legacy | Colonies structured for extraction, not development. | Railways built for resource export. |
| Criticism | Some infrastructure and institutions were left behind. | Rail and legal systems in ex-colonies. |
Post-Colonialism
| Aspect | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Neocolonialism | Economic/political dominance continues after independence. | IMF/World Bank policies limiting autonomy. |
| Cultural Imperialism | Western culture shapes values in ex-colonies. | Spread of English media. |
| Structural Dependency | Developing states rely on aid, loans, markets from the West. | African nations exporting raw materials, importing finished goods. |
| Criticism | Some post-colonial states have gained independence in global markets. | India’s IT sector growth. |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change A2 Level Sociology Full Scale Course
Patriarchy
| Aspect | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Feminist View | Global inequalities are gendered — women more disadvantaged. | Gender pay gap in developing countries. |
| Exploitation of Women | Women concentrated in low-paid, insecure work. | Garment workers in Bangladesh. |
| Care Chains | Migration of women for domestic labour sustains inequalities. | Filipina nannies working in Gulf states. |
| Criticism | Ignores male poverty in some regions. | High male unemployment in Sub-Saharan Africa. |
Key Perspectives
| Perspective | View | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Marxists | Capitalism drives inequality. | Core–periphery model. |
| Dependency Theorists | Colonialism → structural dependency. | Latin American dependency debates. |
| Postcolonialists | Neocolonialism and cultural domination matter. | Western-led aid conditionalities. |
| Feminists | Patriarchy globalises inequality. | Exploitation of women in informal economies. |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change A2 Level Sociology Full Scale Course
Quick Revision Phrases
- “Capitalism exploits labour globally.”
- “Colonialism created structural inequalities.”
- “Post-colonialism = neocolonial control + cultural imperialism.”
- “Patriarchy = women disproportionately disadvantaged.”
- “Global inequality is historical, structural, and gendered.”
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change A2 Level Sociology Full Scale Course