General Paper · JC 2 · Economics and Development · 4.º Período

Globalization and Economic Inequality

Examine the benefits and drawbacks of globalization, focusing on its impact on income distribution. Students will debate whether globalization has failed the working class.

TL;DR:Globalization has transformed the world economy, but its benefits have not been shared equally. This topic examines the 'winners' and 'losers' of global trade and the rising tide of economic inequality. Students debate whether globalization has failed the working class and explore strategies for making economic growth more inclusive.

• MOE Syllabus Outcomes
• Syllabus 8881 LO1: Explore a range of key issues of global and local significance
• Syllabus 8881 LO2: Evaluate arguments and opinions

About This Topic

Globalization has transformed the world economy, but its benefits have not been shared equally. This topic examines the 'winners' and 'losers' of global trade and the rising tide of economic inequality. Students debate whether globalization has failed the working class and explore strategies for making economic growth more inclusive.

For the MOE syllabus, this unit is vital for LO1 and LO2. It requires students to look at global trends and evaluate their local impact. In Singapore, a hub of globalization, this topic is particularly relevant as we navigate the challenges of a 'two-tier' economy. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation of how global supply chains affect their daily lives.

Key Questions

1. Has globalization widened the gap between the rich and the poor?
2. Is protectionism a viable economic strategy?
3. How can nations ensure inclusive economic growth?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Globalization is only about trade in goods.

What to Teach Instead

Globalization also involves the flow of services, data, people, and ideas. Using a 'mapping' exercise of a digital service (like Netflix or Grab) helps students see the invisible layers of global connectivity.

Common Misconception

Economic inequality is inevitable in a capitalist system.

What to Teach Instead

While some inequality exists, the *extent* of it is shaped by policy choices like taxation and education. Peer teaching about the 'Nordic Model' helps students see that different versions of capitalism can lead to different social outcomes.

Active Learning Ideas

Gallery Walk

The Faces of Globalization

Display stories of individuals affected by globalization (e.g., a tech worker in Singapore, a factory worker in Vietnam, a displaced coal miner in the US). Students identify the systemic factors that led to their different outcomes.

45 min·Small Groups

Formal Debate

Protectionism vs. Free Trade

Students debate the motion: 'This house believes that protectionism is a necessary tool for protecting local jobs.' They must use examples like the US-China trade war or Singapore's FTA network.

50 min·Whole Class

Think-Pair-Share

The 'Winner-Takes-All' Economy

Students discuss why certain industries (like Big Tech) seem to capture most of the wealth in a globalized world. They share ideas on how this wealth could be more fairly redistributed.

20 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Has globalization actually reduced global poverty?

Yes and no. On a global scale, hundreds of millions (especially in China and India) have been lifted out of absolute poverty. However, within many developed nations, the gap between the rich and the poor has widened as manufacturing jobs moved abroad. The 'success' of globalization depends on which metrics and which populations you are looking at.

Why is Singapore so committed to free trade?

With no natural resources and a small domestic market, Singapore's survival depends on being a global hub. Free trade allows Singapore to access larger markets and attract foreign investment. This is why Singapore is a member of numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and consistently advocates for an open global trading system.

What is 'inclusive growth'?

Inclusive growth is economic growth that creates opportunities for all segments of the population and distributes the dividends of increased prosperity fairly across society. It involves investing in education, providing social safety nets, and ensuring that the 'gains from trade' are not just captured by a small elite.

How can active learning help students understand globalization?

Active learning through 'Supply Chain Investigations' is very effective. By tracing the journey of a common product (like a smartphone) from design to disposal, students see the complex web of global interdependence and the ethical issues involved at each stage. This makes the abstract concept of globalization concrete and easier to analyze in an essay.