Question
Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of one named globalization index.[10]
“Individuals, national governments and international organizations are increasingly resistant to global interactions.” Discuss this statement.[15]
Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
Expect either the KOF or Kearney index to be selected. There are other possibilities, for example, Maastricht globalization index; CSGR (Warwick); Ernst & Young.
Strengths include the multi-strand approach taken, recognizing that globalization comprises a range of processes that need to be measured, for example, KOF distinguishes between political, social and economic measures of globalization while Kearney uses four categories (economic, personal, technological or political integration).
Weaknesses can be conceptual (what is not included) or empirical (difficulties in collecting data and accuracy issues), for example, KOF’s measures of social globalization are easily critiqued, such as the “proximity” of data.
For band C, one recognizable index of globalization should be described in a way that implies it has merit (has different strands) and may state one or two basic weaknesses.
To access band D, expect:
- either more detailed knowledge of the chosen multi-strand index (with some attempt made to describe some weakness)
- or greater understanding of the weaknesses of economic and social data collection/comparisons in general (eg appreciates different perspectives on what is viewed as important; knows about flaws in survey methodology).
At band E, expect both of these elements.
Other approaches may be equally valid. Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.
Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.
Global interactions should be defined as a broad set of economic and sociocultural exchanges.
At the individual scale, a range of civil society initiatives can be discussed, such as Occupy/anti-globalization and, at the other end of the political spectrum, anti-immigration/nationalists [Guide 7]. However, some individuals continue to embrace the shrinking world [Guide 2] for a range of economic/cultural reasons [Guide 5].
Evidence of resistance at the national level might include individual government attitudes towards the arrival of global media corporations [Guide 5] or towards immigration and diaspora growth [Guide 5] or towards MGO membership [Guide 6]. However, governments also recognize the advantages of globalization, free trade and financial flows [Guide 5].
The concept of “international organizations” embraces MGOs [Guide 6] and international aid and development agencies responsible for financial flows, such as the politically-guided work of the IMF [Guide 2]. It is likely that candidates will choose to argue against the statement at this final scale.
Because the question specifies three scales of resistance, there are several routes to discussing the statement. One might be to offer some counterarguments (eg shows that some national governments embrace global interactions). Another might be to discuss the extent to which resistance is exhibited by individuals compared with governments and international organizations. Another might be to consider whether different kinds of interaction meet with varying strength or resistance (eg China embracing trade but resists information exchange). Each approach must be assessed on its own merits. However, a response that merely agrees with the statement cannot progress beyond the band C/D border.
For band C, resistance to global interactions must be identified at all three scales, with description provided of at least two.
To access band D, expect:
- either broader knowledge of a range of reactions, at some different scales (thereby allowing the truth of the statement to be discussed, eg by comparing negative reactions at different scales; or by comparing positive and negative reactions at some of the specified scales ie individuals, governments and organizations)
- or some explicit discussion of the way that different types of global interaction may prompt different kinds of reaction at one/some of the specified scales.
At band E, expect both of these elements.
Question
Using examples, explain the relationship between transport innovation and reduced friction of distance.[10]
“Every country will eventually lose its distinctive national identity as a result of global interactions.” Discuss this statement.[15]
Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
Friction of distance is the barrier to the exchange of goods, services, ideas created by slow/limited/expensive transport. Over time, increased connectivity through transport has reduced friction of distance (changing our perception of time/space barriers).
Candidates may explore the relationship through the use of a timeline, and perhaps a diagram, showing how transport times have fallen as a result of successive transport “revolutions” (bicycle, boat, car train, ’plane, etc). Also credit accompanying technologies eg refrigeration for perishables and intermodal transport. Candidates may be familiar with the associated geographical concept of time–space convergence (in other words, we perceive that we inhabit a “shrinking world” as distant places “feel” nearer). Done well, this could be sufficient for the higher mark bands.
A different approach might be to look at more detailed case studies of particular technologies and their application (eg the speed with which flowers from Kenya are flown to Europe; or the speed with which containers can bring manufactured goods from EPZs in China to the USA). This approach is sufficient for band D even if the “relationship” is not particularly clear.
Finally, the subject guide specifies that candidates should have studied speed and capacity changes for two types of transport network. They might draw on this as part of their answer. However, they should be careful to focus on the reduced friction of
distance as the network is modernized, or extended into areas that were previously “switched off” (and thus took a longer time to reach).
Credit may be given for some discussion of the role that telecom networks play in transporting data and information, “eradicating” the friction of distance altogether.
Band C answers are likely to describe some specific details of transport history, but with little/no development of “friction of distance” (besides saying it has lessened).
At band D, expect either a clearer explanation of the changing relationship over time (may use the concept of time–space convergence) or effective use of detailed examples to explain how transport connects distant places together with reduced
travel time.
For band E, expect both.
Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.
The focus should be national (or group) identity although credit can be given for groups within a nation eg Amish (USA), Welsh (UK), tribes (Amazon). Discussion of a diaspora’s “national” identity (eg the identity of the Chinese in USA) may also be credited. Expect candidates to take a range of approaches and to hold a range of views about what factors or processes make a place distinctive/less distinctive.
Possible themes for discussion in agreement with the statement:
- a range of issues can be discussed pertaining to cultural dilution/cultural imperialism/immigration/multiculturalism [Guide 5]. Different cultural traits may be discussed eg language, diet, music, religion, etc
- evidence may be cited in support of the proposition that increasing cultural homogeneity is unavoidable/irreversible, for instance international migration or the spread of branded commodities [Guide 5] or the homogenization of urban/cultural landscapes [Guide 4]
- sovereign states risk losing political autonomy due to their membership of MGOs (especially the case for the EU) or in relation to wealth/leverage of TNCs [Guide 6], influence of IMF/World Bank [Guide 3].
Possible themes for discussion in disagreement with the statement:
- many countries have experienced a resurgence in nationalism/regionalism [Guide 6], for instance as evidenced by programmes of nationalization (Bolivia) or attempts to limit the dominance of English (in France’s case)
- there are instances of states or societies opting out of globalization/isolationism (eg, China’s stance on internet access; North Korea or until recently Myanmar; Amish communities in USA) [Guide 7]
- glocalized/hybrid outcomes can still be highly distinctive or unique [Guide 7].
A more critical, thoughtful or nuanced response might take the view that:
- national identity has many aspects, not all of which are threatened, eg, by MGO membership [Guide 6]
- other foci for identity may be becoming more important than national identity for many people, eg, diaspora identity.
At band C, some impacts on national/group identity/culture should be described and linked with global interactions such as migration, information flow etc.
Band D should either provide a wider and more balanced discussion of the statement or offer a more critical discussion of what is meant by “distinctive national identity”.
At band E, expect both.
Examiners report
“Friction of distance” and transport innovation appears to be a well-understood and well-learned area of the curriculum. Even the weakest candidates were able to provide a short descriptive account of different modes of transport improving over time (in terms of the reduced time taken to move people or goods between locations). Many had learned the topic in advance in some depth, with accompanying locational details and data. This was not, however, always sufficient to reach the highest markband available. Some conceptual sophistication was also expected, such as clear, well-explained linkages with the concept of time–space convergence (or time–space compression). Alternatively, greater geographical knowledge was expected of how, in context, the friction of distance has lessened for specific global flows, such as commodity movements, thereby linking specific locales (such as the flower farms sited around Lake Naivasha, Kenya and the flower markets near Old Street, London, England). In contrast, band C answers often provided greater detail of, say, the technical specifications of jet engines, yet went on to merely assert that this allows “people” to “move around the world quicker”.
Many candidates performed a synthesis of the following topics: the influence of the McDonald’s corporation, national membership of trade blocs (especially the EU), the spread of English at the expense of native languages, the erosion of national traditions as a result of indigenous peoples’ contact with tourists, the dissemination of music and film through the internet, the growing homogenization of world cities, the prosperity of diaspora populations, and the resurgence of nationalism as a reaction to globalization (some candidates showed good contemporary knowledge of political movements in the EU). Arranged in a way that provided both support for, and rejection of, the statement, this was usually sufficient for band D. However, the sophistication with which these complex ideas were handled usually left a lot to be desired in work around the C/D boundary (see comments below on how performance could be improved in the future).
Question
Using examples, analyse how foreign direct investment and glocalization are used by transnational corporations (TNCs) to help their expansion.[10]
Examine the relationship between a country’s gross national income (GNI) and its level of participation in globalization.[15]
Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
Foreign direct investment (FDI) includes a range of different kinds of overseas investments made by transnational corporations (TNCs). These include: hiring outsourcing services (employing a third party to handle goods or services), establishing a “spatial division of labour” (building/buying company-owned branch plants or back offices in low-cost locations), mergers, acquisitions and franchises. Credit other possible financial outgoings (eg TNCs working alongside charities). Good answers should recognize more than one type of FDI, using examples.
Glocalization describes the adapting of a “universal” product to meet the cultural requirements of local markets (religion, taste, legal requirements may all vary from territory to territory). Glocalization is also linked to local sourcing strategies (using local suppliers), which may have political dimensions too (TNCs may be required to work with local partners eg in India).
Candidates could comment on how geographic expansion is achieved through use of these strategies. TNCs achieve greater profits/market share through their geographic strategies, and can win local acceptance by embracing local people’s culture.
Candidates may additionally analyse how different strategies suit different TNCs (oil companies may not glocalize to the extent retailers do), or may analyse the weaknesses and not just the strengths of strategies.
Band C answers may describe examples of glocalization and/or FDI but with a lack of terminology and little mention of expansion (beyond asserting that it happens).
At band D, expect either a more detailed, exemplified explanation of both strategies (but do not expect balance) or some explicit analysis of how market expansion is achieved by particular TNCs.
For band E, expect both.
Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.
Candidates will have studied global participation with reference to the Kearney or KOF globalization indices, which recognize economic, social and political strands of globalization. Therefore, accept a wide interpretation of what is meant by “participation” in globalization.
Possible themes suggesting a positive relationship between GNI and participation:
- well-known indexes (eg, KOF index) show high globalization scores for countries with a high GNI, as a rule [Guide 1]
- foreign direct investment by TNCs can bring many financial benefits that lead in turn to greater global economic participation for businesses and citizens (if incomes grow, allowing people to consume more globally-produced services or participate in tourism) [Guide 3)
- levels of sociocultural participation (an aspect of KOF) may also be higher for high-income countries [Guide 5]
- the role of remittances can be explored, as flows often take place between richer and poorer countries [Guide 3]
- poorer societies remain “non-globalized” eg, Amazonian tribes [Guide 7]
- poorer nations only experience one-way interactions – their assets are stripped by powerful nations/TNCs (raw materials, landgrabs) [Guide 4].
A more critical, thoughtful or nuanced response might take the view that:
- there are many types of global participation/interactions. People may participate in economic globalization but not necessarily cultural globalization (eg, Chinese factory workers with limited internet freedoms) [Guide 1]
- scale/disparities may be important. Some nations with higher GNI are “two-speed” societies: elite groups participate globally, not poorer groups [Guide 1]
- the relationship could be complex in the case of a migratory “brain drain” – remittances may boost GNI, but out-migration could reduce GNI too [Guide 3]
- the role of other aid/loans can be discussed – low GNI nations may be major beneficiaries of certain types of global financial flow [Guide 3]
- there are other possible exceptions/anomalies to the rule that can help lift a response into bands D/E.
At band C, some links between GNI/wealth and globalization should be described.
Band D should either provide a wider, detailed explanation of different links between GNI and participation or offer a more critical examination of what is meant by a country’s “participation in globalization”.
At band E, expect both.
Examiners report
While most candidates attempting this question were pleasingly familiar with glocalization, there was less familiarity with foreign direct investment (FDI). Some candidates explained why TNCs invest in foreign crime in order to reduce their costs (implying, perhaps, that such benefits might help a company’s future expansion). Only a few were able to demonstrate much understanding of how FDI flows operate beyond “building a factory”. The best answers looked at outsourcing, while a tiny minority were aware of the geographical importance of mergers and joint ventures. Although McDonald’s is still the preferred case study of choice for candidates and teachers, most candidates remain in complete ignorance of how the company’s presence in India is in the form of a joint venture. This goes a long way to explaining why it has been so successful at glocalizing its products in India, due to the expert local knowledge of its Indian partner companies.
The command to “examine the relationship” (as opposed to “explain the relationship”) required candidates, ideally, to outline what underlying assumptions they would be making, preferably in their introduction. Weaker candidates generally established a simple positive correlation at the outset. Better answers suggested anomalies/outliers might need to be looked at too. At the very top end of the cohort, a small minority of candidates thought there could even be a reversal of the assumed relationship, whereby a wealthy country could maintain a degree of cultural isolation, whilst poorer countries sometimes become the global focus for international assistance and intervention, as in the case of Haiti. Sadly, most candidates did no more than assert that a strong positive relationship exists. To the credit of many, they performed a synthesis by suggesting that countries with a high GNI are likely to be home to many powerful TNCs, to be capable of cultural imperialism and to be highly attractive to economic migrants. Good answers sometimes made effective use of the KOF or Kearney index and demonstrated how some wealthy countries like the USA and UK score highly in all categories. However, it was a pity that more use was not made of interesting examples, such as China, which shows high participation in some ways but not in others.
Question
Analyse the increasing influence of one multi-governmental organization you have studied.[10]
“Global interactions bring negative effects, rather than positive effects, to every part of the world.” Discuss this statement.[15]
Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
Likely examples include the EU, NAFTA or the BRICS group (which has had annual meetings since 2009). Also credit other examples of global governance with a multi-governmental character, such as the IMF, World Bank, G8, OPEC, NATO, OECD. Also credit the UN, or UN-sponsored agencies. An analysis of the influence of a specific global conference or agreement/protocol (climate change meetings in Kyoto, Doha, etc) could reach band D/E provided that it is explicitly shown to be the product of multi-governmental collaboration, organization or debate (if not, limit such responses to band C).
Multi-governmental organizations (MGOs) influence the way citizens, civil society and businesses operate by relaxing barriers to certain types of global flow/movement (migrants, tourists, goods, capital, etc). A key issue is the diminishing effectiveness of political borders.
Alternative approaches might analyse the political influence that MGOs have over the governance of sovereign states:
- EU states must agree to adopt legislation from European Parliament (some may even know of the growing influence of Germany as a driver of EU policy affecting Greece during Eurozone crisis)
- IMF insistence on economic reform/adjustments in countries seeking loans, sometimes critiqued as a neo-colonial form of influence
- UN human rights rulings/war tribunals/peace-keeping operations
- NATO or other military alliances and their actions
- the macro-economic influence of OPEC during the 1970s (another approach might be to analyse why OPEC’s influence has ceased to increase since)
- the growing influence of the BRICS group (especially Chinese and Indian investment in African countries).
At band D, expect either description of some range of ways in which an MGO is influential, or some chronology/explanation of why its influence is increasing.
For band E, expect both.
Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.
Three likely ways to discuss the statement (there may be others) are as follows:
- one way is to assess the net effect for a range of generic global concerns (“every part of the world” is thus interpreted as “the world”)
- another way is to agree that there are few positives associated with global interactions, notably environmental effects, and to then address the extent to which particular places, especially isolated/wilderness regions [Guide 7], have suffered
- alternatively, candidates may offer a place-by-place or regional audit eg compares/discusses South America, Africa, USA, etc.
Likely themes for discussion include:
- financial flows [Guide 3] and workplace exploitation, balanced against the alleviation of poverty
- cultural interactions can bring homogeneity but also bring new forms of culture, and hybridity [Guide 5] but this must be balanced against the loss of authentic differences and the ways in which adopted cultural traits enable “exploitative” or consumerist TNCs to gain leverage to penetrate new markets, etc
- migration brings a range of effects for host and source regions [Guide 5]; these should be carefully weighed and, ideally, a genuine evaluation given (rather than listed costs and benefits)
- environmental harm is likely to be a major theme [Guide 4]; some may argue that accelerated climate change stems from accelerated global interactions (accept this view), opening the way for a thoughtful discussion of predicted changes (including some beneficial ones, eg thermal growing season).
Good answers may provide some discussion of the extent of these effects (the interrogation of whether “every place” is affected) and may focus on “un-globalized” societies eg Amazonian tribes [Guide 7], ocean pathways for pollution and plastic-strewn coral atolls, Antarctic beaches, etc.
At band D, there should be either a detailed explanation of a variety of effects or a more critical discussion of the net balance/spread of effects.
For band E, expect both.
Examiners report
Some excellent answers were seen that addressed “influence” in multiple ways. Trade, geopolitics and migration were common themes that candidates using the EU or NAFTA explored. These were far and away the most popular examples, although a small minority wrote about Mercosur. Middle-ability candidates were sometimes shaky on important details, such as the number of EU member states.
Well-informed and well-revised candidates were likely to attain band D, as this was achievable by synthesizing a series of “positive” and “negative” case studies of almost any variety and concluding that global interactions have brought “mixed” results. Far fewer candidates displayed the ability to produce a nuanced evaluation of the statement that was more sensitive to the concepts of geographical place and scale. Where band E marks were awarded, candidates had generally progressed beyond a mere “costs and benefits” approach and were able to focus on the veracity of the statement that every part of the world is adversely affected by global interactions. They debated explicitly whether effects such as the spread of English language, or diffusion of plastic pollution in the oceans, are truly globalized phenomena or not.
Question
Using examples, analyse how global financial flows can be affected by the actions of governments.[10]
Discuss why anti-globalization movements/groups are found in most countries.[15]
Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
Financial flows include movements of money/credit/investment. Strictly, they should not include movements of goods/raw materials, although in reality there is some overlap (investments by TNCs underpin to flows of goods) and where appropriate the benefit of the doubt should be given.
National governments may directly transfer money via international aid programmes (bilateral or multilateral contributions), loans (including sovereign wealth funds) and investment (state-owned companies may purchase assets abroad). They indirectly affect financial flows through their policy-making. This can impact on migration (and thus remittances) and the investment patterns of TNCs (and thus flows of FDI, including investment, acquisitions, outsourcing). National governments also protect their economy from financial currency inflows/outflows. Money laundering is another possible theme.
Also credit use of multi-governmental organizations (and the way flows can accelerate with removal of tariffs/market expansion) and the intergovernmental nature of financial institutions/global governance (IMF and World Bank).
For band C, at least two financial flows should be described with some exemplification and a link established with government(s) (do not expect balance).
For band D, either more than two flows should be analysed and exemplified, or two flows analysed in a structured way that conceptualizes different types of influence (direct and indirect) or governments (national, MGOs, IGOs).
For band E, expect both.
Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.
The focus is on the ubiquity of resistance to globalization. The statement is not intended as a challenge and no counter-argument is required.
Different reasons for resistance need to be identified; the reasons are not the same for all countries. To achieve the highest band (a well-developed answer), details of one or more actual anti-globalization movements/groups must be included as part of the account (rather than just reasons why globalization might be resisted by people in general).
Possible anti-globalization themes (expect examples of actual movements/groups for some but not all) include:
- anti-globalization movements (named groups are expected) [Guide 6,7]
- migration, diaspora and multiculturalism [Guide 5]
- the homogenizing power of global media and TNCs [Guide 5, 7]
- opposition to migration (may have names of political groups/parties) [Guide 6]
- opposition to IMF/SAPs [Guide 3]
- environmental concerns (example of civil society group/movement) [Guide 4]
- cultural imperialism (may refer to indigenous movement/protest) [Guide 5]
- resource nationalism (and populist/nationalist movements) [Guide 6]
- deindustrialization and outsourcing [Guide 2,3]
- food miles and local sourcing movements (may name organization) [Guide 7].
Good answers scoring highly at AO3 may discuss globalization as a complex process, the effects of which are felt everywhere, albeit in varying ways, giving rise to movements/groups. Another approach may be to discuss how the veracity of the statement depends on what local effects of globalization are most strongly felt/perceived in a different locale (and perspectives may vary on this, even within the same locale).
For band D, there should either be a structured synthesis of several well-evidenced themes taken from the subject guide, or a properly evidenced conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) that critically discusses the statement.
At band E, expect both of these elements.
Question
Using examples, analyse the benefits of globalized production for local societies.[10]
To what extent is environmental sustainability incompatible with the growth of globalization?[15]
Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
The different local societies may be in producer or consumer nations/areas. States can be treated as “local” places within a global context.
Examples of “globalized production” can be taken from any sector of industry: agribusiness, manufacturing or service sector (eg the outsourcing of call centres). The benefits for producer nations/areas could be economic (including multipliers, cheaper mass-produced goods, etc) and/or social (eg improved work opportunities for women, increased family wages and thus educational opportunities for children). Also credit the idea of increased consumer choice (eg fast food).
There are also benefits for local societies/regions that are now consumer/post-industrial regions, following global shift/relocation of polluting industries. It can be argued that they have “re-invented” themselves as cleaner, higher-wage societies that additionally benefit from cheap imports of global goods from producer regions.
Do not credit benefits for TNCs, or disadvantages for local societies, as neither is asked for by the question. Any such material should be deemed irrelevant.
For band C, two benefits of globalized production should be described in relation to local society/societies in general.
For band D, expect analysis of either a wider range of benefits and/or recognizable local societies, or a structured account that conceptualizes some different kinds of globalized production.
At band E, expect all of these elements.
Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.
The focus should be whether environmental sustainability – the idea that future generations should enjoy the same landscapes, ecosystem services, resources, etc that are available for living generations – cannot be guaranteed if globalization continues along its current trajectory (with resulting environmental degradation).
Globalization is the growing economic interdependence of the world, accompanied by increased global flows of goods, people, capital, information. The “growth” of globalization is associated with high economic growth rates in emerging economies/NICs/BRICs and this may be commented on/highlighted as an area of particular environmental concern, along with the already large footprint of the USA and, to a lesser extent, Japan, Australia, NZ and EU nations. Some answers may lack focus on globalization/sustainability and instead describe how human activity in general results in problems such as acid rain, eutrophication and nuclear accidents (to name but a few). Such partial answers may still reach the band C/D border if they are sufficiently synthetic (see below).
Possible themes for synthesis linked to sustainability/globalization include:
- growth of core regions [Guide 1]
- growth of transport networks for people and commodities [Guide 2]
- ICT and information flows (may have lower footprint) [Guide 3]
- agribusinesses, polluting industries and waste movements [Guide 4]
- environmental awareness and green messaging [Guide 4]
- food miles and air freight [Guide 4]
- globalization of branded commodities (and implications for resource use and waste) [Guide 5]
- de-industrialization and outsourcing [Guide 2,3]
- some local sourcing movements are rooted in anti-globalization/sustainability rhetoric [Guide 7].
Good answers scoring highly at AO3 may evaluate the extent to which some aspects of globalization are less harmful to the environment than others. Alternatively, a good inquiry of “to what extent” might take the view that growing global environmental awareness, or global cooperation on environmental issues and “technical fixes”, can ameliorate environmental degradation and may yet mean that long-term environmental sustainability is possible.
For band D there should either be a structured synthesis of several well-evidenced themes taken from the subject guide, or a properly evidenced conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) that considers the extent to which the statement is true.
At band E, expect both of these elements.
Question
Explain how the actions of world trading organizations and financial institutions (such as the International Monetary Fund) influence global financial flows.[10]
Discuss the economic and environmental consequences of more people choosing to buy locally produced food and goods rather than globalized products.[15]
Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
AO1/2 Indicative content
Credit reference to the IMF, World Bank, WTO, New Development Bank (NDB), China Development Bank. Also credit trading blocs/MGOs such as ASEAN, APEC, NAFTA and EU/EEA.
Financial flows may include:
- loans (with structural adjustment programmes)
- commodities (with the WTO encouraging free trade)
- remittances (linked with EU rules; or development policies of the World Bank)
- movements of capital and FDI (made easier by EU or NAFTA, etc)
- aid flows (providing this can be linked with the work of world trading organizations and financial institutions).
Credit other valid flows and institutions.
Good answers might provide data and evidence for financial flows or they may offer a structured (AO4) explanation of how different institutions influence different types of flow. Another approach might be to explain financial flows in ways that show they are sometimes interrelated and could influence one another (lending can help a country to develop, in turn attracting FDI; this in turn may encourage migration and remittances).
For band C (4–6), two financial flows should be outlined and linked weakly with the influence/actions of one or more financial institutions.
For band D (7–8), expect a structured, well-evidenced analysis of
- either two or more detailed financial flows
- or detailed actions/ influence of different named institutions
For band E (9–10), expect both band D traits.
Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.
Possible AO1/2 indicative content
Themes for synthesis from the geography guide include:
- fewer food miles
- reduced carbon/ecological footprint / climate change mitigation
- less trade/financial flows between core/periphery (de-globalization)
- renewed economic growth in localities where local production is renewed
- rejection of globalization production / TNCs / falling profits for agribusiness
- reduced interdependency between countries
- protectionism / isolation / less need for MGOs.
Answers scoring highly according to the AO3 criteria for evaluation:
- might be structured around different kinds of geographical consequences (eg consequences for old producer and new producer regions; costs and benefits for different groups/places)
- might systematically discuss the effects of changes for different types of globalized product.
For band C (5–8), expect weakly-evidenced outlining of two or three relevant economic and/or environmental themes from the geography guide.
For band D (9–12), expect
- either a structured synthesis which links together several well-evidenced and well-focused themes from the geography guide (both economic and environmental)
- or a critical conclusion (or ongoing evaluation).
For band E (13–15), expect both of these traits.
Question
Using examples, analyse the role civil societies play in national resistance to global interactions.[10]
Examine the ways in which the world’s cities and their societies are becoming increasingly uniform.[15]
Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
AO1/2 Indicative content
Civil society is defined in the geography guide as: “Any organization or movement that works in the area between the household, the private sector and the state to negotiate matters of public concern. Civil societies include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, trade unions, academic institutions and faith-based organizations.”
Citizens can:
- form anti-globalization movements and groups (eg Occupy)
- vote for/establish nationalist parties/policies (anti-immigration eg UKIP; resource nationalism)
- support local sourcing or other initiatives
- organize resistance movements against globalization/global capitalism/modernity which are informed by their ethnicity/identity (eg First Nations in Canada; Ogoni in Nigeria; Amish in USA).
Credit other valid forms of civil society resistance in particular national contexts.
Do not credit government or state actions. Do not credit actions of TNCs.
Good answers are likely to provide detailed exemplification. They are also likely to make a better effort to analyse “the role” that citizens/organizations play in determining how a country/government responds to global interactions/globalization (direct and indirect, or lawful and illegal means, for example). Or they may be more
selective in the way they analyse global interactions (eg by breaking this concept into constituent parts such as flows of migrants, imports, data, etc).
For band C (4–6), an outline should be provided of either the general resistance role of civil society or two weakly-evidenced examples of civil society resistance.
For band D (7–8), expect a structured, well-evidenced analysis of
- either two or more detailed examples of civil society resistance
- or the varied ways civil society plays a role in resisting global interactions.
For band E (9–10), expect both band D traits.
Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.
Possible AO1/2 Indicative content
Uniformity in this context refers to global homogeneity, ie all places coming to resemble one another through the adoption of common visual styles and forms. While it can be argued that many cities are becoming increasingly uniform, the proposition needs to be examined more carefully in the context of societies (many of which now have record levels of diversity due to migration).
- Themes for synthesis from the geography guide include:urban landscape/styles
- migrants/diaspora/ethnic neighbourhoods
- presence of TNCs/logos/brands
- cultural uniformity (languages spoken, foods consumed, restaurants)
- technology and the “global village” and time–space compression.
Do not over-credit answers that argue against the proposition that places are becoming uniform: this is not asked for. However, it is perfectly acceptable to reflect critically on the degree of uniformity as part of the examination of the statement.
Answers scoring highly according to the AO3 criteria for evaluation:
- might be structured around an examination of different aspects and degrees of uniformity (eg contrasts entirely homogenous “clone towns” with cities that have retained a greater degree of including character/heritage, and some examination of the reasons for this)
- might examine more carefully the distinction between the city landscape and the actual societies that live there (which can be very diverse, despite an apparently “uniform” landscape).
For band C (5–8), expect weakly-evidenced outlining of two or three relevant themes from the geography guide which focus on how cities/societies are becoming uniform.
For band D (9–12), expect
- either a structured synthesis which links together several well-evidenced and well-focused themes from the geography guide
- or a critical conclusion (or ongoing evaluation).
For band E (13–15), expect both of these traits.
Question
Analyse the causes and environmental consequences of the international relocation of polluting industries.[10]
“Barriers to globalization are no longer falling but are rising instead.” Discuss this statement.[15]
Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
AO1/2 indicative content:
- The international relocation of polluting industries refers primarily to the global shift of manufacturing from the developed to the developing world; also credit the increased uptake of outsourcing contracts by manufacturers in lower-wage economies.
- The main cause is avoidance of high labour and land costs, and “red tape” in developed countries; but the movement may also be market-driven if new industries are being established in proximity to emerging markets. Another theme might be international movements of recycling industries (and linked flows of e-waste).
- The consequences for people and places vary according to context. They may include impacts on the atmosphere/hydrosphere/biosphere, and short- or long-term health costs for societies.
Good answers may make use of detailed exemplification and/or specialist terminology. Or they may analyse the varied types of cause and environmental consequence, perhaps for different categories of polluting industry, in a well-structured (AO4) way. Another approach might be to analyse some of the temporal (long-term) and spatial (pattern) dimensions of the consequences.
Band D credit may be given for the use of any case studies which illustrate changing global patterns of economic activity – including inward investment, outsourcing, and refuse flows – provided that the causes are relevant and the consequences are environmental (rather than social).
For band C (4–6 marks), expect some weakly evidenced outlining of a narrow range of causes and/or environmental consequences of changing global patterns of economic activity.
For band D (7–8 marks), expect a structured, well evidenced and balanced analysis which includes:
- either varied and detailed causes of changing global patterns of economic activity
- or detailed environmental consequences of international industrial relocation.
For band E (9–10 marks), expect both band D traits.
Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.
Globalization is defined in the subject guide. Real barriers include border controls and walls (political barriers) and virtual firewalls (technological barriers). There are also the real or perceived cultural barriers of language and religion. The concept of a “barrier” is broad and may be interpreted in many ways and from different perspectives.
Possible AO1/2 indicative content:
- falling barriers for data: the shrinking world and time–space convergence [Guide 2]
- falling barriers due to cultural exchange, diaspora growth [Guide 5]
- falling barriers due to the global diffusion of branded commodities [Guide 5]
- increasing barriers for international migration (barriers and/or policies) [Guide 3, 5]
- increasing barriers as governments react to the real or perceived loss of sovereignty through retreat from multigovernmental organizations or increased protectionism [Guide 6, 3]
- isolated societies for whom barriers neither rise nor fall [Guide 7].
Answers scoring highly according to the AO3 criteria for evaluation:
- might offer a structured discussion of different categories of barrier
- might systematically discuss both sides of the argument before arriving at a judgement that progresses beyond simply concluding the statement is both true and false (one approach could be to argue that the statement is more true for some types of global interaction than it is for others)
- might address the truth of the statement on different timescales (eg taking a long view rather than focusing on more recent events only).
For band C (5–8 marks), expect weakly evidenced outlining of two or three relevant themes from the geography guide focused on whether or not there are barriers to globalization.
For band D (9–12 marks), expect:
- either a structured synthesis which links together several well evidenced and well focused themes from the geography guide
- or a critical conclusion (or ongoing evaluation).
For band E (13–15 marks), expect both of these traits.