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Key Terms
Key Concepts
Maquiladoras
International Organizations
Random
100
What is the definition of outsourcing?
Reducing costs by using suppliers of products and services in less developed parts of the world.
100
How do communication technologies increase globalization?
They allow us to communicate with people around the world quickly: this lets us share ideas more quickly and increases interdependence and interconnectivity.
100
What was an ironic statement made by one of the workers in the maquiladora video?
That her job was now being outsourced to Venezuela.
100
What do WTO, NAFTA, and EU stand for?
World Trade Organization, North American Free Trade Agreement, European Union.
100
What is the example we discussed in class of a celebrity endorsing a product?
Kanye West and Yeezys.
200
What is the definition of containerization?
The transporting of goods in standard-sized shipping containers.
200
What could be one critique of outsourcing?
1) It takes away jobs from those in North America (ex. Roger and Me) 2) Labour rights aren't necessarily protected where the labour is cheaper (moral problem)
200
What is the maquiladora zone?
An area along the border of the US and Mexico in which there are foreign-owned factories.
200
What does the WTO do? How are decisions made?
Established to increase international trade by lowering trade barriers and making trade more predictable. Ensures trade agreements are followed, settles trade disputes, and conducts negotiations. Decisions are made by coming to a consensus.
200
What do transnational corporations do?
Reduce costs and increase profits by building factories, service centres, and retail outlets in various countries.
300
What is the definition of free trade?
When two or more countries agree to eliminate all tariffs and taxes on goods and services traded between them.
300
What is it called when stores no longer use big storage rooms in the back?
Just-In-Time delivery.
300
What is a pro about maquiladoras?
It is Mexico's second-largest source of jobs and accounts for 25% of Mexico's GDP.
300
What are some criticisms of the WTO?
That it has too much power (can force countries to change their laws and regulations to fit WTO rules), that it isn't democratically accountable (hearings are closed to the public and media), that it doesn't care about problems of developing countries (hasn't forced developed countries to fully open their markets), that it hasn't done enough for the environment, child labour, workers' rights, or health care.
300
What do some govt's do to keep transnationals in their community? Why could this be a problem?
Govt's reduce taxes, sell natural resources at bargain prices, and adopt policies that transnationals find helpful. Makes transnationals very powerful and kinda reduces decision-making power of gov'ts.
400
What are the definitions of "consensus" and "sanctions"?
A consensus is a general agreement, while sanctions are a penalty (often economic, such as a trade boycott, taken to pressure a gov't to agree to carry out certain actions or follow certain rules).
400
What is one way in which media contributes to expanding globalization?
By running commercials that encourage consumers to buy products.
400
What is a con about maquiladoras?
Low wages, harsh working conditions, exploiting workers, taking jobs from workers in developed countries, negative impacts on environment.
400
What is NAFTA and what were some beliefs from supporters and opponents?
Largest free-trade zone (at the time), which eliminated trade barriers between USA, Mexico, and Canada. Supporters: believed it would create thousands of high-paying jobs, would raise living standards in 3 countries, would improve environmental standards, would transform Mexico from a developing to developed country. Opponents: believed it would cause thousands of jobs to leave Canada and the US for Mexico, would create a "race to the bottom" for wages in all 3 countries, would undermine health/environmental/safety standards, would undermine ability of 3 countries to make own decisions.
400
E-commerce prosperity is largely restricted to people who live in developed countries. Why?
People in developing countries may not have access to technologies, but the biggest issue is that creating a climate of trust in cultures that have traditionally placed great importance on personal contact is challenging for the development of e-commerce.
500
What is trade liberalization?
A process that involves countries in reducing or removing trade barriers, such as tariffs, so that goods and services can move around the world more freely.
500
What were the trade patterns of the world like before 1970 and after 1970?
Before 1970: developed countries traded amongst themselves and developing countries supplied raw materials and bought some manufactured goods. After 1970: developing countries trade amongst themselves and more manufactured goods are flowing from them to developed countries as well.
500
What is the minimum working age in Mexico?
14
500
How does the EU work and why is it "more than a trade agreement"?
The EU has created a liberalized trading area in Europe and has replaced separate national currencies with the euro. Member countries have own national gov'ts, but there is a European parliament that makes decisions on issues affecting region as a whole (ex. taking action to end discrimination and protect workers' rights)
500
What is Talisman Energy and what controversial operation was it involved with?
A Canadian transnational and one of Canada's largest oil and gas producers. It was linked to a controversial operation in Sudan, where the company had developed an oil field while the country was involved in a brutal civil war.