Stakeholders (DP IB Global Politics: SL): Revision Note

Jane Hirons

Written by: Jane Hirons

Reviewed by: Lisa Eades

Updated on

Impact on marginalised individuals

  • Marginalised individuals are discriminated against because of who they are

  • Certain groups in any society are more likely to experience poverty than others and are less likely to be positively impacted by economic development

    • Examples from states considered to be developed include:

      • indigenous Canadians earn, on average, 15-18% less than non-indigenous people

      • indigenous and Black Americans suffered significantly higher death rates than white Americans (over 25% higher mortality) during the COVID-19 pandemic

  • On the global level of politics, marginalised groups do not benefit equally in terms of environmental, economic, political and social development

    • Environmental damage caused by the industrialisation of developed countries has had adverse effects on the development of less economically developed states

      • E.g. small island developing states such as Fiji and Tuvalu are at significant risk of flooding due to climate change

    • The World Economic Forum estimates that, globally, women hold less than 30% of political leadership roles and managerial roles in companies

  • As states work toward sustainable development, marginalised people get left behind without a deliberate effort to resolve discrimination and prioritise social development

Case Study

Indigenous Australians and unequal development

A teacher in an orange top assists two focused children with dark curly hair, in a classroom setting with more students in the blurred background.
  • Indigenous Australians are one of the most marginalised groups in a developed country, experiencing significant inequalities despite Australia’s high level of economic development

    • They have historically faced discrimination, exclusion from political rights and loss of land

    • These inequalities continue to affect access to opportunities today

Impact on development

Economic

Social

Education

  • Indigenous Australians have higher unemployment rates and lower average incomes than non-indigenous Australians

  • They experience poorer health outcomes and lower life expectancy (around 8 years lower on average)

  • School attendance and attainment levels are generally lower, limiting future opportunities

Limited benefits from development

  • Despite Australia’s strong economy, the benefits of growth have not been shared equally

    • Government programmes such as Closing the Gap aim to reduce inequalities, but progress has been uneven

    • Many indigenous communities, particularly in remote areas, still lack access to quality healthcare, education and infrastructure

Impact on vulnerable and most affected individuals

  • Vulnerable and most affected people are individuals in society who are at greater risk of harm due to their age, disability, addictions, or health

    • They are seen as apart from mainstream society and are frequently most impacted by poverty and a lack of social development

  • Economic and social development can help vulnerable people if the government prioritises their welfare

Examples of vulnerable and most affected individuals

Children

  • Children are vulnerable and most affected by extreme poverty

    • Malnutrition in a child has lifelong consequences on their mental and physical health

    • The necessity to work as a child deprives them of educational opportunities and the possibility of a better future

    • Impoverished children are more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse by companies and other actors

The homeless 

  • Homeless people lack a sense of safety and security whether they are in an economically developed state or a less economically developed state

    • It is almost impossible to find employment or vote in an election without a permanent address

    • They are more likely to suffer from other problems, including addiction and mental health concerns

    • They are vulnerable to violence and abuse

Case Study

The UK's homeless

Two people sleeping outdoors on the pavement, one under a red blanket on a bench, the other under a white blanket on the ground.
Homeless individuals in London
  • Homeless people in the UK are a vulnerable group who experience severe social and economic disadvantages, despite living in a highly developed country

Why they are vulnerable

  • Homeless individuals lack stable housing, making them more exposed to harm and insecurity

  • Many experience mental health issues or addiction, increasing their vulnerability

Impact on development

  • Economic: Irregular living conditions make it difficult to maintain stable employment or manage income effectively

  • Political: Homeless individuals are often politically disengaged and under-represented in decision-making

  • Social: Many face social exclusion, leading to isolation and reduced access to support networks

  • Access to services: They may struggle to access essential public services, such as healthcare and welfare support, due to a lack of documentation or stability

Risks and challenges

  • Homeless individuals are more likely to experience violence, abuse and exploitation

  • Life expectancy among the homeless population is significantly lower than the national average

Government and non-state actor response

  • Policies such as the Homelessness Reduction Act (2017) aim to support people at risk of homelessness

  • Non-state actors, including charities such as Shelter and Crisis, provide emergency accommodation, advice and long-term support

  • Local councils and charities work together, but demand for services often exceeds supply

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Jane Hirons

Author: Jane Hirons

Expertise: Content Writer

Jane has been actively involved in all levels of educational endeavors including designing curriculum, teaching and assessment. She has extensive experience as an international classroom teacher and understands the challenges students face when it comes to revision.

Lisa Eades

Reviewer: Lisa Eades

Expertise: Business Content Creator

Lisa has taught A Level, GCSE, BTEC and IBDP Business for over 20 years and is a senior Examiner for Edexcel. Lisa has been a successful Head of Department in Kent and has offered private Business tuition to students across the UK. Lisa loves to create imaginative and accessible resources which engage learners and build their passion for the subject.