How has globalisation affected societies? (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Geography B): Revision Note

Specification links

The notes on this page cover part 1.3.3 of the WJEC Eduqas B specification – What are the causes and consequences of uneven development?

• The social, cultural, political and economic consequences, both positive and negative, of globalisation on societies.

• To include globalisation's effects in the UK and at least one Low Income Country (LIC) and one Newly Industrialised Country (NIC)* (the same countries used in the first strand of 1.3.3).

• Coverage must include international patterns of migration, globalisation of consumer products, globalisation of culture and threats to local and national identity.

Economic consequences of globalisation

Positive impacts

• UK:

  • Globalisation has strengthened the UK’s service-based economy through international trade and investment

  • London remains one of the world’s top financial centres, attracting global banks and investors

  • Access to cheaper imports lowers prices for consumers and widens product choice

  • International companies (e.g. Apple, Amazon, Tata Motors – JLR) have created thousands of jobs in the UK

• India:

  • Integration into the global economy has transformed India into an emerging economic powerhouse

  • FDI and trade liberalisation have expanded industries like IT, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals

  • Globalisation has lifted millions out of poverty and created a large urban middle class

  • Exports of services, cars, and medicines have boosted national income and GDP growth

• Nepal:

  • Global connections through tourism and remittances have raised income levels

  • Nepali workers abroad send home over 25% of the national GDP in remittances (World Bank, 2024 (opens in a new tab))

  • Fairtrade and NGO partnerships provide access to wider markets for local producers (e.g. tea, coffee, handicrafts)

Negative impacts

• Uneven growth:

  • Globalisation has increased the wealth gap between and within countries

  • In India, growth is concentrated in urban centres like Mumbai and Bangalore, leaving rural regions behind

  • In the UK, economic activity is focused in London and the South East, widening the north–south divide

  • Nepal remains dependent on imports and foreign aid, with a limited domestic industry

• Job insecurity:

  • Global competition has led to outsourcing and job losses in traditional industries

  • UK manufacturing towns have seen closures as production moved overseas

Political consequences of globalisation

Positive impacts

• International cooperation:

  • Countries collaborate on trade, climate change, and security through organisations like the UN, WTO, and G20

  • Global issues such as pandemics and environmental crises require shared solutions

  • The UK, India, and Nepal all participate in global climate agreements like the Paris Accord (UNFCCC, 2024 (opens in a new tab))

• Increased influence for NICs:

  • India’s rising global status has strengthened its political voice in international discussions

Negative impacts

• Reduced sovereignty:

  • Global rules and trade deals can limit national control over economic policy

  • LICs like Nepal may depend heavily on aid or loans from international organisations

• Global interdependence:

  • Economic shocks or conflicts in one region quickly affect others

  • Global supply chain disruption (e.g. energy prices, pandemics) impacts national economies

International patterns of migration

UK

• Attracts migrants from the EU, the Commonwealth, and Asia

• Migration provides skilled workers and cultural diversity

• Challenges include pressure on housing and services in some regions

India

• Major labour exporter, with millions working abroad in the Gulf and Western countries

• Remittances are the largest in the world (over US$100 billion annually)

• Informal workers face poor pay and a lack of protection; around 80% of India’s workforce is still informal

• Many rural workers remain in low-income farming with little access to global opportunities

• Exploitative working conditions and long hours in export factories

Nepal

• High levels of temporary migration to India, Malaysia, and the Gulf States

• Remittances account for a quarter of GDP

• Families depend on overseas income, but long separations affect family life

• Workers often face harsh conditions abroad, especially in the Gulf States

• Rural communities lose young workers, creating local labour shortages

Changing identities

Positive

• Shared global culture fosters tolerance and understanding

• Exposure to other traditions encourages creativity and innovation

• Younger generations identify as both global citizens and members of local cultures

• In India, there are new opportunities for female workers in the technology and retail sectors

Negative

• Global brands and media may overshadow local identity

• Language loss and cultural assimilation threaten minority groups

• Nepal’s rural traditions risk being replaced by Western habits and consumer products

Globalisation of consumer products

Positive impacts

• A wider choice of goods and services for consumers

• Global brands (e.g. Coca-Cola, Nike, Samsung) create familiarity and shared experiences

• Economic opportunities for farmers and producers through Fairtrade and ethical sourcing schemes

Negative impacts

• The growth of consumerism increases waste and resource use

• Fast fashion and mass production lead to pollution and exploitation in supply chains

• Local industries struggle to compete with global brands

Example:

• UK supermarkets sell Fairtrade tea and coffee grown in Nepal and India, helping producers earn stable incomes but exposing small farmers to global price competition

Globalisation of culture

Positive impacts

• Cultural exchange:

  • Shared music, sport, film, and media promote global understanding and connection

  • The English Premier League and Bollywood films reach worldwide audiences, creating cultural ‘soft power’

  • UK cities like London, Leicester, and Manchester are home to multicultural communities celebrating Diwali, Eid, and Chinese New Year

  • In India, Western music, fashion, and technology blend with traditional culture to create diverse urban lifestyles

• Promotion of cultural diversity:

  • Tourism and digital media allow countries like Nepal to share local traditions (Himalayan festivals, crafts) with a global audience

  • Increased awareness of cultural heritage supports conservation and identity pride

• UK:

  • Globalisation has made UK cities more multicultural and cosmopolitan

  • Festivals, cuisines, and traditions from different communities enrich national identity

• India:

  • Urban communities benefit from global media and international links

  • Globalisation blends traditional and modern culture, promoting creativity in art and film

• Nepal:

  • Tourism encourages the preservation of cultural festivals and crafts

  • Exposure to global visitors and NGOs raises awareness of Nepali culture internationally

Negative impacts

• Loss of local identity:

  • Westernisation can weaken traditional customs, languages, and food cultures

  • Younger generations may adopt global consumer lifestyles over local traditions

• Cultural homogenisation:

  • Global media and fast fashion promote similar trends worldwide, reducing diversity

  • Traditional Nepali music, crafts, and festivals risk being overshadowed by global products

• UK:

  • Some communities feel left behind by economic change

  • Tensions over immigration and cultural change appear in politics and the media

  • Traditional local identities may weaken as global brands dominate high streets

• India:

  • Rural traditions and languages are disappearing as young people migrate to cities

  • Western lifestyles influence diet, fashion, and consumer habits, diluting local heritage

• Nepal:

  • Western influence can reduce interest in traditional values among younger generations

  • Rising inequality between tourist regions and remote villages