Globalisation

Globalization The concept of globalization generates debate at various levels. Some commentators see it as an agent of growing EMDC government and transnational corporate influence, while others go so far as to deny globalization actually occurs. Therefore, the concept is a contestable one. This theme examines the spatial aspects of globalization. A detailed study of tourism is used to illustrate globalization in practice. Definitions and characteristics of globalization || Identify globalization as a process which has important spatial implications because of its impact in economic, cultural and political spheres.
 * == Content == || ** Learning Outcomes ** || ** Notes ** ||
 * 3.10.1 Globalization

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 * 3.10.2 Globalization of economic activity
 * Integration of world economic activity

Understand how changes in transport (air, sea, land) in recent decades have resulted in reduced travel times and cheaper costs, and consequently a growth in travel.
 * The role of global transport || Understand that world economic activity is increasingly integrated because of growing international trade, the growth of transnational corporations (TNCs), international economic agreements, trading blocs and global movements of capital. Be familiar with the evidence of the growth of each of these global economic integration factors.



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 * 3.10.3 Cultural integration
 * Factors affecting cultural integration


 * Effects of cultural integration


 * Impact of cultural integration on an indigenous population || Recognize that the factors affecting cultural interaction include technological change, transnational corporations (TNCs), global media networks, the Internet tourism, migration and the actions of governments.

Recognize that the effects of cultural integration include homogenized landscapes, economic dominance and dependence, threats to cultural diversity and sovereignty, and shrinking time and space. Undertake a detailed investigation of the impact of globalization on the culture of an indigenous population. As a result of this in-depth study, understand the forces leading to changes in this indigenous population and the balance of influences which cause these changes, especially economic, media, tourism, religious and political influences. ||  ||
 * ** 3.10.4 Tourism **
 * Growth of global tourism


 * Recent changes in the tourist industry


 * Tourism as a development strategy

Appreciate the expansion of tourism towards more exotic and remote destinations. Changes over time should be understood by applying Butler's product cycle model to one tourist area. media type="youtube" key="zlfKdbWwruY" height="385" width="640"
 * Sustainable management of tourism || Recognize the different rates of growth around the world and the way that these are related to both demand and supply. Factors causing growth would be increased mobility, affluence, media coverage, organization of the mass tourist industry by TNCs and infrastructural 'improvements at destinations particularly in LEDCs. Understand that tourism involves both leisure and work.

Understand the growing importance of the tourist industry in several countries. Recognize the economic benefits (including increases in GDP), the multiplier effect and the social benefit of cultural understanding and language learning. Also recognize the following costs of tourism to the destination:
 * economic costs (including leakage of revenue abroad through involvement of TNCs, the seasonal nature of employment and the development of wealthy tourist enclaves and neglected peripheries)
 * social costs (including the dilution or "McDonaldization" of culture, the breakdown in family values and the growth of crime, alcohol, drugs, prostitution and diseases including, AIDS)
 * environmental costs (including the destruction of local habitats, land, air and water pollution).

Appreciate the concept of sustainability and, with reference to two case studies, understand the management strategies adopted to conserve a tourist destination (including ecotourism).

Use a study of Antarctica as an example of how the extension of tourism towards increasingly exotic locations on the global periphery can cause conflicts.

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