Introduction to World Sociology key terms

Question 1

Global inequalities

Answer 1

The term ‘inequality’ refers to the uneven distribution of resources such as money and power and how opportunities related to education, employment and health are also skewed. The term ‘global’ inequalities encompasses the following issues: Why has global development been so uneven? Why have some countries managed to develop whilsts others remain desperately poor? Why do some groups e.g women, experience more discrimination and fewer opportunities?

Question 2

‘The champagne glass world’

Answer 2

A visual way of representing global inequalities in income distribution.

80% of global income is held by only 20% of people, the poorest 20% are left to survive on a pitiful 1.4% share.

Question 3

Income and wealth

Answer 3

Income= an amount of money earned in a certain period.

Wealth= refers to the amount of money and other assets owned e.g property, land, stocks and shares.

Question 4

Poverty

Answer 4

A condition characterised by severe deprivation of basic human needs- including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education and information.

Question 5

Majority & minority world/global south and global north

Answer 5

‘Majority world’ = the ‘third world’ more than two thirds of the world population live there. Also known as global south.

‘Minority world’ = rich ‘first world’ where a minority of the global population live. Also known as ‘global north’

Question 6

Development

Answer 6

Related to the progress a society is making in improving the quality of life for humans. ‘Good change’.

Often used in reference to the process whereby societies move from an agricultrual base to an industrial state.