Question 1

Dependency theory focuses on internal characteristics of underdeveloped countries.

Accepted Answer

Dependency theory focuses on external factors such as colonialism, neo-colonialism, and capitalist exploitation, rather than internal characteristics of underdeveloped countries.

Question 2

State policy is critically associated with national economic growth.

Accepted Answer

State policy plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth through investments in infrastructure, education, and other critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. Effective policy measures such as tax incentives, deregulation, and public-private partnerships also spur private investment and innovation, creating jobs and boosting economic activity.

Question 3

Most things you buy connect you to a global commodity chain.

Accepted Answer

Most products involve multiple stages of production and distribution across different countries and regions, which constitute a global commodity chain. Even if a product is locally produced, it often relies on imported materials, components, or technology.

Question 4

Over the last 30 years, world population and the number of international tourists have grown at about the same rate.

Accepted Answer

While both world population and international tourism numbers have grown over the last 30 years, international tourism has grown at a faster rate than the world population. The increase in global mobility, accessibility, and economic growth in various countries has led to a more rapid expansion in the number of international tourists compared to the steady growth of the world population.

Question 5

Theorists who claim that globalization is merely 30 years old tend to overestimate its extent.

Accepted Answer

While the term "globalization" may have gained popularity in the last 30 years, the process of increased interconnectedness and international trade has been occurring for centuries. Therefore, those who claim that globalization is only 30 years old are underestimating the historical extent of this phenomenon.

Question 6

Modernization theory focuses on internal characteristics of underdeveloped countries.

Accepted Answer

Modernization theory emphasizes that the development of underdeveloped countries is determined by their internal characteristics, such as their political systems, cultural values, and economic structures.

Question 7

When analysts state that globalization actually sharpens some local differences, they use the term glocalization.

Accepted Answer

Glocalization refers to the idea that globalization can actually lead to the strengthening of local and regional identities, cultures, and traditions, as opposed to homogenization.

Question 8

Japanese colonialism, in contrast to European colonialism, failed to establish manufacturing facilities, transportation networks, and communication systems in its colonies.

Accepted Answer

Japanese colonialism, particularly in Korea and Taiwan, focused on developing infrastructure such as railways, roads, and communication systems, as well as promoting industrialization, including the establishment of manufacturing facilities, to integrate these colonies into the Japanese imperial economy.

Question 9

Canadian aid to undeveloped countries is at a level less than half of that recommended by the Canadian prime minister Lester Pearson.

Accepted Answer

Lester Pearson recommended that Canada should contribute 0.7% of its gross national income (GNI) towards foreign aid, but currently Canada's foreign aid contribution is at 0.31% of its GNI, which is less than half of Pearson's recommendation.

Question 10

McDonald's still does most of its business in the United States.

Accepted Answer

While McDonald's is a global fast food chain, it actually does more business internationally than it does in the United States. According to their 2020 annual report, approximately 40% of their revenue comes from the United States, while the remaining 60% is generated through their international operations.

Question 11

Neoliberalism believes that state-run economies are the best way to achieve economic growth.

Accepted Answer

Neoliberalism believes in free-market capitalism and a limited role of the state in the economy. It advocates for privatization, deregulation, and free trade to promote economic growth.

Question 12

Technology is the necessary and sufficient cause of globalization.

Accepted Answer

Technology is a necessary cause as it facilitates communication, transportation, and trade, making globalization possible. However, it is not sufficient on its own; economic, political, and social factors also play crucial roles in driving globalization.

Question 13

A common short-hand expression for the homogenizing effects of globalization is "McDonaldization."

Accepted Answer

"McDonaldization" is a term coined by sociologist George Ritzer to refer to the standardization and rationalization of society that occurs as a result of globalization and the spread of consumer culture. The term is derived from the fast food chain McDonald's, which is often seen as a symbol of the homogenization of global culture.

Question 14

Emergence of a large middle class in India and China has moderated the global growth of inequality.

Accepted Answer

The emergence of a large middle class in India and China has led to a reduction in global income inequality.

Question 15

Very few sociologists support the position that, since 1500, the wealthy countries of the world exploited the world's poor to enrich themselves.

Accepted Answer

Many sociologists support the position that colonialism, imperialism, and globalization have contributed to economic inequality between wealthy and poor countries, and that the exploitation of poorer countries has played a role in the development of wealthier countries.

Question 16

Substantial foreign investment in poor countries by wealthy countries seldom leads to significant economic growth.

Accepted Answer

This statement is generally true. Studies have shown that foreign investment often benefits multinational corporations more than the local economy, and may even exacerbate income inequality and harm the environment. In addition, many poor countries suffer from institutional weaknesses, corruption, and other challenges that hinder their economic development. While foreign investment can be helpful in certain circumstances, it is not a panacea for poverty alleviation.

Question 17

Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia all experienced "white settler colonization."

Accepted Answer

All four countries were colonized by white settlers who displaced and often oppressed Indigenous peoples.

Question 18

Globalization proceeds through periods of acceleration and deceleration.

Accepted Answer

Globalization is not a steady trend, but rather a process that experiences fluctuations in its pace due to various factors such as economic crises, political changes, technological innovations, and cultural shifts. Therefore, globalization can be characterized as a series of surges and slowdowns, rather than a constant movement.

Question 19

With the development of transnational bodies and treaties, the autonomy of national governments has increased.

Accepted Answer

The development of transnational bodies and treaties has led to a decrease in the autonomy of national governments, as they must conform to the regulations and agreements set by these entities.

Question 20

The film Captain Phillips makes the point that piracy in the Indian Ocean began because local fisheries had been exhausted by foreign vessels.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The film Captain Phillips makes the point...

Quiz 9: Globalization, Inequality, and Development