CONTEMPORARY WORLD
MODULE 2: World of Regions
Introduction to the Study of Globalization
What is Globalization?
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While the world is broadly demarcated
geographically through continental divisions, it
is imperative to note that there exist other
delineations that harbor on other factors. These
factors or parameters so to speak, are
anchored on developmental patterns, wealth
distribution, and emerging economic situations.
This is the primordial consideration when one
seeks to better understand the concepts
underlying the Global North and South divide.
The Global North/South Divide
The North-South divide can be related to
an economic division between the richer
and poorer countries. This explains the
reason why it is considered to be more of a
socio-political
and
economic
classification.
It can be argued that the division goes beyond merely
geographical since not all states found north of the
equator belongs to the Global North and in the same
manner, not all states that lie south of the equator form
part of the Global South.
One attempt to produce an objective classification
uses the UNDP's Human Development Index to
differentiate.
● In brief, the Global North consists of those 64
countries which have a high HDI (most of which
are located north of the 30th northern parallel),
● The remaining 133 countries belong to the
Global South.