Globalisation Globalisation involves shrinking space, shrinking time and disappearing borders that link people`s lives more

intensively than before. It is the growing interdependence of the worlds people and world trade. Some players of globalisation: The G8: leaders of Germany, UK, Italy, France, Canada, US, Japan and Russia. They discuss major world issues from terrorism to the global economy. WTO (World Trade Organization): is the only organization which deals with the rules of trade between nations. Its goal is to make business between countries easier. IMF (International Monetary Fund): is an agency of the US concerned with the health of the worlds economy. World Bank: The World Bank helps developing countries to build schools and health centres or provide water and electricity. GATS (General Agreement of Trades in Services): This agreement extends WTO rules to include areas such as education, health and tourism. The World Social Forum: It is an organisation for all those opposed to globalisation. It offers an open stage, where groups can meet and discuss alternative ideas to capitalism and a world dominated by money. Fair Trade: developed countries should pay a fair price for goods and food from developing countries. Effects of globalisation: Positive Cheaper production costs Cheaper labour costs Cheaper land costs Countries may industrialize faster Companies can operate in more than one country Freer movement of capital, goods and services Increased international trades Creates wealth in developing countries Negative Low wages Poor working conditions Loss of jobs in home country Increased emission (Climate change) Loss of culture Exploitation Abuse of power Difficult to compete with multinationals

Texts: A: The word Globalisation has become a synonymous with Americanisation (the influence of American culture in all shapes and sizes). Nowadays the quality of the product is not so important; the marketing is what really matters. No other country can face American marketing. B: Shell is one of the biggest multinationals in the world. Nowadays multinationals realise that they need to be seen as being both socially and environmentally responsible. Shell has one of the worst reputations in both areas. Exploitations in the UK, Nigeria, Peru and Brazil are referred to Shell. They claim to have successfully reduced the emissions of greenhouse gases and they are interested in renewable sources of energy. C: In our millennium, companies cannot be sure about their existence. The competition between companies, no matter if they are new or old, will rise even more. Big businesses, such as Microsoft, Apple or Nokia, have to fight for their supremacy against new and young companies.

Questions: Own definition? What do you think about Americanisation? Is it bad or good? (Opinion) Where are your products (clothes, mobile phones, TVs) produced? Where do you buy your products?

Added by HL: You should be able to talk about the following: 1. Definition / reasons and characteristics of g. 2. Events that have helped to make the world a smaller one 3. Influence of globalisation on our lives / cultural consequences / impacts of g. 4. Advantages / Disadvantages 5. Players of globalisation