...stop using the term “third world countries” August 7, 2014 · by LofAlexandria · in Political/Social Opinion It is not uncommon for people to use the phrases “First World Country” and “Third World Country” to describe various parts of the world today. Interestingly, I almost never hear anyone describe a country as a “Second World Country”, ever wonder why that is? Mostly this has to do with the history of the phrases and their true meanings. Amusingly when I set out to write this article I was under the impression that the original terms has nothing to do with economics or development and instead was based solely on socio-political lines on the globe. The truth is that shortly after the United Nations was born in 1945 it set about the arduous task of developing a manner in which to compare the wealth of nations. In doing so they created the terms “First World”, “Second World”, “Third World”, and “Fourth World” to describe both the economic and political landscape of the world [1]. Although at least one source I have reviewed states that the term “Fourth world was not coined until much later in the 1970’s [2]. Essentially, first and second world countries were the wealthy industrialized nations of the world. First world countries were the democratic “free” countries of the world. Sometimes I have seen the first world descreibed as America and its allies during the cold war. The second world countries were the socialist-communist countries of the world. Or, also sometimes...
Words: 716 - Pages: 3
...1952, it was firstly used to distinguish the newly independent states from the First World and the Second World, which meant the Capitalist world led by the US and the Socialist world led by the USSR. The two superpowers competed to impose their ideology and development path on the Third World countries to strengthen their power. However, the Third World countries tried to keep away from the East-West rivalry, cooperate in a non-aligned way and seek a “third path”. As the Cold War went to its late period, the meaning of “the Third World” shifted its stress from political to economic classification, taking the mainly economically-defined meaning of “poor” countries. Since then, the international political and economic environment has been further changed, and the term “the Third World” is no longer relevant now for the following reasons. Firstly, the disparity among the current so-called “Third World countries” is so big that these countries can no longer be homogenized into a single group. First of all, there is notable difference in their speed and efficiency of development. This leads to large disparity in national power, economic growth and political influence among these countries. For example, the BRICS have notable share of global economy and large influences on international agenda, while the...
Words: 1063 - Pages: 5
...industrialized countries (NICs), in the 1970s and growing throughout the rest of the century allowed the First World to keep up with rising consumption rates while keeping labour costs low. To represent the shift to export production, and to serve firms seeking lower wages and Third World governments seeking capital investment, export processing zones (EPZs) were created. Most EPZs are located in developing countries, and these zones attract employers as a solution to domestic production while also taking advantage of reduced trade barriers set up by the host nation in an attempt to reduce poverty, unemployment, and stimulate their domestic economy. The creation of these EPZs supported the rise of neoliberal globalization and the free market system throughout the latter half of the 20th century, which stated that the private sector would determine state priorities. This paper will examine the rise of EPZs and their connection to neoliberal globalization, as well as their relationship to the debt crisis of the 1980s and the growth of structural adjustment programs. With the Cold War immediately following WWII, countries were divided into a class First, Second, and Third World countries, according to their status in the war. The Third World, also known as the Global South, represented all nations that were not aligned with either the core advanced capitalist countries (First World) or the countries in the Soviet-led bloc (Second World) (Smardon, 2011). These Third World countries were largely...
Words: 2265 - Pages: 10
...assumes that the entire world was once agrarian. Most of the worlds’ work involved farming, which was the most advanced type of economic activity. Around the middle of the eighteenth century, Europe began the transition to an industrial economy. The countries of Western Europe adopted the economic policy of capitalism and coupled it with factory technology. These (and their offspring: United States, Canada, and Australia, principally) became the wealthy countries of the world and are referred as the first world countries. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Russia adopted the socialist economic model and began to industrialize. However, it was a century and a half behind Western civilization, and socialism did not turn out to be effective in a world that was geared toward capitalism. The countries that followed this model (U.S.S.R,China, Cuba, etc.) became the Second World Countries. Countries that were unaffected by the two great revolutions (Industrial Revolution in the West and Communist Revolution in the East) are today's Third World Countries, the poorest countries in the world. World System Theory postulates that the vast majority of Third World Countries will never become equal to the more economically advanced countries because of world policies put into effect first by GATT (General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs), The World Bank, and the International Monetary Foundation. Gradually, the G7 took charge of world monetary and trade issues. The G7 refers to the money...
Words: 1561 - Pages: 7
...traditionally the world has been divided into three distinct socio-economic groups: first world countries (Australia, USA, UK, and others), second world (Russian Federation and former Eastern bloc countries), and third world (poor countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America). Third world regions reflecting on poorer countries including areas such as Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America have a predominance of infectious diseases as opposed to the lifestyle related diseases of those in First world, and second world countries with considerations. It is shown by the Global Health Council (2011) that Infections are prevalent in developing countries such as those mentioned above, where co-infection is the most common. The adverse impact of infectious diseases is most severe among the poorest people, who have the fewest resources to draw from. This is due to reasons including limited or no access to integrated health care, prevention tools and medications. Statistics disclose that approximately 15 million people die each year due to infectious diseases, and once again nearly all live in developing third world countries (Global Health Council, 2011). As a future health care practitioner I think to myself, how can one person make such a difference in the world? How can one person change the world and make it a better place for everyone? Although I live in one of the best countries in the world where treatment is available and people have fewer infectious diseases...
Words: 454 - Pages: 2
...The concept of “third world” often bears the implication or gives the broader picture of a ranking or categorical system of which the world’s countries or regions are placed. Certainly, the impression is given that there is a first and second world, though such terms are hardly mentioned. To some, it is an undesirable term or concept, and many shun from the notion of their country being referred to as third world territory; perhaps that is why the term “developing” or “underdeveloped” country is preferred. Nevertheless, the concept certainly attempts to stratify countries or territories based on some common characteristics and many of the world’s countries are categorized in that bracket, even the Caribbean region. But what constitutes third world? Should the Caribbean region be even considered third world? The Caribbean is a very diverse region divided within two groups based on location, namely; the Lesser Antilles and the Greater Antilles. There are a total of 30 countries, all which share a similar or common heritage but there are also some stark differences as well, in areas such as; geography, resources, culture and population. The diversity in Caribbean culture and heritage comes from the its rich history dating all the way back to the late 15th century, when the islands were occupied and fought over by various European countries and native Amerindians, who it is believed to have first discovered the Indies. However it is the arrival of the Europeans that served as...
Words: 1401 - Pages: 6
...that are given to us. Just by being born into certain countries we have the chance to seize many opportunities that others do not. Education, health care and technology are all assumed as necessities for the youth of first world countries. When did our minds become so distorted that we let it go unnoticed that these aren’t needs but rather privileges that we are granted. One Laptop per Child has donated 2.4 million laptops, constructed to withstand some of the world’s harshest climates. So not only developed countries, but third world countries as well, have the ability to learn not only about what is happening in their country and local environment/government, but all around the world via the web. The world is in an unpredictable state, but putting educational tools in the hands of youth will help give them a better understanding of what is happening, to prepare, study and even forecast future economical recessions, weather outbreaks and many other crisis’s. Giving laptops to kids who have never had more than $5 to their name is not only a heart-warming act, but an opportunity to change their lives and the lives of their future children. As mentioned in the mission video, education is the solution to all other foundations; shelter, food, water. This foundation can literally be looked at as saving the world, one laptop at a time. Truly a life-changing idea. I have many friends at school from third world countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Congo and Sudan. If there is one...
Words: 486 - Pages: 2
...Digital divide The digital divide is a term which is used to describe the difference between those who have the access to the information technology this involves mobile phones, internet, computers and television and those who do not have access to these services. The expression can also represent those who have the skills and expertise to use different types of technology. The digital divide can exist between those who are living in rural areas and those who are living in urban areas. Factors that can contribute to the digital divide are economic factor, geographical factor, and fear of technology. One of the factors that contribute to the digital divide is fear of technology as many people do not use technology due to them having less confident about their ability to use computer skills. Due to the lack of confidence in which some people may show this will create digital divide between technology and themselves this means that they will find it harder to access the internet. As well as being able to find jobs. Another aspect that will result in a fear of technology is due to people fearing that others around them will laugh at them which mean that a person will have a low self esteem when trying to use technology. Furthermore factor that it’s the main issue that why people fear technology is due to people being scared of hackers and computer fraud. Overall a fear in technology will result in digital divide due to people not using technology which will mean that they will...
Words: 2268 - Pages: 10
...that make people worried about globalization. Some people are worried because they believe that their traditional culture may be in risk because of foreign influence such as the immigrants, who came to their country. Pew attitudes Project’ survey (2007), which covered more than 45,000 people around the global, demonstrated that most people in the countries surveyed are concerned about their culture traditions from immigrations. They think it may affect their national identity by immigrants bringing their culture with them. Also, there are some people who think about globalization from a different aspect. They think that their traditions may disappear from people who left their countries. For example, many young people from Paracho, Mexico are leaving the city toward America in order to find jobs. Their jobs as traditional guitar makers became less profitable, and the opportunity of having a good job in America is big, so people in Paracho are wondering how to keep on their traditional craft alive. (Campbell, 2004) These kinds of migrations usually make traditional cultures in risk of loss, and that’s what makes people concerned about globalization. The economic aspect is another drawback of globalization that makes people worried. Some people think of their countries and how they are going to be affected by globalization. They care about their local...
Words: 584 - Pages: 3
...Modernisation emphasises the point that western capitals, values and practises are the basis for “modernising” 3rd world countries by helping them become sustainable .However this can only widen the gap between first and 3rd world resulting more 3rd world countries to depend more and more upon the first world for sustenance Modernisation is defined as the transition from the traditional society of the past to modern society as it is found today in the west .Modernisation presents the idea that by introducing modern methods in technology ,agriculture production for trade ,industrialisation dependant on the mobility of the labour force thus 3rd world countries will experience a boost in their economies .Many proponents of the modernisation theory were there such as Walter Rostov, Talcott Parsons Daniel Lerner felt that the rest of the world especialyy3rd world had to adopt the Western ways of life. As research was taken further into the modernisation theory it is seen that development could worsen women lives probably more than anything. In 3rd world countries women have been seen as major contributors to their household as primary subsistence farmers, producing crops for their families. However now, industrial societies due to modernisation, women are not able to own land and thus their rights are taken away by their husbands hence losing the important economic and social roles as subsistence food producers. Their household craft productions also decreases as the lose a significant...
Words: 1458 - Pages: 6
...I. Introduction With the development of Internet, transportation and closer relationship between countries, nowadays we heard of “globalization” more frequently in the daily life. Different countries and the people from different places have more connection and communication with each other than before. This is a human social phenomenon. In this big world stage, more relation not only means more opportunities, but also more competition. To research the advantages and disadvantages of globalization can help to catch the chance and avoid the risk and maintain a momentum of healthy development. I will briefly talk about what is globalization and its effects to different areas at the beginning. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages will be presented to show how these factors influence the developed and developing country respectively. II. What is globalization? The globalization is just a concept which generally means an increase of global connections, the human life based on the global scale and an increase of global consciousness. The politics and economic trade rely on each other. The globalization can be recognized as the integration of the world. Actually, Globalization is not a new phenomenon, which not happened in recent years. In ancient time, China exported tea and silk to Europe. That the west Europe started colonial times can be considered as the beginning of the globalization. It began at the end of the nineteenth century, but it slowed down during the period...
Words: 1225 - Pages: 5
...DEMOCRATIZING GLOBALIZATION ZURIN MOHAMAD NOR University of Technology Mara, Institute of Graduate Studies, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia mnzurin3003@gmail.com Abstract Decision making in a country represents an involuntary constraint on the sovereignty of the country in the process of globalization. The democracy system of the country may appear to be negative effects to the sovereign will of the people. The weaknesses of the democratic institutions and dependent economies on external sources will be suffering and vulnerable to the pressures of globalization. The strength of their democratic institutions, capacity to structurally diversify their economies and knowledge advances of their people itself toward development of their country can coping this democratizing issue in globalization. Keywords : Involuntary, globalization, democratizing 1.0 Introduction Globalization has been given many meanings in different contexts. One frequently encountered meaning is that globalization is the homogenization of peoples’ tastes and demand patterns around the world due to increased access to international communication of information about products and services as well as increased access to transportation of products and people across the borders (Carol Hammond and Robert Grosse). Globalization means that events in one part of the world have ripple effects elsewhere, as ideas and knowledge, goods and services and capital and people move more easily across border. Communication...
Words: 3558 - Pages: 15
...Case Jaime Mesia BUS 309 – Business Ethics May, 30th 2013 Abstract Urban living is the keystone of modern human ecology. Cities have multiplied and expanded rapidly worldwide over the past two centuries. Cities are sources of creativity and technology, and they are the engines for economic growth. However, they are also sources of poverty, inequality, and health hazards from the environment. Urban populations have long been incubators and gateways for infectious diseases. The early industrializing period of unplanned growth and laissez-faire economic activity in cities in industrialized countries has been superseded by the rise of collective management of the urban environment. This occurred in response to environmental blight, increasing literacy, the development of democratic government, and the collective accrual of wealth. In many low-income countries, this process is being slowed by the pressures and priorities of economic globalization. Beyond the traditional risks of diarrhea disease and respiratory infections in the urban poor and the adaptation of various vector-borne infections to urbanization, the urban environment poses various physicochemical hazards. These include exposure to lead, air pollution, traffic hazards, and the ‘‘urban heat island’’ amplification of heat waves. As the number of urban consumers and their material expectations rise and as the use of fossil fuels increases, cities contribute to the large-scale pressures on the biosphere...
Words: 1535 - Pages: 7
...social development in developing countries before moving to economic development seeing that in order for economic development to reach its maximum potential social development has to occur first. Seers was highly critical of using indexes such as unemployment and inflation when referring to Third World countries, possibly because the statistics we have from these countries are too unreliable for us to be able to make judgments concerning their economies. In other words to Seers true development lay in the elimination of poverty, increase in literacy, improvement in the health system as opposed to the increase of per capita output. Thus one may conclude that the whole concept behind the HDI lies within Seers notion of development. For example if a third world nation wants to develop it can't be expected to use the same policies as a first world nation. If, for instance, a third world nation had set growth as their macroeconomic target the government can't expect that by cutting taxation and reducing government spending its economy will grow the same way it would if it was a first world nation(fiscal policy). The reason behind this is that if the government in third world countries had taxes in the first place the people would be much worse off than they are now and the other complication is that the government can’t increase spending since all its spending relies on aid. Thus it would be much more beneficial for the governments of these countries to focus on combating illiteracy...
Words: 701 - Pages: 3
...Lee Ho Ting 3035049110 Essay 1: Compare and contrast the main characteristics of the urbanization process in the First and Third Worlds Introduction As a necessary step towards development, both the First world and Third world countries have been undertaking the process urbanization. Urbanization is referred to the process of the increase in the total population living in the urban areas through immigration to the areas and net increase in the urban population (Pacione, 2009). Although the processes of urbanization are similar among countries, there are still differences as the First world is defined as capitalist industrial market economies where the Third world is referred to states that failed to develop economically after independence (Pacione, 2009). The differences in the social and economic situations in the First and Third world as well as the different global environment have led to distinct characteristics in the urbanization process of countries. Understanding these characteristics is essential to the understanding the challenges faced by states in the process. Therefore this essay is going to discuss the similarities and differences between the urbanization processes starting from the eighteenth century up till now from the social and economic aspects in respect of the global environment. Similarities – Economic based urbanization The major similarity between the urbanization of the two different worlds is that economic development played a significant...
Words: 1845 - Pages: 8
