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How has ‘land reform’ contributed to the rapid industrialization of Taiwan?Land reform contributed greatly to industrialization of Taiwan because the people were able to own land due to their governments property ownership program. Since the citizens were allowed to own their own piece of land, this encouraged them to make their land better and more sustainable financially speaking. The government gave them this land, which was a catalyst for development.2. What role have ‘Sweat Shops’ and long hours played in Taiwan’s ‘rags to riches’ story? The sweat shops were an important stage in Taiwan’s ‘rags to riches’ story.
This is mainly caused by cheap labor, which sets forth an increased demand in labor. This competition drove up wages because industrialization was well on it’s way.3. The forces unleashed by rapid industrialization brought increased competition for labor in Taiwan. What impact did this increased competition have on wages and the standard of living of the Taiwanese people?These forces unleashed by rapid industrialization brought increased competition for labor in Taiwan. This resulted in an increase on overall labor wages as well as the standards of living for society because the companies had to compete for the labor force.
4. According to the global computer giant ‘ACER’ which is based in Taiwan, what are the keys to Taiwan’s economic success?According to ACER, Taiwan’s economic success stems from pure innovation. ACER’s first calculator, as well as the computer, are prime examples of innovation which stimulate the economy. Also, government regulations are minimal, and people don’t even realize the regulations at all, which in turn allows companies to breath and do as they please.5. Taiwan has thrived in the global economy by specializing in what they do best! How have they managed to survive and prosper without producing their traditional rural products? Are there any dangers in this approach?Taiwan is able to survive and prosper in the Global economy because they are innovative! Their traditional approach has been added to because of globalization, freedom, and democracy.
6. What role has globalization played in the increased wealth and improved political freedom of the people of Taiwan? Globalization has played a great role in increasing wealth and political freedom for the people of Taiwan. Globalization spawned the “middle class”, which in return had a vested interest in democracy and a higher quality of living. According to this video, globalization promotes wealth and freedom, through democracy and capitalism.Vietnam: Watching the Program: Discussion questions7.
What limits are placed on the employment of children in Nike factories in Vietnam?Nike Factories in Vietnam have limits placed on them such as child labor laws, which include no hire of under 18 years of age for footwear manufacturing and no hiring of under 16 years of age for apparel manufacturing. Vietnam outlawed child labor in 1988, but the economy was still weak and unstable.What penalties are self-imposed by Nike on its factories if under-aged workers are discovered on site?If underage workers are found onsite with a fake I.D. card, the factory is required by law to pay their full year’s salary, as well as provide them with a full education.8.
Using the table that follows compare the life and conditions of Vietnamese factory workers working for Nike with the conditions of workers on farms or in State owned enterprises? What conclusions can you make from this?Vietnamese factory workers working for Nike, compared to the conditions of workers on farms or in State owned enterprises is tremendous. When the citizens are able to work for themselves, rather then the government, a high standard of living emerges. This can be seen in Nike’s factories, and then compared to the state owned facilities of Kenya.9.
What negative impacts for less developed countries and their workers can come from anti-globalization groups promoting boycotts of goods produced by multinationals such as Nike? The people in the sweatshops, that are satisfied with their successes, will lose their jobs outright. They like their jobs because it increases their standard of living from what it was.10. How has the workplace practices of Nike impacted positively on other workplaces in Vietnam? Nike has caused places such as Vietnam’s wages to go up, as well as their standard of living. An increase in their economy can be seen, and this is due to competition.
11. How has Nike encouraged the growth of small businesses in Vietnam?Nike has encouraged the growth of small businesses in Vietnam through means of competition and globalization. If the factory stays in the country long enough, wages will raise. This competitive atmosphere allows for businesses to thrive.12. Will multinationals leave countries such as Vietnam once wage rates improve? What is the reaction of multinationals to this sort of argument? Multinationals are exposed to competitions, and today consumers own the corporations.
Poverty rates raise in places that reject globalization, such as Kenya and other places in Africa. Barriers deny their freedom.Kenya : Watching the Program: Discussion questions 13. What factors are present within the Kenyan economy that discourage economic growth and improved living standards?The factors that discourage economic growth involve issues with government policy. The citizens can’t own their own land, so they won’t improve the lands overall condition. Lack of reform leads to these terrible conditions14.
What industries are portrayed as booming industries within the Kenyan economy? Why have they shown signs of success?A booming industry within Kenya could be the Mobile phone industry. Since an alternative route was found, other then the State owned phone lines, a free industry was created. Now they can call and relate messages to one another more efficiently.15.
What are subsidies, tariffs and import duties? What role does their imposition by developed countries play in limiting growth prospects and the adoption of ‘market capitalism’ in the less developed world?Wealthy countries impose high tariffs on exports and imports to and from Africa. These barriers deny the true markets power. Flowers though were not taxed, thus allowing Kenya to rise in the manufacturing process for flowers, especially to Europe. The EU subsidizes our food exports and hardworking farmers in Kenya suffer because of this. They don’t need aid, just the opportunity to compete.16.
How do opponents of globalization, by their actions in the developed world, hinder the ability of less developed countries to improve living standards?The opponents of globalization hinder the ability of less developed countries to improves upon living standards because of competition. Competition creates an atmosphere of innovation. Government regulations weigh down on the society as a whole and have unintended consequences, which reign for a long time. Land reform is an important beginning to the globalization concept.
