Unit 49 One World, One Economy The trends toward globalization began in earnest in the 1970s when the system of fixed exchange rates, set up after WW II, was disrupted. This meant that the value of currencies would now be determined by the markets instead of individual governments. Over the next two decades, countries slowly began to remove their exchange controls. By 1990, nearly all major economies had got rid of restrictions on how much money could be moved in and out their countries. Other factors contributing to the rise of globalization are new communications technologies, and better transportation systems. These have enabled companies to grow into multinationals -- producing goods on one side of the planet and selling them on the other. Lower costs have also helped -- the price of telephone calls, for instance, is cheaper now than at any time in history. But adjusting to this "economic order" is proving difficult. In the developed world globalization is facing widespread public resistance. Critics complain that, without the protection of trade barriers, jobs are being lost to workers in poorer countries, and wages for employees in rich counties are stagnant, except for a privileged few. Opponents of globalization also point to its effects on the workers in poorer countries. They agree that multinationals may be helping to reduce unemployment in the developing world, but they argue that the jobs are hardly worth having since they are low paid and exploitative.Those in favor of globalization accuse their critics of being shortsighted protectionists. They claim a more integrated global economy will ultimately benefit everyone because it will enable countries to specialize in those areas where they perform lest. Developing countries, with their higher populations and lower wages, will concentrate on labor-intensive industries, such as raw materials and manufacturing, in much the same way as Western countries did during the industrial revolution. The ricer countries, on the other hand, will diversify into hi-tech industry. The effect of this, say supporters, will be to improve productivity in all countries, leading to higher living standards. The free movement of capital will also help poorer countries to develop so they can play a full and active role in the world economy. Even supporters of globalization acknowledge, however, that there will be losers. At present, those suffering most are people working in labor-intensive industries in the developed world. Without the protection of trade barriers and the welfare states, their chances of improving their skills and living standards will disappear, resulting in a growing divide between rich and poor. But how close are we to a truly global economy? For the losers, probably too close. But in terms of real economic integration, there is still a long way to go. What is really holding globalization back is the lack of labor mobility. Labor markets remain overwhelmingly national, even in areas like the European Union, where citizens live and work in any EU country. The main reasons for this are language and cultural barriers; the lack of internationally-recognized qualifications; and, in some areas, strict immigration controls.
新东方英语口语开口篇:询问称呼(2)
英语流行语:你跟谁“合得来”?
学会用英文的感叹句
奥运会实用英语口语200句: 你周末是怎么过的?
2011年实用口语练习:今天你“团”了吗
实用口语情景轻松学:你这儿卖内存吗?
新东方英语口语开口篇:描述外貌(4)
实用口语情景轻松学:老外和菜农砍价时的地道英语对话
实用口语:如何表达和人“竞争”?
实用口语情景轻松学:你能借我点儿钱吗?
口语情景对话:一个真正的斯图尔特家的后代ACT 1 - 3
20句有教养的英语表达
奥运会实用英语口语200句:这是一个非常受人欢迎的目的地
实用盘点:赞美他人时必备口语
奥运会实用英语口语200句: 我经常用互联网学英语
大学新生常用口语:熟悉校园和同学
新东方英语口语开口篇:打招呼(3)
奥运会实用英语口语200句: 你可以乘火车去上海
新东方英语口语开口篇:描述外貌(3)
疯狂口语要素精选 13
节日英语口语:十一句话搞定圣诞礼物
地道英语口语:关于“apple”的英语俚语
实用口语: Nicole's Close Election
英语口语-各种各样的问题
实用英语口语:英语中各种各样的“钱”
新东方英语口语开口篇:日常活动(6)
疯狂口语要素精选 7
实用口语:英语口语要素精选 18
美国生活必备口语:租房英语大全(1)
巧用“插入语”争取思考的时间
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |