Cultural, Economic, and Social Conditions of the Contemporary World

Migration Today, people migrate because: 1) They want better, higher paid jobs (called “guest workers”) 2) They are escaping political or religious persecution (called “refugees”) 3) They are fleeing from war or conflict (also called “refugees”) 4) They are fleeing from natural disasters (also called “refugees”)

Migration Patterns

Ethnic and Religious Conflicts Some of the migrants have moved due to ethnic and religious conflicts The most recent areas of ethnic and religious conflicts include 1) The Middle East (Ethnic and Religious) 2) Northern Ireland (Religious) 3) The Balkans (Ethnic and Religious) 4) The Horn of Africa (Ethnic) 5) South Asia (Ethnic and Religious)

Ethnic and Religious Conflicts

Developed and Developing Countries Many people migrate from developing countries to developed countries People in developing countries believe developed countries have: Better economic opportunities Better access to education and health care And where: Personal freedoms are protected

Developed and Developing Countries What geographic pattern can you see in this map in regards to less or least developed countries?

Developed and Developing Countries What is the relationship between developing countries and birth rate do you see in this map?

Developed and Developing Countries What relationship do you see between developing nations and infant mortality?

Developed and Developing Countries What relationship do you see between developing countries and population growth rate?

Developed and Developing Countries What relationship do you see between developing nations and number of physicians?

Developed and Developing Countries What relationship do you see between developing countries and literacy rates?

Developed and Developing Countries What relationship do you see between developing countries and access to computers and/or the Internet?

Developed and Developing Countries What is the relationship between developing countries and mobile phone ownership?

Challenges Facing Developed Countries Environmental Pollution Loss of habitat Global climate change Social Equal access to health care Equal access to quality education New Technologies Widespread but unequal access to computers and instantaneous communications Ethical questions concerning genetic engineering

Challenges Facing Developing Countries Environmental Rapid population growth Pollution Loss of habitat Global climate change Social Poverty Poor health Illiteracy Famine

Challenges Facing Developing Countries Economic Transition to free market economies produce rising standards of living and an expanding middle class “Brain Drain” – migration of most education/capable people to developed countries Growing gap between rich and poor Political Growing demands for political freedoms and individual rights EX: Taiwan and South Korea

Economic Interdependence (“Globalization”) Economic interdependence of the world’s people is increased by: 1) Rapid transport (EX: Jet airplanes) 2) Rapid communication (EX: Internet, mobile/smart phones) 3) Rise and influence of multinational corporations (EX: Google, McDonalds, Nike) 4) Increasing regional integration (EX: European Union) 5) Trade agreements (EX: NAFTA, WTO) 6) International organizations (EX: UN, IMF)

Terrorism Terrorism’s impact on the world is increasing Munich Olympics Jewish athletes taken hostage by Palestinian terrorists who want an independent Palestinian state Some hostages and terrorists were killed 9/11 Airplanes hijacked by terrorists flown into the World Trade Center and Pentagon Motivated by extremism and influenced by Osama bin Laden Smaller acts of terrorism occur on a frequent basis Car bombings Suicide bombings Improvised explosive devices (IED’s)

Terrorism

Governmental responses to terrorist activities include: 1) Surveillance 2) Review and possible restrictions/limits on privacy rights 3) Added security at ports and airports 4) More frequent use of identification badges and photos

Terrorism