Class Discussion Question What do you want to be when you “grow up”? How much education does that job require? How much does that profession generally pay? How competitive is this field in terms of hiring / advancement?

Here is the plan… Students will understand the basic structure of South Asia’s economy. Students will compare the economy of South Asia to that of the United States. Students will predict the economic future of South Asia.

American Economy Pros Cons

Here is your competition…

Source – CIA Factbook

Summary Despite our well documented problems, the USA still has the “largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world”. USA has a very small % of agricultural workers. The primary concern for USA is a lack of economic growth / stagnant wages in recent years.

BIG problem… Many people in South Asia are still engaged in subsistence agriculture. Subsistence agriculture is producing only enough crops or livestock for a family’s survival. Despite HIGH number of agricultural workers, famine is still a major issue.

Concert for Bangladesh

Did this Band really aid…? This 1971 concert and album (yes I said album) from Madison Square Garden has generated millions of dollars for UNICEF. Has this solved the underlying issues that caused the problem in the first place?

Misery NO, not really! Droughts, floods, and famine are still far too prevalent in the region of South Asia.

Green Revolution Write down a definition for this term. Who is the “Father” of this movement? What are the PROS / CONS to this movement?

Green Revolution Mono (single) crop production in order to produce higher yields. Use of hybrid / genetically altered seeds to produce higher yields. Less resting time between plantings to produce higher yields. Heavy doses of H2O / pesticides / fertilizers in order to produce higher yields.

An inescapable truth…

Dhaka

United Nations

POPULATION India is growing by 18 million people EVERY year. (source UN) Dhaka, Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated cities in the entire world. Population growth AND Urbanization are combining to create severe planning issues for national governments. Some countries like Nepal and Bhutan are sparsely populated due mainly to their geography. The governments of India & Bangladesh are aware of their population “problem”.

FUTURE What do you think the economic future for countries in South Asia will look like? Overall?? What kind of jobs will people in South Asia be employed?

English & Educated Many Indians are highly educated and speak English. They are in direct competition with Americans for software development and Information technology (IT) jobs. Will work harder (?) and for less pay (!)

Outsourcing

Help Wanted??? Unemployment Rates in the USA have dropped to about 6% Many highly educated Americans are deep in debt. IT and engineering jobs ranging from 75 to 150 k are routinely available on MONSTER.com India is producing 5X more engineering students than the USA.

Here is the plan… Students will understand the basic structure of South Asia’s economy. Students will compare the economy of South Asia to that of the United States. Students will predict the economic future of South Asia.