Introduction
Globalization has been one of the most integral factors in the global economy. Since the turn of the 20 th century, more and more countries are engaging in collaborative efforts to boost their economic development. The continued changes experienced in the modern world have led to high levels of innovation in the technology and industrial sectors. However, these changes have created more problems for the people in terms of social and economic aspects. In the report provided by Beneria et al. (2016) it is evident that gender inequality and women’s lives across the world economy have suffered due to the inability of development to provide appropriate measures to rectify the situation. It is important that the positive effects of globalization and economic development are not used as measures to cover up the negative issues that are urgent and require immediate attention. The discussion that follows reviews the perspective concerns raised in this report along with recommendations to reverse the problem.
People Centered Development
Professionals in the economic sector operate under the assumption that one day the developing countries will one day turn to become strong economic powerhouses as is the case in the developed world. However, such an occurrence is less likely to come to fruition due to the practices of those involved. Beneria et al. (2016) point out that "development as we know it" is unable to generate people-centered development. To understand the true meaning of this statement, it is important to first take into consideration what people-centered development really is. This approach refers to the international development that requires businesses to focus on the improvement of local communities through increasing their self-reliance, social justice, and involvement in decision-making processes. It is evident that continued growth in the national and global economies does not directly lead to human development. Therefore, governments and corporations alike should actively participate in changes within social, political, and environmental practices that will result in significant value for the people. Beneria et al. (2016) have shown that the current practices in globalization and economic development have only been directed towards improving the lives of a small proportion of the community. The lack of consideration for “human wellbeing” particularly for women and other marginalized groups has been a concern that prevented global people-centered development.
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Suggested Changes
The agendas created for the sole purpose of continued economic development in the 21 st century have demonstrated a lack of focus on the importance of all persons. The developed countries are seen to undertake significant measures to help improve the lives of marginalized and discriminated groups. However, there has been little effect on the people they intend to serve. Indeed, this is a case of plus ça change as seen in the recent financial crisis of 2007-08, the development agenda that encompasses the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and gender integration development practices. According to Beneria and cohort, there are various alternatives to turn around the impact of development practices that address inequality, promote wellbeing, and take critical concern for environmental degradation and climate change.
One of the major actions that the authors recommend to ensure development as if all people mattered would be through building bridges that help in shaping agendas for change. In this practice, corporations and countries alike should come together in unison with the aim of improving the state of inequality in the global society. The uniting parties should note the importance of including the affected population to put an end to the growing levels of economic inequality. Recognizing a common humanity and substantive responsibilities for care will be a critical measure towards building these bridges as they show concern for both the people and the environment.
Another measure of addressing the issue of inequality that the current development plans have failed to achieve is through developing policies for sustainable economies. The approach will involve reducing income inequality that has been a major contributor to the financial crisis of 2007-08. Some of the policies may include reforms to curb accumulation at the top of income distribution through reduced corporate welfare and creating progressive tax systems. Boosting the income of the populations in the middle and bottom levels through strengthening the bargaining positions of workers could help reduce the high level of inequality.
Finally, to achieve the above stated changes in the global society, it is essential that the active participants develop measures to provide an enabling environment in the international scene. It is evident that when only a few countries can effectively provide a platform that enables reduced industrial impact on the environment, the effects of climate change will continue to affect its people. In this regard, international rules that enable coordination between countries on financial regulation and implementation of macro management to ensure societies are less prone to periodic financial crises. Additionally, change on the practices of development will require social movements that reject the discrimination of women and other marginalized groups in the society. Groups like Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) of India and Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) among other groups are critical in redefining themselves while creating opportunities for dialogue and mobilization to make it better for women in the development process.
Shiva’s Traditional Knowledge, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Living
The concerns for the negative impacts of development in the world are universal leading for individuals around the world to seek measures that will address them effectively. Vandana Shiva, an Indian scholar, food sovereignty advocate, environmental activist, and alter-globalization author provides unique ideas towards addressing problems with inequality, environmental degradation, and sustainable living. Through her Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology (RFSTE) founded in 982 she has created sustainable methods of agriculture that can be used to help prevent food crisis. She believes that the knowledge gained from grandmothers on their practices for growing particular foods can help increase productivity. The approach involves combating the monoculture tendencies that are advocated by large corporations.
Solutions
As indicated in the above discussion, the concern for development-related challenges is a major issue that requires immediate attention. It is evident that to ensure change it will require social movements are set up to reject the discrimination of women and other marginalized groups in the society as has been done by the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) of India. Building bridges that help shape the agenda for change is another important factor to consider as it will bring the countries together with a common goal to achieve. Additionally, it is essential that policies for ensuring sustainable economies are set up in countries across the world as a measure to reduce continued accumulation of wealth at the top level. However, this approach will require the input of the global community in setting up international rules that provide an enabling environment to implement the changes. Unique ideas as those presented by Shiva should be advocated and given a larger platform to employ them in the poorer countries.
References
Beneria, L., Berik, G., & Floro, M. S. (2016). Gender, Development and Globalization: Economics as if All People Mattered . New York, Routledge.
Eco Walk the Talk (2011) Traditional Knowledge, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Living: An Interview with Vandana Shiva . YouTube, Retrieved from https://youtu.be/d9K0cZGQgHA
