Female Political Empowerment and Global Economic Disparities

Female Empowerment in Politics (1997)

1.(a) Referring to the graph, describe how female empowerment in politics varied between regions in 1997.

Scandinavia had the highest female representation in government, at approximately 36% [1 mark]. The Middle East had the lowest, at around 3% [1 mark]. The rest of the world averaged between 10% and 14% [1 mark].

Note: Responses lacking quantification or only listing values should be awarded a maximum of [2 marks].

Reasons for Increased Female Empowerment Since 1997

(b) Suggest reasons why female empowerment in politics has risen since 1997.

Any four valid reasons should be awarded [4 marks]. Any two valid reasons that are fully developed and/or use examples should be awarded [2×2 marks]. Possible reasons include:

• Cultural: Changing value systems.
• Policies: Implementation of policies designed to increase female participation.
• Education: Increased numbers of women qualifying for political roles.
• MDGs: Many of the Millennium Development Goals promote women’s rights.
• Demographic Changes: Decreased family size and later marriage, leading to changing roles for women.
• Legal Rights: Increasing legal rights for women in some countries.

(Italics relate to the syllabus bullet point – gender and change)

Analysis of Pro-Natalist Policies

(c) Analyse the pro-natalist policy of a country you have studied.

A valid country and policy should be chosen as an example [1 mark]. Additional marks are awarded for a further description of the specific policy [2 marks]. The final [2 marks] are reserved for analysis, where candidates break down the policy to highlight its essential elements or structure, and/or provide some evaluation of the policy’s success or failure.

Global Pattern of GNI Per Person

2. (a) Describe the global pattern of GNI per person shown on the map.

The map indicates that most low-income countries are located in Africa and Central and South Asia [1 mark]. High-income countries are predominantly found in North America, Western Europe, and Australia [1 mark]. The remaining countries are classified as middle-income [1 mark]. For full marks, some quantification should be included, or anomalies identified.

Limitations of GNI Per Person as a Measure

(b) Suggest two reasons why GNI per person is not a reliable way of measuring global disparities.

Two reasons should be identified and explained for [2+2 marks]. These could include:

• GNI is not a composite indicator like the Human Development Index (HDI), which incorporates more (non-economic) variables.
• It does not reveal spatial or demographic disparities within countries.
• It provides no indication of human rights, health, or gender equality.
• It does not account for purchasing power parity (PPP).
• The informal economy is excluded.
• Any other valid and explained reason.

Debt Relief and Reducing Global Disparities

(c) Explain how debt relief may help to reduce global disparities. [5 marks]

Answers should explain or imply an understanding of debt relief [1 mark]. The remainder of the response should examine how regions or nations would benefit, or have benefited, from having their external debt reduced or canceled. Award [1 mark] for each basic explanation, with additional marks for extension and exemplification. Possible [4×1 marks] or [2×2 marks].

Possible explanations include:

• As the percentage of state revenue allocated to debt repayment decreases, the state can redirect funds towards development projects.
• Debt-free nations can operate autonomously from organizations like the World Bank (WB) or International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding economic development pathways.
• Eliminating debt removes the need for additional loans to cover interest payments.

It is acceptable for candidates to argue that debt relief does *not* reduce global disparities, provided the argument is well-supported.