Global Economics, Employment, and Environmental Perspectives
Economic Perspective
Developed countries and others utilize stock investing for future gains. Key stock exchanges include Tokyo, New York, and London. Chile is a major copper producer. The situation in 1973, when Salvador Allende aimed to nationalize mines, led to price fluctuations. Each stock exchange specializes in different sectors. Stock markets now significantly influence the future of both developed and developing nations. Multinational corporations, often headquartered in developed-world cities, operate on a global scale.
Employment Perspective
In developing countries, there is often a surplus of labor. Workers advocate for their rights, emphasizing the importance of collective action and association to address workplace issues.
Political Perspective
Dictatorships, often found in developing countries, disregard established rules and operate arbitrarily. Developed nations promote human rights but may also prioritize their interests in developing-world dictatorships, where labor rights are suppressed, unions are absent, and workers are subjected to exploitative conditions.
Historical Perspective
Developed countries benefited from the Industrial Revolution, enabling them to colonize regions like Southeast Asia and Africa. Raw materials were extracted by colonial powers such as Britain and France. This historical exploitation has contributed to the wealth of developed nations while hindering the industrial development of former colonies. Dominating a country, extracting its wealth, and impoverishing it prevents it from undergoing its own industrial revolution, while the colonizer becomes enriched.
American Colonization
Economic control extends beyond political submission. Countries may be nominally independent but economically controlled by American interests. Following World War II (1945-1965), Europe experienced decolonization. While formal colonial structures have dissolved, economic influence persists. Developing countries face challenges in initiating their own industrial revolutions due to ongoing global dynamics.
Environmental Perspective
Developed countries are increasingly focused on environmental regulations, while developing countries may prioritize economic growth over environmental protection. Some developing countries may accept waste from developed nations in exchange for financial compensation. For example, Cameroon receives financial compensation from Germany for accepting German waste.
Social Class Perspective
Social class is defined by shared economic interests. In developing countries, there is often a stark divide between the very rich and the very poor. Developed countries tend to have a more diverse range of social classes.
Demographic Perspective
Developed countries have highly mechanized agriculture with low labor input and high output. Developing countries often rely on subsistence agriculture with low productivity. Developing countries tend to have higher birth rates than developed countries. This demographic pressure can lead to migration from rural areas to cities. Urban structures differ significantly between developed and developing countries. Developed-world cities are structured with distinct neighborhoods and social classes, and their growth is relatively slow. Developing-world cities have grown rapidly in recent decades, often featuring a central business district surrounded by informal settlements. The world’s largest cities are increasingly located in developing countries, characterized by a mix of affluent and impoverished areas.
Industrial Perspective
Developed-world industries are highly mechanized with low labor requirements, resulting in high productivity. Developing-world industries often have lower wages due to abundant labor. Labor laws, environmental protection, and worker benefits may be lacking.