scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

What position does Africa occupy today in the global division of labor? 


Best insight from top research papers

Africa currently holds a marginalized position in the global division of labor due to historical and contemporary factors. Since the 19th century, Africa has been integrated into the global economy but has remained at the bottom of the hierarchy, influenced by external powers from the Global North and South, shaping its development trajectory . However, in the 21st century, there have been shifts in global trade and manufacturing, with emerging markets in Africa gaining importance alongside other developing regions . Despite efforts like NEPAD, Africa's economic prospects have been viewed with skepticism, with concerns raised about its place in the global economy . The continent continues to face challenges such as low prices for primary products, limited industrialization, constrained market access, and significant debt burdens .

Answers from top 5 papers

More filters
Papers (5)Insight
Africa is depicted as stuck in a detrimental position within the new international division of labor, facing deepening crises despite numerous studies attempting to propose solutions.
Africa is marginalized in today's global economy, facing challenges highlighted by analysts and diplomats, with initiatives like NEPAD seen as crucial for its future participation.
Africa occupies a marginalized position in the global division of labor due to historical external influence, protectionist policies, and resulting economic challenges like low prices, limited market access, and heavy debt burden.
Africa's irregular labor is central to global capitalism, reflecting contested relationships. The continent plays a significant role in the global division of labor, particularly through irregular work dynamics.

Related Questions

How was the divide between global north and global south?5 answersThe global North-South divide encompasses various aspects beyond just wealth inequality, including disparities in generating knowledge. This division extends to the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), where cost and ethical considerations create a significant gap between the North and South. Addressing this divide requires exploring mechanisms for global redistribution, considering both material and immaterial resources. Efforts to bridge this gap involve analyzing influential discourses on redistributing resources and learning from experiences like the European Union's social policy coordination. Additionally, examining the costs and ethics in scientific endeavors, such as AI research, sheds light on the disparities between the North and South. Overall, understanding and addressing the North-South divide necessitates comprehensive efforts encompassing economic, social, and knowledge-related dimensions.
How labor productivity impacts globalization?5 answersLabor productivity plays a crucial role in the context of globalization. Studies have shown that globalization positively affects labor productivity in various ways. Globalization can lead to increased productivity levels by allowing countries to access advanced technologies and production methods. The impact of globalization on labor productivity differs based on factors like the type of workers involved. For instance, while immigrants may replace native workers, offshore workers producing intermediate input imports do not have the same effect on productivity. Additionally, factors such as foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic openness have been found to have a positive and significant impact on labor productivity in OECD regions. However, in U.S. manufacturing industries, globalization, driven by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and trade liberalization, has been associated with a negative impact on per worker productivity across different skill levels.
How has globalization impacted economic development on the African continent?4 answersGlobalization has had a complex impact on economic development in Africa. While some studies suggest a positive relationship between globalization and economic growth, others find the relationship to be largely insignificant. The lack of significant impact may be attributed to Africa's small share in foreign direct investment and global trade, as well as infrastructure deficits and a lack of relevant skills. However, it is important to note that improving governance and development is still a challenging issue, and the impact of globalization should not be neglected. To maximize growth potential, Africa should focus on promoting trade, foreign direct investment, domestic capital formation, and urbanization. Overall, the impact of globalization on economic development in Africa is a complex issue that requires further investigation.
How Rethinking the international division of labour in the context of globalisation?5 answersRethinking the international division of labour in the context of globalization involves recognizing the compression of time and space in social relations, allowing the economy, politics, and culture of one country to penetrate another. Globalization has rendered obsolete the traditional divisions of the world into developed and developing countries, and has instead created a new structure that encompasses vertically integrated regional divisions of labour and horizontally diversified networks. This process of globalization has led to widespread structural disruptions and limits on state autonomy and sovereignty. The growth of a complex division of labour is closely associated with the rise of capitalism and industrialization processes. The concept of a "new economy" has emerged, transforming labor markets, work, and workplaces, and changing prospects for labor's agency and strategy. The great transformation of capitalism through neoliberal globalization has led to a countertransformation and large-scale recommodification, increasing inequality and pressuring trade unions. The center of global capital-labor contradictions and dynamics may be shifting to the South, potentially revitalizing labor movements and increasing international solidarity.
How does the division of labor for knowledge workers impact the quality of work?4 answersThe division of labor for knowledge workers has a significant impact on the quality of work. In the UK and Germany, changes to the wage structure and employment growth in knowledge jobs suggest a decline in the average quality of workers over time. In a laboratory experiment, groups that coordinate on an efficient division of labor achieve better outcomes, but there are adoption frictions and some groups coordinate on an inefficient division of labor due to a lack of understanding of what is most efficient. Additionally, the division of tasks among team members in knowledge production remains poorly understood, highlighting the need for further research in this area. Understanding the necessary knowledge work and its influence on the quality of work is crucial for knowledge workers in small and medium-sized enterprises, as it can impact business success.
What are the current trends in global inequality?3 answersGlobal inequality has shown different trends over time. While absolute inequality has been increasing almost continuously since 1950, global economic inequality has tended to decrease over the past three decades. However, intra-country inequality has increased in most countries, especially in advanced economies. Inequality has been decreasing among nations as traditionally poor countries' economies catch up with the West, but it has been steadily deepening within almost every nation. Since 2000, global inequality has declined, but inequality within individual countries has crept upward. Rising inequality is not an inevitable consequence of economic growth, and reducing inequality is seen as important for greater fairness and poverty reduction. The trends in inequality are influenced by various factors such as assets, returns to assets, private transfers, and state redistribution, which differ greatly by country and over time.

See what other people are reading

Will privatization reduce surgery waiting times in canada?
5 answers
Privatization in Canada has shown potential to reduce surgery waiting times. Studies have explored the impact of government policies promoting privately funded healthcare on public waiting times. Policies allowing opt-out physicians to extra-bill private patients and providing public subsidies for private care have been associated with shorter waiting times, with subsidies appearing more effective in reducing delays. The shift of demand from the public system to the private market due to these policies contributes to shorter waiting times. Additionally, expanding publicly funded health services in private clinics has been part of initiatives to address surgical backlogs, indicating a recognition of the potential benefits of private involvement in reducing wait times.
What is the role of political parties in shaping student politics at Wits University?
4 answers
Political parties play a significant role in shaping student politics at universities like Wits University. Research indicates that political parties often recruit student cadres, influencing student politics through various means. Moreover, the transition to multiparty democracy in Africa has led to increased involvement of political parties in student politics, impacting student governments, representation, and unionism. This involvement extends to campus politics, where student parties affiliated with national political parties receive resources that can lead to conflicts and violence on campus. Overall, the relationship between political parties and student politics is complex, with parties influencing student leaders and potentially shaping future political careers, highlighting the intertwined nature of student and national politics in the university setting.
What are the current trends and challenges in the privatization of healthcare in Canada?
5 answers
The current trends and challenges in the privatization of healthcare in Canada reflect a complex landscape. While there have been shifts towards private involvement in healthcare delivery and financing, particularly in sectors like long-term care and core medical services, the country's universal healthcare system, known as "Medicare," remains a cornerstone. The debate around allowing private payments for faster access to care has resurfaced due to growing surgical backlogs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite some initiatives suggesting privatization, the overall trend towards full privatization seems unlikely in the near future, with the public-private mix remaining a key feature of the Canadian healthcare system. Challenges persist in ensuring quality and equity, especially in services like dental care, prescription drugs, and long-term care, which are not universally covered, leading to access issues for lower-income Canadians.
When did student leadership start?
5 answers
Student leadership initiatives have been evolving over time. The Texas Commission for the Blind established a student leadership committee in 1992 to foster leadership skills among visually impaired students aged 15-20. Similarly, Grinnell College initiated a leadership team in 1997 to supervise student staff, which has since grown to include various supervisory roles. Moreover, the concept of student leadership has gained momentum in the 21st century, with a focus on developing leadership identities early on and implementing leadership development programs for students. These instances highlight the historical development of student leadership programs, showcasing a gradual but impactful progression in empowering students to take on leadership roles within their communities and educational institutions.
Investigating the Initial Capital of the street vendors in cdo?
5 answers
The initial capital of street vendors plays a crucial role in their income levels and overall success. Research conducted on street vendors in various locations highlights the significance of startup capital in influencing their earnings. Studies have shown that the initial capital invested by street vendors, along with factors like experiences and time working, significantly impacts their income. Additionally, the presence of a well-structured association among street vendors can contribute to their economic sustainability and development. Understanding the relationship between business initial capital and income is essential for assessing the financial well-being of street vendors, as demonstrated in studies analyzing the income levels of street vendors at different locations.
Integrating Agricultural Technology to Agricultural Value Chains in the Global South?
5 answers
Integrating agricultural technology into agricultural value chains in the Global South is crucial for enhancing productivity and sustainability. The evolution of micro-practices in commodity value chains through digital technology has significantly impacted the way stakeholders mobilize resources and support the adoption of technology. Institutions play a vital role in driving agricultural value chains towards competitiveness, inclusivity, and sustainability by empowering smallholder farmers and creating market linkages. Technology and innovation are highlighted as essential tools for addressing complex agricultural challenges in developing communities. By leveraging digital technology, enhancing stakeholder collaboration, and strengthening institutional support, the integration of agricultural technology can lead to improved efficiency, increased market access, and sustainable agricultural practices in the Global South.
What are the effects of the financialization of education?
4 answers
The financialization of education has significant impacts on various aspects of society. It leads to the subordination of education to financial capital, influencing the content, goals, and values of education, ultimately creating a social environment where education drives financial aspects of society, forming stereotypes and shaping a new type of individual, the homo finansus. Financialization also affects living standards, capital accumulation, consumption, productivity, income distribution, and employment, among others, due to changes in behavior in households, non-financial businesses, and the financial sector. Moreover, the digitalization of education, including financial education, is becoming increasingly important, with a focus on enhancing financial resilience and well-being through innovative digital technologies in teaching financial disciplines at universities.
How does hosting the G20 Presidency affect a country's economic growth in the short and long term?
5 answers
Hosting the G20 Presidency can significantly impact a country's economic growth in both the short and long term. In the short term, hosting the G20 Summit can lead to a boost in domestic consumption, an increase in GDP, and the creation of new jobs across various sectors, including tourism, services, and MSMEs. Additionally, efforts to repair and restore economies post-pandemic, such as through increased productivity and digitalization of payments, can enhance economic growth in the short term. In the long term, hosting the G20 Presidency can accelerate sustainable growth, promote inclusive development, and enhance economic stability, benefiting not only the host country but also the global economy. Furthermore, aligning G20 priorities with Sustainable Development Goals can guide national policy-making towards sustainable economic development, particularly in rural areas, fostering long-term economic growth.
What methods are used to undertake political economic analysis in health?
5 answers
Political economy analysis in health involves assessing the power dynamics and positions of key political actors to develop effective strategies for managing political challenges in health financing reforms. This analysis considers various factors such as interest group politics, bureaucratic politics, budget politics, leadership politics, beneficiary politics, and external actor politics to understand policy trajectories and outcomes. Additionally, the impact of political economy on population health is examined through systematic reviews, highlighting the influence of social democratic welfare states, public spending, fair trade policies, education provision, and housing quality on health outcomes. The design of a country's health institutions is also crucial, as it influences healthcare activities and outcomes by interacting with patient-citizens and political institutions, as explored in the public choice tradition of political economy.
What are the types of consumer activism?
10 answers
Consumer activism manifests in various forms, each leveraging different strategies to influence corporate practices, consumer behavior, and public policy. One primary type is through market participation, such as boycotts or ethical shopping, which has been a significant form of political action in the United States, historically rooted in social work and social change movements. Contemporary consumer activism also heavily intersects with media studies, where activists utilize media platforms to amplify their message and mobilize public opinion. Online platforms, notably petition sites like Change.org, represent another avenue where consumer activists challenge corporate practices by rallying public support and drawing attention to their causes. Social movement organizations further mobilize consumer activism to exert public pressure, aiming to inflict economic or reputational damage on their targets, showcasing a strategic use of consumer power for social objectives. This form of activism is also seen as a response to perceived organizational failures, where consumers use their power to demand accountability and change. The concept of commodity activism, where consumption itself is viewed as a form of social activism, highlights how consumers, celebrities, and corporations use commodities and brands to engage in and promote social and political issues. Historical examples include abolitionists and labor rights activists who leveraged consumer choices to advocate for social justice and ethical practices. Some activists employ strategies to de-fetishize commodities, revealing their true nature and promoting a more conscious consumption pattern. Social media has emerged as a critical platform for consumer activism, enabling the spread of microlevel action frames that can motivate collective action against brands or for causes, illustrating the complex interplay between brand perception and cause support. Lastly, the influence of political ideology on consumer behavior and brand activism highlights how brands' positions on sociopolitical issues can affect consumer attitudes and behaviors, further complicating the landscape of consumer activism.
What are the main anomalies of contemporary tourism?
4 answers
Contemporary tourism faces several anomalies. Firstly, the rise of overtourism due to factors like increased tourist numbers, IT advancements, and the shift towards city tourism and experiential travel. Secondly, the dominance of neoliberalism in tourism, where market rules manipulate tourist experiences and regulate lives, blurring authenticity and leading to inauthentic hyper-real tourist sites. Additionally, the exploitation of natural and cultural resources for tourism development poses a threat by depleting the original values and richness of destinations. Moreover, tourism intermediaries are challenged by changing consumer habits, ICT technologies, and the emergence of online booking platforms, necessitating adaptability and innovation to maintain competitiveness. These anomalies highlight the need for sustainable management practices and a shift towards more authentic and responsible tourism experiences.