A.

Definition of globalization and its key components: Globalization refers to the

increasing interconnectedness and integration of economies, societies, and cultures
on a global scale. It involves the flow of goods, services, capital, technology,
information, and ideas across borders.
Example: The expansion of multinational corporations and the rise of global trade
agreements like the World Trade Organization (WTO) exemplify key components
of globalization.

B. Globalization as an economic, social, and cultural phenomenon: Globalization

impacts various aspects of societies, including the economy, social structures, and
cultural norms. It influences production systems, labor markets, consumption
patterns, migration, and cultural exchange.
Example: The spread of fast-food chains worldwide, such as McDonald's or
Starbucks, demonstrates the global reach of consumer culture through economic
globalization.

C. Major drivers and processes of globalization: Globalization is driven by factors

such as technological advancements, liberalization of trade and investment, global
financial flows, and increased communication and transportation networks.
Example: The widespread use of the internet and digital platforms has facilitated
global communication and enabled remote work opportunities, contributing to the
process of globalization.

The process of globalization, while facilitating economic integration and cultural

exchange, has also exacerbated gender inequalities in contemporary societies
worldwide. This section will delve into the gendered inequalities created and
perpetuated by globalization, supported by facts and examples.

Gendered division of labor:

Globalization often reinforces traditional gender roles, with women predominantly
occupying low-paid, precarious jobs, while men dominate higher-paying positions.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), women are
overrepresented in informal employment, such as domestic work, agricultural
labor, and small-scale enterprises, where they experience lower wages, limited job
security, and minimal social protection. In contrast, men tend to dominate formal
employment sectors, holding managerial and leadership positions.
Example: In the global garment industry, which heavily relies on cheap labor,
women are disproportionately employed in low-skilled, poorly paid factory jobs,
while men occupy higher-paid technical and managerial roles.

Wage gaps and occupational segregation:

Despite advancements in gender equality, persistent wage gaps exist globally. The
World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2020 estimates that women,
on average, earn about 16% less than men for performing the same work.
Occupational segregation, wherein men and women are concentrated in different
sectors or job types, further contributes to the wage gap.
Example: In the technology industry, men often occupy higher-paying technical
roles, while women are underrepresented and tend to be concentrated in
administrative or support positions.

Exploitative labor practices and global supply chains:

Globalization has led to the expansion of global supply chains, where women play
significant roles, particularly in labor-intensive industries such as textiles,
electronics, and agriculture. However, women workers in these industries often
face exploitative working conditions, low wages, and limited bargaining power.
Many multinational corporations outsource their production to countries with weak
labor regulations, contributing to labor rights violations and gender-based
exploitation.
Example: Female garment workers in countries like Bangladesh or Cambodia may
work long hours in unsafe conditions for meager wages, contributing to the global
production of cheap clothing.
Impact on women's access to resources and power:
Globalization has perpetuated gender inequalities in access to resources, power,
and decision-making. Women are underrepresented in political leadership positions
and international governance institutions, limiting their influence over global
policies and decisions. The patriarchal structures within these institutions often
overlook or marginalize women's perspectives.
Example: The lack of gender diversity in the leadership of international financial
institutions like the IMF and the World Bank affects the consideration of gender-
specific impacts in policy-making.

Cultural norms and stereotypes:

Globalization can perpetuate gender norms and stereotypes through the spread of
media, advertising, and cultural exchange. Narrow beauty standards, traditional
gender roles, and limited representations of women in leadership positions are
often reinforced through global media, impacting societal expectations and
individual aspirations.
Example: The global media's portrayal of women as passive objects of desire or
primarily responsible for domestic work can reinforce gender inequalities and limit
opportunities for women's empowerment.

Impact on women's health and reproductive rights:

Globalization has complex effects on women's health and reproductive rights.
While it has facilitated increased access to healthcare and reproductive
technologies in some contexts, it has also brought challenges. The
commercialization of healthcare and the global trade in pharmaceuticals can hinder
access to affordable and essential services, particularly for marginalized women.
Example: The privatization of healthcare systems in some countries under
globalization has led to higher costs and limited access to reproductive health
services, disproportionately affecting women.
In conclusion, while globalization has connected nations and fostered economic
growth, it has also perpetuated and amplified gender inequalities in contemporary
societies worldwide. These inequalities manifest in the gendered division of labor,
wage gaps, exploitative labor practices, limited access to resources and power,
reinforcement of cultural norms and stereotypes, and challenges to women's health
and reproductive rights. Addressing these gendered inequalities requires a
comprehensive approach, including policy interventions, corporate responsibility,
and social mobilization to ensure a more equitable and inclusive global society.