Casipe, Ema Joy Fate MLS 1-H

Module 3: The Global Divides: Global South

a. How would you explain the divide between the global north and the global south?

The global North-South division indicates the social and economic gap and also political
differences between more developed countries in the Northern Hemisphere (which include
North America, and Europe) and less developed countries in the Southern Hemisphere
(including much of Africa, and Latin America). Wealth, technology, infrastructure, education,
healthcare, and overall quality of life all contribute to this divide.

Furthermore, the North-South division does not just relate to economic and environmental
issues, but also includes geography and global governance regulations. In past centuries,
inequality of power in international organizations have supported the interests of rich nations in
the global North while discriminating against the opinions and issues of countries in the global
South. Efforts to fix this inequality include efforts to change global governance systems so that
poor countries have greater representation and engagement.

Also, the North-South divide is not equal; there are variances within regions and countries.
Some countries in the Global South have witnessed fast economic growth and development,
while others remain poor and weak. Recognizing these differences is crucial for developing
customized solutions that fit the individual plans.

b. What are the main factors of causing the global divide between the North and South?

Culture and social factors contribute to the North-South division. Many people in the global
South face limited possibilities because of continuous inequities in education, healthcare, and
social services, maintaining cycles of poverty and discrimination. In addition, cultural differences
and historical legacies of discrimination can hinder engagement and partnership between
regions, creating divides.

Wealthier countries in the global North are benefiting from many years of industrialization,
advances in technology, and commerce worldwide, which caused economic expansion and
development. On the other hand, many nations in the global South deal with economic
development barriers, such as limited access to finance, technology, and markets, as well as
reliance on exports of commodities that are subject to price risk taking. This economic disparity
drives a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment in the global South, compounding the disparity.

c. Why is there a North-South Divide?

The North-South divide may be linked back to imperial and colonial rule, which developed
economic institutions that pushed the exploitation of resources from the global South for the
advantage of the industrialized North. The Cold War worsened historical gaps by creating
geopolitical conflicts and maintaining dependency connections between earlier colonies and
their former colonizers or new major supporters.

The Cold War movement changed economic policy and the distribution of assistance. The
United States and the USSR frequently offered assistance to countries in the South of the world
based on their connection with capitalist or communist concepts, rather than true requirements
for growth. This led to the unification of dictatorships and a lack of social and economic
development, worsening poverty and inequality in many regions.