The Impact Of Globalisation For Children

The Impact Of Globalisation For ChildrenIntroductionThere atomic number 18 varying definitions of globalisation as it spans a track a wide spectrum bear upon many a(prenominal) aspects of our lives. For this paper, it go away focus on evaluating the inferred consequences of globalisation on children and families including destitution, frugal harvest-home, policy-making organisations, migration and displacements, ine feature, climate change and cultural check.The challenges faced by children and families argon onerous. whatever the implications and arranges, children be most vulnerable. Their lives dep mop up on what we do for them in this best(p)ride of globalisation. They are our future and how we deal with the various components of globalisation, will affect the future. policy-makingThe UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), 1989, acts as a paramount umbrella that sets minimum standards for governments to uphold childrens rights to prefatory needs, healthc are, education, lawful and social operate in their countries.Currently organisations such as United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), arena Bank, World Health Organisation (WHO) and other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) sustenance growing countries with infrastructural and financial economic aid to alleviate beggary and provide care and education to under developing children. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) support certain countries in put into building human race and social capital to increase skills and knowledge to face famine.While governments in developed countries take a pro-active role in promoting and establishing national frame drills in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), these services are operated by private entrepreneurs in developing countries. Equity and accessibility becomes questionable as political alliances between countries and organisations set their own agendas marginalising resource poor countries.For inst ance, the World Bank, with the US as its biggest investor, works with private corporations armed service the interests of rich nations by exploiting the cheap labour and resources from the developing countries. Funds could be better used to assist in raising the standard of animated and improve the lives of families and children in poor and developing countries.EconomicEconomic egression is pivotal to lifting people above the basic sustenance level in developing countries. But focus on economic development only does not reduce poverty. Save The Children, 2010, argues that without a more nuanced discussion on the relationship between economic growth and poverty reduction, children will not fully gain from the potential benefits of growth.Unequal distri moreoverion of wealth and benefits is hampering the ostracism of poverty. Policies that favour labour intensive industries such as agriculture and elfin enterprises bring a greater effect on poverty than growth in the financial services.Money may be flooding into the awkward but only to a select few stand to gain. In name of child mortality rate and combating under-nourishment, countries that record moderate economic growth fare the best those with poor growth had worse results but surprisingly, countries with capital rate of growth did not fare very well (Gabriele and Schettino, 2007). new-fashioned statistics released estimated over 40% reductions in global under-five mortality rate since 1990 (IGME, 2012). besides a higher indicator of life chances for children across the globe, the continual outturn income gap will cause a reversal in the underway improvement of mortality rate.Policies should target specific elements of pro-poor growth strategies that promote equality, redistribution and annihilation of poverty. Ultimately, it is the improvement of the quality of life for the poor that matters where children are given their just place in education, child growth, health and opportunities to fu rther their future.Climate veerClimate change has been identified as the biggest global health bane to children in the 21st century (Save the Children, 2009). The Greenhouse effects largely caused by human activities are now experienced by countries throughout the world. The shock absorber made by climate change on food security, healthcare, peck water supply and livelihoods has a profound influence on urbanisation, migration, poverty and armed conflict.Climate change affects national healthcare budgets. Less developed countries already buffeted by the disintegration of healthcare services and root grapple with any crippling effects of climate change affecting the economy.The sum effect put children and their families at greatest adventure. Children under 5 years are most vulnerable to its consequences. Poor families could be pushed into the deeper end of their troubles bringing about long bound consequences on their childrens survival.Millions of children in modify areas su ffer from malnutrition and babies are born malnourished and/or with anomalies. For example, children from the poorest 20% of households in many developing countries have up to 5 generation the mortality rate of children from the richest 20% households (DHS, 2009).Migration and DisplacementGlobally, there is an increase in economic migration driven by income disparities, exploitation, and demand for labour. Mass migration leads to growing urbanisation because it is perceived to offer more stability for people who come from agricultural and inhering resource-based livelihoods.It is estimated that millions of urban-dwellers in low and middle income countries are living in poverty with lack of access to clean water and decent sanitation (UN-Habitat, 2003). Slums and overcrowding shame many cities where poorly constructed homes and densely populated areas pose greater risks of fires, unhealthiness outbreaks and disasters endangering many children.Millions, both poor and affluent, cou ld be displaced by the next 40 to 50 years cod to climate change. While most will move inside their own countries, many will also cross international borders (UNFCCC, 2008).A research by Save the Children, 2008, found that children run to move independently or with their parents due to war, natural disasters or to support their families. Moving alone to escape from poverty, exploitation, calamities, pursuing better educational or job opportunities can pose grave dangers for children as they face the risk of exploitation and abuse.The influx of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers to any given country threatens the topical anesthetic infrastructure as it leads to competitive scrambling of health, education and shelter resources which will have serious impact on child survival.Inequality and Social lossThe richest 5% people in the world receive 114 times the income of the poorest 5% population (Kirby, 2006). The globalisation trend of widening income gap is altering the structure s of families, economies and society. much(prenominal) persistent disparity would result in dire consequences for families and their children in terms of security and social stability. Compared to the poor, children and families from affluent households have better access to healthcare, education, legal and social services.Gender inequality is prevalent in most remote societies. If one sexual urge is considered more economically and socially viable than another, resources would be unequally distributed. Access to services is limited for women and girls in societies where the male gender receives preferential treatment.Globalisation is creating a ballooning underclass that is struggling due to growing income gaps and lack of job opportunities. This presents an ideal environment for international shepherds crook syndicates who are spreading cancerous crimes that exploit and victimise women and children e.g. drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal trade.Shift in Family Structu reGlobalisation has reshaped family structures into a more diverse profile. It has altered the roles of parents, women, family structure, and child facts of life practices.Today, the traditional role of women as caregivers can be assumed by fathers, extended families, guardians and domestic helps.As more women join the workforce, demand for early childhood services increases provided they are accessible, affordable and of quality. In most patriarchal societies, expectations of child rearing lie the mainstay of women while work, whether formal or informal, adds to their burden.The worldwide trend in increasing divorce rates is pushing the likelihood of single blood line (usually headed by a woman) as an alternative viable lifestyle in developed and developing countries.Cultural GlobalisationMass migration further extends the perimeters of smorgasbord in multicultural societies. Adjustment to new cultural framework causes transitional disequilibrium from set beliefs to new influen ces.Culture is transient. Throughout history, the retention, evolution or abandonment of personal beliefs were outcomes of exchanges, religious conversions, conquests and colonisation. Cultural beliefs and practices affect family structure and function as well as childrens sense of identity and belonging.In many Asian and sub-Saharan societies, collective mentality is the prevalent social perspective placing others in the lead self. Child rearing is viewed as a shared responsibility within the interdependent community and such notion deters individualism. Western child rearing philosophies promotes individualism. The exposure of Western influences has not threatened the existence of indigenous cultures but its assimilation may be deemed beneficial.Media and TechnologyGlobalisation facilitates cultural imperialism where the merchandise of movies and music, particularly from the West, has widespread influence in the world. The advent of the internet extends the influence to a far w ider reach exposing children to a myriad range of capacitance which can be beneficial or destructive.Consumer technology is another effect of globalisation. Computers and mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives especially in the affluent societies. Children straight off are much more conversant with technology. However, over-dependence and employ of such devices by children could compromise their interactive and inter-personal skills development.The media coupled with technology are influential in shaping values, beliefs and lifestyle.Other Risk FactorsAIDS today is a worldwide problem and globalisation has played no lessened part in the spread of this disease. Numbers are growing in Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. AIDS through heterosexual transmission system is prevalent in Africa. Globalisation through geographical mobility extends the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus. Women and children with HIV in developing countries are ost racised from the community usually without or with micro medical help.Wars not only destroy lives but have detrimental effects on children. Reduced food supply contributes to the lack of nutrition for children. Healthcare becomes scarce as priorities are diverted, for example, money spent on arms instead of vaccinations. Education opportunities are reduced in times of war. Children are separated from their families through death and evacuation usually spark advance to their abandonment.ConclusionThe effects of globalisation affecting families and children are long term and far-reaching. The many issues raised merely highlights the complexities and never-ending debate as to what measures are needed and how they can be implemented for the improvement in quality of life and proper raising of children with the provision of at least the basic necessities.On the macro level, governments and international organisations with vast resources at their disposal, should question their committ edness to help. They can certainly do more by putting past differences, biasness and ulterior motives. Schools, service providers, parents and caregivers should continue to fulfil their responsibilities in making the best effort in the upbringing of children regardless of cultural bias and work demands.