Understanding Global Stratification: Outdated Terms and Modern Realities

Introduction

• Common term: First World Problems
• Origin of "First World" and "Third World":
  • Outdated and inaccurate terms
  • Rooted in Cold War politics: First World (Capitalist), Second World (Soviet and allies), Third World (non-aligned)
  • Post-Cold War, the terms persisted, inaccurately labeling countries based on income

Modern Classification of Countries

• Countries today are categorized based on economic productivity
• Key metrics:
  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Total output
  • Gross National Income (GNI): GDP per capita

High Income Countries

• Criteria: GNI above $12,500 per year
• Characteristics:
  • 79 countries including the US, UK, Germany
  • High standards of living, urbanized (81% urban)
  • Advanced industry and technology

Upper Middle Income Countries

• Criteria: GNI between $4,000 and $12,500
• Countries include: China, Mexico, Russia
• Features: Urbanized, access to infrastructure, comfortable standards of living

Lower Middle Income Countries

• Criteria: GNI between $1,000 and $4,000
• Examples: Ukraine, India
• Traits: 40% urbanized, limited access to services, higher maternal mortality

Low Income Countries

• Criteria: GNI below $1,000
• Characteristics:
  • Primarily rural, agriculture-based
  • High rates of disease, poor education, and basic needs access issues
  • High child mortality, education gaps

Poverty Types

• Relative Poverty: Exists in all societies
• Absolute Poverty: Lack of life-sustaining resources

Vulnerable Groups

Children

• Issues: Malnutrition, child labor
• UNICEF stats: 18.5 million orphans, 150 million in labor

Women

• Disproportionately affected by poverty
• Barriers: Cultural work restrictions, lack of rights

Causes of Global Poverty

• Lack of Technology: Basic tech can improve living standards
• Population Growth: Strains resources
• Gender Inequality: Limits economic development
• Social and Economic Stratification: Wealth inequality
• Colonialism and Neo-colonialism: Historical and ongoing exploitation

Positive Trends

• Global poverty is improving
• Life expectancy increased by 9 years (1990-2012)
• Child mortality rates have halved

Conclusion

• Importance of addressing social, cultural, and economic forces to combat poverty
• Next discussion: Theories behind global stratification

Additional Information

• Filmed in Dr. Cheryl C. Kinney Studio
• Sponsored by Patreon support