(This is an archived page, from the Patterns of Power Edition 3 book. Current versions are at book contents).
As communications and transport links have improved, it has been increasingly become possible for local employers to transfer work elsewhere: so-called ‘globalisation’ (3.4.2). Globalisation has had several effects on people’s lives:
· It has reduced prices and increased economic growth in many wealthy countries (3.5.4.1), but that growth has required some immigration to fill skills shortages.
· People in poorer countries, lacking economic opportunities, are drawn to rich countries as economic migrants (3.4.3.2), where they can help to fuel more economic growth (3.4.3.3).
· Competition from immigrants has depressed the wages of less-skilled people (3.5.4.4).
Technology (3.2.8) has also cut prices, increased economic growth and cut jobs (whilst creating some new highly-skilled jobs). Some communities in wealthy countries have been left behind by these economic changes, despite greater prosperity for most people.
Economic inclusivity, at a minimum, means that no one is deprived of their 'socio-economic rights' to food, shelter, health care and education (4.2.4.3). People expect more, though:
· Resentment can be caused by an economic system that seems unfair – whatever that is taken to mean (3.5.9.2).
· Economic inequality can also be seen as a lack of inclusivity; it has become a political issue (6.7.2).
· Some response is necessary to alleviate the problems of rapid economic change (6.7.8).
There is also an international aspect to this topic. Many people in countries with no economic opportunities migrate to find a better life, sometimes creating social and political problems when they arrive in their new homes (6.7.4.1). There are economic (3.5.8), moral (4.3.5.1) and political (6.7.6) reasons for helping poorer countries.