User interface language: English | Español

Date May 2018 Marks available 10 Reference code 18M.3.hl.2
Level HL only Paper 3 Time zone
Command term Analyse Question number 2 Adapted from N/A

Question

In a global context, analyse what is meant by “core areas” and “peripheries”.

[10]
a.

“Globalization involves the imposition of Western culture on the entire world.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

[15]
b.

Markscheme

In a global context, “core areas” can mean developed countries (eg G7/8 nations) while “peripheries” include a larger number of states at varying levels of economic development and with varying involvement in global interactions.

Good answers may apply (AO2) a wider range of knowledge and understanding (AO1) in a well-structured way (AO4). One approach might be to use the concept of scale to inform the analysis, eg there may be recognition that some world cities/megacities (eg Lagos) are global hubs (cores) despite belonging to “peripheral” countries (eg Nigeria). Another approach might be to analyse the way countries like China and India could be seen as “core” countries when viewed from a peripheral sub-Saharan African perspective.

Answers dealing only with national-scale core–periphery patterns (cities and rural regions within a country) are unlikely to reach band C but should be marked positively if the work shows understanding of core–periphery relationships (AO1) and is well structured (AO4).

For band C (4–6 marks), expect some weakly evidenced outlining of a basic global core–periphery pattern.

For band D (7–8 marks), expect a structured, evidenced analysis of:

For band E (9–10 marks), expect both band D traits.

Please refer to Paper 3 HL markbands.

a.

Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.

The focus here is “Western culture”, which is a debatable concept in itself (expect some definition to be provided in a good answer). The merit of the answer is likely to depend on the variety of different cultural traits and contexts that are examined, and also the quality of any counter-arguments (eg many may argue “imposition” is the wrong word; fewer may also argue that non-Western cultural influences have spread globally too).

Possible applied themes (AO2) include knowledge and understanding (AO1) of:

Good answers may synthesize (AO3) three of these or other relevant themes in a well-structured (AO4) way.

Good answers may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement, for example by evaluating the extent to which the adoption of Western culture is voluntary or forced. Another approach might be to examine the difference between broader “Western culture” and the narrower concept of “Americanization” (linked with a single superpower, the USA). Another approach might be to counter-argue the statement by evaluating the growing “imposition” of non-Western cultures on a global scale, eg Japanese, Indian, Chinese influences, or global movements linked with religion. Another approach might be to examine the extent to which culture is adapted/hybridized in local contexts, rather than simply “imposed”.

Polarized answers that deal only with Westernized and “non-Westernized” isolated states/people (N Korea or the Amish people) are unlikely to meet the critical evaluation criterion (which is required for band E).

For band C (5–8 marks), expect weakly evidenced outlining of two or three relevant themes (relating to culture) from the geography guide.

For band D (9–12 marks), expect:

For band E (13–15 marks), expect both of these traits.

Please refer to Paper 3 HL markbands.

b.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.

Syllabus sections

HL extension: Global interactions » Measuring global interactions » Global core and periphery

View options