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

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

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.

• The core and periphery are interdependent geographical entities that form a system and are linked/connected with one another in varied ways.
• Links/flows/connections include global/international movements of people, money, ideas, goods and resources.
• In the past, a simple core–periphery system existed, that is, “MEDCs and LEDCs” or “the global north and south”. However, the emergence of a semi-periphery (NICs / emerging economies / BRICs) has made the system more complex.
• One view is that countries can ‘advance’ over time from periphery to semi-periphery and eventually gain core status (eg South Korea); another view is that the core actively reproduces the poverty of the periphery.

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:

• either a range of global core–periphery criteria and linkages/connections
• or more varied global core–periphery patterns/scales/perspectives.

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

Please refer to Paper 3 HL markbands.

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:

• telecommunication network growth (and thus cultural diffusion) [Guide 2]
• issues of landscape homogenization [Guide 4]
• cultural diffusion linked with flows of people and commodities [Guide 5]
• the homogenizing power of global media and TNCs [Guide 5]
• TNCs, glocalization and the adaption, not adoption, of culture [Guide 5]
• the concept of cultural imperialism [Guide 5]
• anti-globalization movements (focused on culture) [Guide 5]
• isolated groups/states unaffected by Western/other influences [Guide 7]
• diaspora groups in Western states which do not embrace Western culture [Guide 5].

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:

• either a structured synthesis that links together several well-evidenced and well-focused themes from the geography guide
• or a developed, critical conclusion (or greater ongoing evaluation).

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

Please refer to Paper 3 HL markbands.