Using examples, analyse ways in which global interactions can lead to improved gender equality.

Discuss the opportunities and challenges that global interactions create for different transnational corporations (TNCs).

Marks should be allocated according to the paper 3 part A markbands. These can be found under the “Your tests” tab > supplemental materials.

Gender equality between men and women is manifested in varying ways, including income and earnings, access to education, political representation and personal freedoms.

Possible links between global interactions and improved gender equality:

• Cultural diffusion via global media and social networks (equality as an increasingly ‘global’ social norm – in relation to the workplace, gender roles in the home, or other areas of life).
• Economic opportunities for women linked with economic interactions, including microlending and work provided by TNCs (outsourcing and offshoring).
• TNC social responsibility for frameworks and examples of affirmative action.
• Global social media puts spotlight on certain issues, eg Boko Haram, which can spur action.
• Possible correlation between globalization indices (Kearney) and gender indices.

Do not credit a discussion of lessened gender equality; this is not asked for.

Good answers may apply (AO2) a wider range of knowledge and understanding (AO1) in a well-structured way (AO4). One approach might be to provide a structured systematic analysis of how different global interactions / flows / processes (information, investment, agreements) lead to improved gender equality. Another approach might be to analyse, in turn, direct actions and indirect influences (such as films and social media).

For 4–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced outlining of two instances of increased gender equality on account of global interactions. Responses that neglect the gendered aspects of inequality are unlikely to reach this level.

For 7–9 marks, expect a structured, evidenced analysis of:

• either a range of different gender equality improvements
• or a range of different global interactions linked with improved gender equality.

For 10–12 marks, expect both of these traits.

Credit all content in line with the markbands. Marks should be allocated according to the paper 3 part B markbands. These can be found under the “Your tests” tab > supplemental materials. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.

TNCs are a diverse group of businesses, including energy, heavy industry, electronics and media providers that operate across national boundaries. The discussion could vary according to the type of company being discussed (eg media or manufacturing companies). The opportunities and challenges relate primarily to access to new markets, but there are also practical, cultural, ethical, political and technological opportunities and challenges to discuss – though ultimately all are linked with the bigger economic picture of profit. The discussion may focus on transnational corporations acting alone or in partnership with outsourcing suppliers as part of production networks.

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

• The growth of emerging economies and new markets for exploitation.
• The opportunity to successfully deploy strategies, such as glocalization, mergers and acquisitions, and joint ventures.
• Lower production costs in export processing zones and low wage economies, either through offshoring or outsourcing.
• The opportunity to operate within trading blocs with low tariff barriers.
• The opportunity to maximize profits through tax avoidance strategies.

Challenges:

• The challenges of anti-globalization movements / renewed to local production
• The challenge of global campaigns eg against plastic packaging of products
• The challenge of national trade restrictions, including protectionism.
• Physical and human supply-chain risks and the need to re-shore activity.
• Disruptive new technologies, including 3D printing and cyber-attacks.

Good answers may synthesize (AO3a) three or more of the above (or other) themes in a well-structured way (AO4).

Good answers may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3b) of the statement that examines the balance of opportunities and challenges for different kinds of TNC. Another approach might be to critically discuss how opportunities and challenges exist in particular places rather than being global in scale. Another approach might be to discuss the relative balance of opportunities and challenges changing over time (with challenges increasing recently, eg renewed protectionism). A good discussion may conclude with a substantiated final judgment on the overall balance between challenges and opportunities.

For 5–8 marks, expect weakly evidenced and/or imbalanced outlining of two or three relevant themes.

For 9–12 marks, expect:

• either a structured synthesis that links together several well-evidenced themes from the Guide
• or a critical conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) informed by geographical concepts and / or perspectives.

For 13–16 marks, expect both of these traits.