Using examples, analyse the influence of diaspora populations on the cultural identity of different places.

Discuss ways in which communications technology can help and hinder human development processes.

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

A diaspora is a scattered population of common ancestry or heritage. Widely used examples include the global Indian, Chinese, Scottish, Irish, English, French and Jewish diasporas amongst many others. A country’s diaspora consists of its own overseas citizens, and citizens of other countries who are descended from earlier generations of migrants.

Possible influences of diaspora populations on cultural identity:

• By their presence, diaspora populations increase cultural diversity in particular places where they have become established.
• Diaspora populations may help to modify the culture of particular places as part of a “melting pot” effect; cultural traits including music, language, food and clothing may all be modified by the arrival of migrants and establishment of diaspora communities (US culture can be analysed as a hybrid culture made up of traits contributed by many different diasporas).
• The physical landscape can be modified by the construction of places of worship or specialist ethnic retailers and restaurants.
• The cultural identity of source countries is affected too: tourism in countries such as Ireland caters to the expectations of visitors from the diaspora, possibly resulting in the fossilization of source countries’ cultures.
• Influence may be far greater on particular neighbourhoods than it is on larger-scale cities or regions as a whole through the creation of ethnic villages (but ghettoization could limit cultural influence on other parts of the same local place).

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 that clearly analyses different ways in which cultural identity is influenced, including a range of cultural traits. Another approach might be to analyse the influence of diasporas on different countries, including the source country. Another approach might be to systematically analyse different examples of diasporas in varied geographic contexts.

For 4–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced outlining of the way one or more diaspora populations have influenced local places.

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

• either the varied ways in which local cultures have been influenced by the presence of different diaspora populations
• or the influence on local culture of diasporas in different geographical contexts, such as source and host countries

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.

Communications technology includes the internet, email and social networks; it is necessary for the functioning of “the internet of things”, drones, artificial intelligence, etc. Human development refers not just to economic growth but also to broader social, cultural and political changes over time. Human development can be studied at a national scale and also at a more local level (development may vary between rural and urban areas of a country, for example). Candidates may have varying interpretations of what “human development processes” may mean and these should be credited wherever relevant. Credit may be given for discussion of transportation networks, though an answer which focuses mainly on transport networks is unlikely to progress beyond the 5–8 band.

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

• different strands of human development (and the human development index) and ways in which communications could help support literacy, healthcare, etc
• the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the extent to which technology can help support them
• microfinance and alternative trading networks with developmental goals that may rely on communications technology
• the role of TNCs in creating / spreading wealth and the extent to which they rely on communications technology for their functioning and operation
• the role of communications technology in supporting global shifts that have hindered further economic growth in deindustrialized “rust belt” regions
• the role of communications technology in supporting criminal networks and activities with negative effects for people and places
• near-future technological threats for economies, employment and societies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics
• the disruptive effect of drone warfare in some parts of the world.

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

Good answers may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3b) of the statement that discusses the effects of communication technology on different strands of the human development process (economic, social, political, etc). Another approach might be to discuss ways in which technology helps or hinders development at different scales (local or national), or possible changes over time. A good discussion may conclude with a substantiated final judgment on the overall balance between “help” and “hinder”.

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.