With reference to two countries (excluding China, Japan and India), evaluate the effect of globalization on standards of living.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the effect of globalization on two countries. Candidates may offer equal coverage of their chosen countries, or they may prioritize their examination of one or the other. However, both countries will be a feature of the response. Oceanic countries are not acceptable choices and examples may not be taken from the period after 2005. Candidates will need to demonstrate an understanding of how standards of living may be measured, perhaps in terms of real income and enjoyment of consumer goods. Countries where the economy has a strong financial sector may have experienced a different impact from those which are agriculturally based. Globalization may have benefited industrial workers, where their products had access to new markets. Globalization may have altered the balance between economic sectors, and have promoted the growth of a middle class. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.