Yes and no…
The driving forces behind globalization and post-industrialization are primarily economic or political; therefore, their influence is primarily restricted to the developed world and their developing world trading partners. The post-isms are cultural or philosophical constructs whose influence is predominantly felt in the west.
Yes. Globalization, post-industrialization, and post-isms are changing the western, developed world where economic resources and political power are concentrated.
No. There is no significant change occurring among the bottom half of humanity. Most humans do not have enough resources to participate in the global economy or enough political representation to exert any influence.
Distribution of Income
The rich: 20% receive 90% of the world’s income
The poor: 46% receive 3% of the world’s income
The poorer: 20% receive 1% of the world’s income
The poorest: 2% have nothing.
Distribution of wealth
The richest 1% own 40% of global assets
The richest 10% own 85% of global assets
The poorest 50% own 1% of global assets
The tendency is towards even more concentration.
Is there hope for change?
Yes. There is hope because dominant forces of social, economic and political change destabilize the status quo, creating a more flexible context for agents of change to explore innovations and new opportunities. Through innovative methods, more resources can be developed which increase the standard of living of the poor without reliance on re-distribution of wealth. These methods are, however, proving to be financially viable solutions that will attract more and more investment capital as they mature.
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