Globalization and Transnational Processes (9B) - Psych & Soc

What is globalization in the MCAT social sciences context?

Increasing worldwide integration of economies, cultures, and populations. Encompasses economic, social, and cultural interconnectedness across borders.
What is globalization in the context of MCAT sociology and public health?

Increasing worldwide integration of economies, cultures, and populations. Encompasses economic, cultural, and demographic interconnectedness.
What is offshoring in the context of global labor and production?

Relocating business processes to another country. This strategy exploits comparative advantages in foreign locations, enhancing global supply chain efficiencies.
What is cultural divergence?

Societies becoming more different as local identities are reinforced. Occurs as groups resist homogenization and assert unique identities.
What is the 'race to the bottom' in global labor and regulation?

Countries lowering labor or environmental standards to attract investment. Competition leads to weakening protections to reduce business costs.
What is brain drain?

Emigration of highly skilled workers from poorer to richer countries. Depletes origin countries of human capital.
What is a remittance in the context of international migration?

Money sent by migrants to individuals or households in their home country. Major source of income for many developing countries.
What is cultural convergence in the context of globalization?

Cultures becoming more similar due to shared media, markets, and contact. Results from increased exposure to global media and consumer culture.
What is a remittance in migration studies?

Money sent by migrants to individuals or households in their origin country. Major economic flow supporting families and economies in origin countries.
What is a diaspora?

A dispersed population maintaining ties to a shared homeland identity. Examples include Jewish, Chinese, and African diasporas worldwide.
What is the epidemiologic transition associated with modernization?

Shift from infectious disease mortality to chronic disease mortality. Reflects improved sanitation, nutrition, and healthcare access.
What is McDonaldization?

Global spread of efficiency, predictability, calculability, control. Ritzer's theory of rationalization spreading globally.
What is globalization in the social sciences, as used on the MCAT?

Increasing worldwide integration of economies, cultures, and institutions. Encompasses economic, cultural, and political interconnectedness globally.
What is a free trade agreement?

A pact reducing trade barriers between participating countries. Eliminates tariffs and quotas to boost international trade.
What is brain drain?

Emigration of highly skilled workers from a country. Creates human capital loss for origin countries, gain for destinations.
In world-systems theory, what defines a semi-peripheral nation?

Intermediate development; both exploits and is exploited in the world economy. This status allows semi-peripheral nations to act as buffers, facilitating transitions within the global hierarchy.
What is assimilation as an acculturation outcome?

Adopting host culture while losing much of the original culture. Original cultural identity weakens as host culture dominates.
What is glocalization?

Global products or ideas adapted to fit local cultures and preferences. Combines 'global' and 'local' to create culturally hybrid products.
What is outsourcing in the context of globalization?

Contracting production or services to firms in other countries. Reduces costs by utilizing cheaper labor markets abroad.
What is a remittance in the context of migration and globalization?

Money sent by migrants to individuals in their origin country. Financial transfers supporting families across borders.
What is cultural divergence as a response to globalization?

Cultures becoming more distinct by emphasizing local identity and tradition. Often a protective reaction against perceived cultural homogenization.
What is a transnational process?

A social, economic, or political process spanning national borders. Transcends traditional nation-state boundaries.
What is the digital divide in the context of globalization?

Unequal access to digital technology and internet connectivity. Creates inequality between connected and disconnected populations.
What is a pull factor in international migration?

An attractive condition that draws people toward a destination. These factors, such as job opportunities, attract migrants, shaping patterns of transnational labor flows.
Which option best describes relative deprivation as a driver of collective action?

Perceived disadvantage compared with a reference group, not absolute poverty. Focuses on subjective comparison rather than objective conditions.
What is marginalization as an acculturation outcome?

Low identification with both original and host cultures. Results in cultural isolation and identity loss.
What is a diaspora?

A dispersed population maintaining ties to a shared origin or homeland. Examples include Jewish, Chinese, and African diasporas globally.
Identify the concept: A firm tailors a global fast-food menu to local religious norms.

Glocalization. Adapts global products to local cultural contexts.
What is outsourcing?

Contracting work to an external firm, often in another country. Reduces costs by using cheaper labor markets abroad.
What is a push factor for migration?

Origin-country condition that motivates leaving (e.g., conflict, poverty). Negative conditions driving emigration decisions.
What is offshoring?

Moving business processes or production to another country. Differs from outsourcing by relocating entire operations internationally.
What is glocalization in analyses of global culture?

Global products or ideas adapted to local cultures. Combines globalization with localization for culturally-specific adaptations.
What is glocalization?

Adapting global products or ideas to local cultures. Blends global and local elements (global + local).
Identify the term: immigrants maintain origin culture while adopting host culture.

Integration (biculturalism). Berry's model: high heritage culture + high host culture adoption.
What is globalization in the MCAT social sciences context?

Increasing worldwide integration of economies, cultures, and populations. Connects markets, societies, and people across borders.
What is a maquiladora?

Border-zone factory assembling imported parts for export. Common in Mexico, exploits low wages and tariff exemptions.
Which world-systems category typically has high wages and high-skill production?

Core. Dominant nations with advanced technology and capital accumulation.
What is cultural imperialism as a globalization concept?

Dominant culture displaces local cultures via power and media. Often associated with Western/American cultural dominance globally.
What is outsourcing in global economic production?

Contracting tasks to external firms, often in other countries. This practice reduces costs by leveraging global labor markets, contributing to transnational economic interdependence.
What is brain drain?

Emigration of highly skilled workers from a country. Loss of talent harms origin country's development.
What are remittances in the context of transnational migration?

Money migrants send to individuals or communities in their origin country. Major economic flow supporting families and economies in developing nations.
What is brain gain in the context of transnational migration?

Increase in skilled human capital via immigration or return migration. Benefits receiving countries through enhanced workforce expertise.
What is a remittance in migration studies?

Money sent by migrants to individuals in their country of origin. Financial support flows from migrants to home communities.
What is a push factor for migration?

A condition that drives people to leave an origin location. Examples: poverty, conflict, persecution, or environmental disasters.
What is the demographic transition model's key outcome as countries industrialize?

Shift from high birth/death rates to low birth/death rates over time. This model explains population stabilization in industrialized nations due to socioeconomic changes from globalization.
What is a multinational corporation (MNC)?

A firm operating in multiple countries with integrated management. Examples include McDonald's, Coca-Cola, and Toyota.
What is homogenization in globalization theory?

Cultures become more similar due to shared global influences. Creates "McDonaldization" of world cultures.
What is brain drain as a globalization-related migration pattern?

Emigration of highly educated or skilled workers from a country. This phenomenon depletes origin countries of talent, exacerbating global inequalities in skilled labor distribution.
Which concept best fits: a fast-food chain changes its menu for local tastes?

Glocalization. Demonstrates adaptation of global products to local contexts.
What is cultural diffusion as a globalization process?

Spread of cultural beliefs and social activities between groups. Ideas, practices, and values move across cultural boundaries.
What is offshoring, and how does it differ from outsourcing?

Relocating work abroad; outsourcing is contracting, not necessarily abroad. Offshoring moves operations; outsourcing uses third parties.
Identify the concept: a disease spreads via international air travel networks.

Globalization-driven disease diffusion (transnational transmission). Shows how interconnectedness facilitates rapid disease spread.
What is cultural relativism as applied to global cultural comparison?

Evaluating a culture by its own standards rather than external norms. This approach promotes understanding diverse cultures on their own terms, countering biases in global interactions.
What is cultural relativism when analyzing global cultural practices?

Evaluating a culture using that culture's own standards and context. Avoids bias by understanding practices within their cultural framework.
What is brain drain?

Emigration of highly educated or skilled workers from a country. Talent leaves developing nations for better opportunities.
What is globalization in the social sciences?

Increasing worldwide integration of economies, cultures, and politics. Connects markets, societies, and governments across borders.
What is glocalization in cultural change?

Global products or ideas adapted to local cultures and preferences. Blends global and local elements for cultural relevance.
What is a global supply chain?

International network of production, labor, and distribution stages. Connects raw materials to consumers across multiple countries.
In world-systems theory, what defines a peripheral nation?

Low-skill, low-wage, labor-intensive production and weaker institutions. These traits position peripheral nations as suppliers of raw materials, reinforcing their dependency in the global economy.
What is epidemiologic transition in relation to development and globalization?

Shift from infectious disease burden to chronic degenerative diseases. This shift occurs as societies develop, reflecting improved healthcare and lifestyle changes driven by global influences.
What is acculturation?

Cultural change from sustained contact between groups. Results from prolonged intercultural interaction.
What is neoliberalism as an economic approach tied to globalization?

Market deregulation, privatization, and reduced state economic control. Promotes free markets and minimal government intervention globally.
What term describes companies operating in multiple countries with global supply chains?

Multinational corporation (MNC). Operates across borders with integrated global operations.
What is offshoring?

Relocating business processes or production to another country. Moves operations overseas for cost or strategic advantages.
What is offshoring in the global economy?

Relocating business processes to another country. Moves operations abroad while maintaining ownership.
Which term best fits: Local fast-food menu changes to match regional tastes?

Glocalization. McDonald's offering rice dishes in Asia exemplifies this adaptation.
What is neoliberalism as an economic approach tied to globalization?

Emphasis on free markets, privatization, deregulation, and trade liberalization. This ideology promotes global economic integration by reducing barriers, influencing policies worldwide.
What is a transnational process?

A process that crosses national borders and links multiple societies. Emphasizes phenomena that transcend single nation-state boundaries.
What is push-pull theory of migration?

Migration driven by push factors at origin and pull factors at destination. Negative origin factors push while positive destination factors pull.
What term describes a corporation operating in multiple countries with global supply chains?

Multinational corporation (MNC). Operates across borders with centralized management and decentralized operations.
What is cultural convergence?

Societies becoming more similar in norms and practices over time. Often results from globalization and shared media exposure.
What is outsourcing?

Contracting work to an external organization, often abroad. Reduces costs by utilizing global labor markets and expertise.
What is remittance in migration studies?

Money sent by migrants to individuals or households in origin countries. Major economic support for developing countries.
What is offshoring?

Relocating business processes to a different country. Differs from outsourcing by moving entire operations abroad.
What is remittance in the context of transnational migration?

Money sent by migrants to individuals or institutions in the origin country. These transfers support origin economies, highlighting the economic impacts of migration in globalized contexts.
Which option best describes the digital divide: unequal access to what resource?

Information and communication technologies (especially internet access). Creates disparities in education, economic opportunity, and social participation.
What is a pull factor for migration?

A condition that attracts people to a destination location. Examples: jobs, education, safety, or family reunification opportunities.
Identify the term for movement from rural areas to cities, often accelerated by global industry.

Urbanization. Global economic shifts create job opportunities drawing rural populations.
What is cultural diffusion in the context of globalization?

Spread of cultural beliefs and practices from one group to another. Can occur through trade, media, migration, or direct contact.
What is cultural imperialism?

Dominant culture spreading and displacing local cultures and values. Often critiqued as Western values dominating through media and commerce.
Which concept best fits: a local language declines as global media promotes a dominant language?

Cultural imperialism. Powerful culture overwhelms and replaces local practices.
What is glocalization?

Global products or ideas adapted to fit local cultures and markets. Combines 'global' and 'local' to describe hybrid adaptations.
Which concept best fits: a country loses physicians to higher-paying nations?

Brain drain. Illustrates skilled worker migration driven by economic disparities.
What is cultural imperialism in globalization studies?

Dominance of one culture over others, often via media and markets. This concept explains how powerful cultures impose their values globally, often leading to cultural homogenization.
What is meant by transnational processes in sociology?

Cross-border flows of people, goods, capital, ideas, and institutions. Processes that extend beyond national borders, creating global networks.
What is the dependency theory claim about global inequality?

Core nations develop by exploiting peripheral nations. Suggests wealthy nations maintain poverty in developing countries for profit.
What is the epidemiologic transition associated with globalization and development?

Shift from infectious disease to chronic, degenerative disease burden. Modernization changes primary causes of death over time.
What is cultural imperialism in globalization?

Dominant culture displaces local cultures via media, goods, and norms. Powerful cultures overwhelm and replace local traditions.
What is a pandemic as used in global health and globalization?

An epidemic spread across multiple countries or continents. Requires coordinated international public health responses.
What term describes political and economic relationships that cross national borders and reduce state control?

Transnationalism. Creates connections beyond traditional nation-state boundaries.
What is cultural imperialism?

Dominant culture displaces local cultures through power and media. Often criticized as Western cultural domination.
What is the main idea of the McDonaldization thesis?

Global spread of efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control. This thesis argues that rationalized systems from fast-food models extend globally, standardizing social and economic practices.
What is a diaspora?

A dispersed population maintaining ties to a shared homeland. Communities maintain cultural connections across borders.
What is cultural divergence?

Cultures becoming more distinct, often to preserve identity. Resistance to homogenization strengthens local traditions.
Which term best fits: A migrant keeps strong ties to origin and host countries?

Transnationalism. Describes migrants maintaining dual connections and identities.
What term describes increasing similarity of cultures due to global flows and media?

Cultural convergence (homogenization). Results in loss of cultural diversity as societies become more alike.
What is a multinational corporation (MNC)?

A firm operating in multiple countries with coordinated management. These entities drive economic globalization by integrating operations across borders to maximize efficiency and profits.
What is a diaspora in the context of migration and transnationalism?

Dispersed population maintaining ties to a shared homeland. Members often maintain dual identities and transnational connections.
Which concept best fits: migrants maintain strong ties to their origin country while living abroad?

Transnationalism. Living between two cultures, maintaining dual connections.
What is globalization in the sociological sense relevant to MCAT 9B?

Increasing worldwide interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and people. This captures the core sociological view of globalization as fostering interdependencies across borders in economic, cultural, and social domains.
What is a push factor in migration?

A condition that drives people to leave their origin country or region. Examples: war, poverty, persecution, or lack of opportunities.
What is outsourcing in the global economy?

Contracting work to an external organization, often in another country. Reduces costs by utilizing external expertise or cheaper labor.
Which option best exemplifies transnational advocacy networks: A) local club B) cross-border NGO coalition C) single-state agency?

B) Cross-border NGO coalition. NGOs working across borders exemplify transnational advocacy.
Which term best fits: A TV industry exports shows that reshape norms abroad?

Cultural imperialism. Hollywood's global influence on values demonstrates this concept.
What is a pull factor in migration?

A condition that attracts people to a destination country or region. Examples: jobs, safety, education, or political freedom.
What is globalization in the social sciences, as tested on the MCAT?

Increasing worldwide interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and people. Emphasizes economic, cultural, and social connections across national boundaries.
Identify the term: immigrants abandon origin culture and adopt host culture.

Assimilation. Berry's model: low heritage culture + high host culture adoption.
What is glocalization as a pattern of cultural change under globalization?

Global products or ideas adapted to local cultures and preferences. This hybrid process illustrates how globalization blends universal elements with local adaptations to meet specific needs.
What is cultural diffusion as a globalization mechanism?

Spread of cultural traits across societies via contact and media. Occurs through migration, trade, and technology.
What is a global commodity chain (or global value chain)?

Transnational network linking production, distribution, and consumption. These chains illustrate how globalization fragments production across countries to optimize value and distribution.
What is globalization in the context of social and economic processes relevant to health and behavior?

Increasing worldwide integration of economies, cultures, and populations. Connects markets, societies, and people across national boundaries.
What is a transnational process in sociology?

A social, economic, or political process operating across national borders. Emphasizes processes that transcend traditional nation-state boundaries.
What is outsourcing in the context of globalization?

Contracting work to external firms, often in other countries. Reduces costs by utilizing cheaper labor or specialized services abroad.
What is brain drain in global migration and development?

Emigration of highly educated or skilled workers from a country. Depletes human capital and hinders development in origin countries.
What is a transnational process as used in discussions of globalization?

A social, economic, or political process operating across national borders. Transcends national boundaries in its scope and impact.
What is outsourcing?

Contracting work to an external organization, often in another country. Reduces costs by utilizing global labor markets and specialization.
What is offshoring in the context of globalization?

Relocating business processes to another country. Differs from outsourcing by moving entire operations, not just contracting.
What is neoliberalism as an economic policy orientation?

Emphasis on deregulation, privatization, and free markets. Promotes minimal government intervention in markets.
What is integration (biculturalism) as an acculturation outcome?

Maintaining original culture while participating in host culture. Successfully balances heritage and new cultural identities.
Which world-systems category is often characterized by low wages and raw material extraction?

Periphery. Exploited nations providing cheap labor and natural resources to core.
What is glocalization as a response to globalization?

Adapting global products or ideas to fit local culture and preferences. Blends global and local elements (global + localization).
What is cultural imperialism in the context of globalization?

Imposition of one culture's values and practices on another culture. Often occurs through media, economic power, or political influence.
Which concept best describes rapid worldwide spread of disease via travel and trade?

Global pandemics enabled by increased transnational connectivity. This reflects how globalization's enhanced mobility accelerates disease transmission across international borders.
What is offshoring in the context of globalization?

Relocating business operations to another country. Differs from outsourcing by moving entire operations.
What is brain gain?

Increase in skilled workers via immigration or return migration. Benefits receiving countries through influx of educated professionals.
Which concept best fits: global fast-food chain changes menu to match local religious rules?

Glocalization. Adapts global brand to respect local cultural norms.
In world-systems theory, what defines a core nation?

High-skill, high-wage, capital-intensive production and strong institutions. These characteristics enable core nations to dominate global trade and maintain economic advantages in world-systems.
What is brain drain?

Emigration of highly skilled workers from a country. Depletes human capital in developing countries seeking better opportunities.
What is cultural imperialism?

Dominant culture spreading and displacing local cultures. Power imbalance allows one culture to dominate others.
What is urbanization as a global demographic process?

Population shift from rural areas to cities with growth of urban centers. This trend accompanies industrialization and globalization, concentrating populations and resources in urban areas.
Identify the concept: wealthy nations shift hazardous production or waste to poorer nations.

Environmental injustice (global environmental inequality). Reflects unequal distribution of environmental risks based on global power.
What is a remittance in migration studies?

Money sent by migrants to individuals or households in their origin country. Major source of foreign currency and development for origin countries.
What is cultural convergence?

Cultures becoming more similar due to shared influences. Homogenization occurs through global media and trade.
What is brain gain?

Increase in skilled labor via immigration or return migration. Benefits receiving country's economy and innovation.
What is cultural relativism as it applies to evaluating global cultural practices?

Judging practices within their cultural context, not by one's own norms. Avoids ethnocentrism by understanding practices in their own context.
What is McDonaldization?

Spread of efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control norms. Ritzer's theory applies fast-food principles to broader society.
What is a transnational process?

A social, economic, or political process spanning national borders. Transcends traditional nation-state boundaries.
What is cultural diffusion as a mechanism of globalization?

Spread of cultural beliefs and practices from one group to another. This process facilitates globalization by allowing cultural elements to transfer and influence diverse societies worldwide.
What is a push factor in international migration?

A negative condition that drives people to leave their origin location. These factors, like poverty or conflict, motivate migration, contributing to global population movements.
What is a pull factor for migration?

Destination-country attraction (e.g., jobs, safety, education). Positive features attracting immigration.
What is the dependency theory claim about global inequality?

Core nations enrich themselves by extracting resources from periphery nations. This theory highlights how global economic structures perpetuate inequality between developed and developing nations.
What is hybridization in globalization theory?

Mixing of local and global elements into new cultural forms. Creates unique blends rather than pure replacement.
What is the informal economy?

Unregulated work not taxed or monitored by the state. Operates outside government oversight and taxation systems.
What is glocalization?

Adapting global products or ideas to local cultures and markets. Blends global and local ("think global, act local").
Identify the concept: A country lowers tariffs to increase cross-border trade and investment.

Trade liberalization. Reduces barriers to promote free trade.
What is ethnocentrism in cross-cultural or global health evaluation?

Judging other cultures by the standards of one's own culture. Often leads to biased or unfair cross-cultural assessments.
What is a transnational process in the context of globalization?

A cross-border flow of people, goods, capital, ideas, or institutions. This defines processes that transcend national boundaries, enabling global integration through various exchanges.
What is ethnocentrism in the context of globalization and cultural contact?

Judging other cultures by the standards of one's own culture. This bias can hinder cross-cultural understanding and exacerbate conflicts in increasingly interconnected global societies.
What term describes rapid worldwide spread of infectious disease facilitated by travel and trade?

Pandemic (global epidemic). Modern transportation enables diseases to spread globally.
What is a refugee according to international definitions used in sociology?

Person fleeing persecution with a well-founded fear; crosses a border. Protected by international law and conventions.
What is a global commodity chain?

International network linking production, processing, and distribution. Connects raw materials to final consumers globally.
What is cultural imperialism?

Dominant culture displacing local cultures via media, markets, and power. Often critiqued as Western culture dominating through economic power.
What is world-systems theory's three-part division of the global economy?

Core, semi-periphery, and periphery. Wallerstein's model categorizes nations by economic power and exploitation.

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