Key Global Development Terms Explained

Vocabulary: Global Concepts

Global

Occurring or given on the scale of the entire globe.

Postindustrial

A type of society based less on manufacturing output and more on the production of services and knowledge.

Informational

A kind of post-industrial society where activities are organized through modern means of information processing.

Modernization

The transformation of a traditional society into a modern, technologically developed one with a high level of material welfare.

Transnational Corporations

Companies that develop their productive activities in several countries and seek to sell their goods and services in the global market.

Liberalization

The reduction of government controls on economic activity, allowing it to move within a framework of free competition.

Cosmopolitan Attitude

The attitude of citizens who feel connected to the world and are willing to accept cultural differences.

Traditional Culture

Culture inherited from previous generations and transmitted to new generations within the family and community.

Dominant Culture

The culture that, due to its greater power and prestige, has more influence in a given society.

International Community

Formed not only by states but also by other actors such as international organizations, NGOs, and global public opinion.

Vocabulary: Societal and Environmental Terms

Clean Technologies

Technologies that are harmless to the environment or at least less harmful than those used previously.

Internal Conflict

A conflict produced within a state as a result of confrontation between social groups vying for some reason.

ODA (Official Development Assistance)

Relates to official development assistance, consisting of grants and favorable loans granted by governments of rich countries to poor countries to foster their development.

Global Citizenship

The set of citizen rights recognized in international communication for anyone on the planet, regardless of the state where they live.

Human Resources

Represent workers in general and the citizens of a country by the possession of certain cultural standards and professional qualifications.

Institutional Resources

Represent the political, economic, and social structures that are more or less stable and effective in a country.

Climate Change

The change in climatic conditions of the Earth. Today, it is influenced by anthropogenic global warming.

Public Opinion

The beliefs and judgments about current issues that predominate at a given moment in a society.

Underdevelopment

The living situation in countries that have lagged behind in the intense process of modernization experienced by most developed countries.

Labor Productivity

The worker's ability to produce a certain amount of product in a given time.