Name:
Globalisation


Words: globalization, interconnectedness, integration, interdependence, international trade, investment, free trade, wage stagnation, income inequality, cultural globalization, demographic shift, technological advancement, exploitation of labor, environmental degradation, sustainable globalization
1. Economic Globalisation
Economic globalisation means that countries trade more with each other and are connected through business. Companies can sell their products in many countries, and people can buy goods from all over the world. This often makes products cheaper and gives consumers more choices. However, some workers may lose their jobs when companies move factories to countries where labour is cheaper. This can cause unfair wages and bigger gaps between rich and poor.
Key Vocabulary: trade, business, products, cheap labour, wages, economy, global market
Example: A clothing company designs shirts in Germany but produces them in Bangladesh.
2. Cultural Globalisation
Cultural globalisation means that music, movies, food, fashion, and ideas spread around the world. People can experience many cultures through social media, streaming, and travel. This can make societies more open and diverse. But it can also mean that traditional customs and languages are pushed aside when global brands and media become more popular.
Key Vocabulary: culture, media, social media, traditions, diversity, lifestyle, global brands
Example: People around the world watching the same Netflix series or eating at the same fast‑food chains.
3. Political Globalisation
Political globalisation means that countries work together to solve global problems. International organisations, like the United Nations or the European Union, help governments make shared decisions. Countries cooperate on issues such as climate change, trade rules, and human rights. However, some people worry that their country loses control over its own decisions.
Key Vocabulary: government, cooperation, international organisations, laws, climate change, agreements, sovereignty
Example: Many countries agreeing to reduce CO₂ emissions to protect the climate.
Type of
Globalisation
Definition (in simple words)
Example
Advantages
Disadvantages
Economic
Cultural
Political

CEO of a Global Company
I run a large international company. Globalisation helps me reach new markets and produce goods at lower costs. I benefit from cheap labour and global supply chains. However, I also face criticism for outsourcing and environmental impact.

Online Seller
I sell products on international platforms. Globalisation allows me to reach customers around the world. Shipping is fast and affordable. But competition is high, and big corporations make it hard for small sellers like me to stand out.
Tech Engineer
I design new technology used worldwide. Globalisation gives me job opportunities in many countries. I can work with international teams. Still, I feel pressure to constantly update my skills, and jobs can easily move to cheaper countries.

Shop Owner
I run a small local shop. Globalisation means customers can buy cheap products online instead. I struggle to keep my shop open. On the other hand, I can now purchase goods from around the world for my store.

Environmental Activist
I fight for a cleaner planet. Globalisation increases pollution, waste, and carbon emissions. But it also helps me connect with activists worldwide and spread awareness. It’s a constant struggle to balance economic growth and sustainability.

Truck Driver
I transport goods across long distances. Globalisation creates more jobs for drivers like me because more products are traded internationally. But working hours are long, fuel prices rise, and there is pressure to deliver faster and cheaper.

Sneakers start as simple natural and synthetic materials.
Rubber comes from rubber trees, often harvested in Thailand or Malaysia.
Cotton for the shoe fabric is grown in countries like India or the USA.
Plastic parts are made from oil, which is a fossil fuel.
All these materials must be cleaned, processed, and prepared before they can be used in production.
Many workers in this stage earn very little money.
Rubber tapping and cotton farming can involve tough physical labour.
On the positive side, this stage creates many jobs and supports local economies.

Most sneaker production takes place in huge factories in countries such as China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Here the shoe parts are cut, glued, sewn, and finally assembled.
Factories use machines, but also a lot of manual work, especially for stitching and gluing.
The main reason companies produce here is low labour costs.
However, workers often face long working hours, unsafe chemicals, and very small wages.
Sometimes even child labour is involved.
Still, manufacturing can improve living conditions when factories follow international standards.


While sneakers are made in Asia, the design and branding usually take place in Europe or the USA.
Creative teams plan the look, colours, comfort, technology, and the marketing campaigns.
Brands use sports stars and influencers to make sneakers look “cool” and desirable.
This stage adds a lot to the final price.
A well-known logo can make a product much more expensive — even if production costs stay low.
In this step, companies try to create a “lifestyle” around the sneakers.
Sneakers travel thousands of kilometres before they reach the shops.
Most are transported in large containers on cargo ships from Asia to Europe or America.
Then trucks or trains deliver them to warehouses and stores.
Transport is cheap for companies but expensive for the environment.
Ships burn heavy oil which releases CO₂ and other harmful gases.
Climate activists say we should reduce global transport to protect the planet.
However, global trade also offers consumers more choice and lower prices.

In shops or online stores, customers finally buy the sneakers.
Here, retail companies add their own price to make a profit.
Marketing, packaging, and store staff also add to the final cost.
Consumers often pay over 100 €, although workers in factories receive only a tiny part of that money.
But buying sneakers can also support innovation, sports culture, and local jobs in shops and delivery services.


Most sneakers end up in the trash after one or two years.
They are difficult to recycle because they contain many different materials (rubber, glue, fabric, foam).
As a result, many shoes are thrown into landfills or burned.
This creates pollution and microplastics that harm the environment.
Some companies are trying to improve recycling and develop biodegradable materials.
Customers can also help by repairing, donating, or buying more sustainable sneakers.


Today, almost everyone owns a smartphone. We use it to take photos, listen to music, talk to friends, or do homework. But many people do not know how long the journey of a smartphone really is. Before it arrives in your hand, it travels around the world.
The journey starts with the materials inside the phone. Important materials are lithium, cobalt, copper, and gold. These materials are found underground. Workers in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chile, and China dig them out of mines. Mining is hard and dangerous work. Sometimes workers do not have good tools or enough safety equipment. For the environment, mining can also be harmful. It can damage the land and pollute rivers.
After the materials are taken from the ground, they are sent to large factories, mostly in Asia. China is one of the biggest production countries. In these factories, thousands of workers help build the different parts of the phone. Some workers make the battery, others make the screen or the small computer chips inside the phone. Then all parts are put together in an assembly line. Factory work creates many jobs, but it is also tiring. Workers often need to work long hours for little money.
When the smartphone is finished, it travels again. It is packed into boxes and shipped around the world. Some phones travel by ship, others by airplane. This creates CO₂ emissions, which are bad for the climate. Finally, the phones arrive in shops or online warehouses, where customers can buy them.
But the journey does not end when you buy the phone. After one or two years, many people buy a new model. Old phones often end up in the trash. This is a big problem because phones contain toxic materials. If they are not recycled, they can harm the environment. Some companies now offer recycling programs. This helps reuse valuable materials and protect nature.
The journey of your smartphone shows that modern products are connected to many people and many places. It also shows that every choice we make has an impact — on workers, on the environment, and on the planet. By using our phones longer, recycling them, and choosing sustainable brands, we can help make the journey better for everyone.

The smartphone is one of the most globalized products of our time. Although it fits in your pocket, it connects dozens of countries, thousands of workers, and a complex web of resources and technologies. Understanding its journey helps us see both the benefits and the problems of global supply chains.
The journey begins with raw materials. Smartphones require lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements. These materials are mined in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Australia, Indonesia, and Chile. Mining is often risky work. Many miners face long hours, unstable tunnels, low wages, and exposure to toxic dust. Environmental harm is another issue: forests are cleared, soil becomes contaminated, and water sources are polluted.
Once extracted, the materials are shipped to processing plants where they are cleaned and refined. After that, they are transported again — this time to manufacturing hubs, mostly in East and Southeast Asia. China, Vietnam, and South Korea produce many key components, including microchips, batteries, and touchscreens. Factories here benefit from skilled labor and advanced technology, but the pressure to keep prices low often leads to tough working conditions. Workers may face strict deadlines, night shifts, and repetitive tasks.
After the parts are manufactured, assembly takes place in enormous factories, sometimes employing more than 100,000 people. On assembly lines, workers attach screens, connect batteries, install cameras, and test software. The process is extremely efficient, allowing companies to produce millions of smartphones every month.
Once assembled, smartphones begin another long trip. They are packaged, loaded onto ships or planes, and distributed to markets around the world. This global transport generates significant CO₂ emissions, contributing to climate change. Marketing, retail, and customer service are also part of the supply chain, adding to the final price consumers pay.
The smartphone’s journey continues even after purchase. Many devices are replaced quickly, often for cosmetic reasons or minor updates. This leads to growing amounts of electronic waste. E-waste is dangerous because it contains toxic chemicals that can leak into the environment. Responsible recycling is essential, but many phones still end up in landfills.
The journey of a smartphone highlights both the advantages and the hidden costs of modern technology. It creates innovation, jobs, and global communication — but also raises questions about sustainability, labor rights, and environmental protection. As consumers, we can influence this journey by repairing devices, recycling old phones, and supporting companies that invest in ethical and sustainable production.


Topic 1: Wages
B1
In many garment factories around the world, workers earn very little money. Some workers get only a few euros per day, even if they work 10–12 hours. This money is often not enough to buy food, clothes, or pay for housing. Many workers have no contract and no social benefits. Some factories pay workers only when the orders are finished. Sometimes workers ask for higher wages, but factory owners refuse. Low wages can also make it hard for workers to send their children to school. People call this “unfair pay.” Low wages affect families, because workers often have to work extra jobs to survive. Fair wages are very important because they help workers live a healthy life and support their families. Some organizations and campaigns are trying to make companies pay fair wages. But many big brands focus on cheap production and do not change their policies. Consumers can also have an effect, for example by choosing ethically produced clothes.
B2:
In many sweatshops worldwide, garment workers receive extremely low wages, often below legal minimum standards. Employees may work 10–12 hours a day, six or seven days a week, yet they cannot afford basic necessities such as food, clothing, or housing. In addition, most workers have no contracts, social benefits, or health insurance, which increases economic vulnerability. Low wages also limit access to education for workers’ children, perpetuating cycles of poverty. While some workers attempt to request higher pay, factory management frequently rejects their claims, prioritizing profit over human welfare. International advocacy groups emphasize that paying fair wages is essential for human dignity, social justice, and reducing global economic inequality. Some companies have started adopting ethical production standards, but enforcement is inconsistent. Consumers can influence the system by supporting brands that guarantee fair wages and transparency in their supply chains. Understanding wage inequality is crucial for evaluating the social cost of cheap fashion products.
Topic 2: Working Hours
B1
In many sweatshops, workers have to work very long hours every day. Some workers work ten to twelve hours, six or seven days a week. This is very tiring and sometimes dangerous. Workers often do not get enough breaks or time to eat. Because of long hours, many workers are very tired and cannot rest properly. Young workers are also affected and sometimes do jobs that are too difficult for them. Long hours increase the risk of accidents. Sometimes machines are dangerous, and tired workers can get hurt. Some factories also require overtime without paying extra money. Families are affected because workers have little time to see their children or do other things. Even small breaks can help, but they are often not given. Reducing working hours is important to keep workers healthy, safe, and able to have a better life.

B2:
Excessive working hours are a major problem in the global garment industry. Workers frequently perform long shifts of 10–12 hours per day, six or seven days per week. The lack of adequate breaks increases fatigue, reduces concentration, and raises the risk of accidents. Young workers are especially vulnerable, as their physical development and stamina may not be sufficient for demanding tasks. Overtime is often compulsory, and extra pay is rarely provided. Extended hours also restrict opportunities for education, family time, and personal development. Factory management often enforces tight deadlines to meet global production schedules, creating physical and mental stress. The combination of long hours and poor safety standards can lead to injuries, chronic health problems, and even fatalities. Reducing working hours and enforcing labor regulations is essential for protecting workers’ health and promoting sustainable employment.
Topic 3: Safety
B1
Many sweatshops are not safe for workers. Some buildings are old or broken and may collapse. Fire alarms, fire exits, or other safety equipment are often missing. Machines can be very dangerous, and workers sometimes have no gloves, helmets, or masks. Because of unsafe conditions, accidents happen often, and workers can get hurt or even die. Some accidents are caused by crowded workplaces or poor lighting. In some factories, safety rules exist on paper but are not followed. Workers often have no training on how to use machines safely. Improving safety is very important to protect lives. Some international organizations check factories and give advice. Companies that follow safety rules can reduce accidents and protect their workers.

B2
Safety standards in many sweatshops are extremely low, putting workers at constant risk. Factory buildings may be structurally unsound, with missing fire alarms, emergency exits, or adequate lighting. Machinery is often unguarded, and protective equipment such as gloves, helmets, or masks is rarely provided. Inadequate safety measures result in frequent accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Overcrowded conditions, poor ventilation, and lack of emergency training exacerbate the dangers. The collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh demonstrated the catastrophic consequences of neglecting worker safety. Although some factories implement safety regulations, enforcement is often weak. International organizations advocate for strict occupational health and safety inspections and compliance with legal standards. Companies that prioritize profit over safety endanger lives, while those adopting ethical practices reduce risks and promote sustainable labor conditions. Educating workers and management about safety is also critical for preventing accidents and maintaining a productive workforce.
Topic 4: Child Labour
B1
Child labour is a serious problem in some countries. Some children work in garment factories instead of going to school. They often perform hard or dangerous work, like carrying heavy materials or operating machines. Children can work 10–12 hours a day. Working so much is very tiring and can make them sick or hurt. Child labour is illegal in many countries, but it still happens because families need money. Children who work often cannot learn or play, which is unfair. Organizations try to stop child labour by checking factories, helping families, and giving children access to school. People can also help by buying clothes from companies that do not use child labour.

B2
Child labour remains a pervasive issue in the garment industry, especially in countries with weak labor regulations. Many children work in factories instead of attending school, performing physically demanding or hazardous tasks such as lifting heavy loads, operating machinery, or repetitive assembly-line work. These children often work 10–12 hours per day, six or seven days per week, which can lead to fatigue, injuries, and long-term health problems. Economic necessity drives families to send their children to work, despite legal restrictions. Child labour limits access to education, social development, and future employment opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty. International organizations advocate for stronger enforcement of labor laws, ethical supply chain monitoring, and programs that provide education and financial support to families. Consumers can contribute by supporting brands that guarantee child-labour-free production. Eliminating child labour requires coordinated global efforts, awareness campaigns, and a commitment to ethical manufacturing.

Sie nutzen einen Browser mit dem tutory.de nicht einwandfrei funktioniert. Bitte aktualisieren Sie Ihren Browser.
Sie verwenden eine ältere Version Ihres Browsers. Es ist möglich, dass tutory.de mit dieser Version nicht einwandfrei funktioniert. Um tutory.de optimal nutzen zu können, aktualisieren Sie bitte Ihren Browser oder installieren Sie einen dieser kostenlosen Browser: