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| Reference Material |
| Globalization stirring fears for jobs, poverty By Agence France Presse February 4, 2002, Philippine Daily Inquirer NEW YORK � Globalization�s credibility as a positive force is gaining ground, but people fear it will hurt jobs, the environment and global poverty, according to a survey. A total of 62 percent of 25,000 people surveyed said globalization was positive, according to a poll taken from October to December (2201) in 25 countries ranging from the United States to Nigeria��.. �Positive views of globalization have grown over the past year, especially in North America and Europe,� said the text of the survey, compiled from individual pollsters by Environics International. In individual countries, however, the survey found a dearth of support for globalization in the battered economies of Argentina and Turkey. In Argentina, 48% of people said globalization was negative, against 39% saying it was positive, and in Turkey 61% were against globalization compared with just 27% in favor. The overall world survey found globalization- defined in the poll as increased trade between countries � was expected to widen access to foreign markets and cheap products and improve quality of life. But 46% of those questioned said it would harm job availability against 42% who said it would improve matters. Globalization would also make poverty and homelessness worse, according to 45% of respondents, compared to 41% who believed it would make things better...... ***** See also Tony Abaya's columns Mar Roxas on Free Trade, More on Free Trade and others. |