Alicia Menendez – The Effect of Globalization on Poverty and Child Labor

Recorded June 23, 2009 Alicia S. Melendez, Research Associate (Assistant Professor), Harris School of Public Policy; Lecturer, Department of Economics, University of Chicago -- The 2009 University of Chicago Teacher Institute on “Understanding the Global Economy,” provided an interdisciplinary look at how changes in the global economy are affecting numerous aspects of countries around the world. The Institute addressed issues of globalization and its positive and negative effects on issues such as: labor, social rights, and natural resource exploitation and allocation. A general overview of markets, trade and the current global financial crisis was presented. Case studies from around the world were used to illustrate the interconnectedness of societies and their roles in the global economy. The topics presented could easily and appropriately be incorporated into a wide array of subjects taught, including: history, math, economics, literature, English, biology, environmental science, social studies, anthropology, world studies, and foreign language/culture classes. Intended primarily for elementary through community college educators (but open to all interested parties), this 3 day workshop explored issues surrounding the Global Economy through a series of presentations, discussions, and small group activities. The topic of the Global Economy was examined through the following daily themes: Day 1 – Markets, Trade and Globalization Day 2 – Impacts of Globalization Day 3 – The Current Global Financial Crisis Experts from The University of Chicago and other institutions from around the U.S. lectured on these themes. Each day attendees received lessons and resources for curriculum building. In addition, an optional full-day curriculum development workshop was held on June 25th. This internationally focused conference was presented by The University of Chicago Center for International Studies, in conjunction with the East Asian, Southern Asian, Latin American, East European and Russian Eurasian, and Middle Eastern Area Studies Centers.