Globalization and equity in the Arab World

Globalization and equity in the Arab World

Published Jan 2003

Author

M. Fakhro

Publisher

Focus themes

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Does the Arab world have anything to fear from globalisation?

Research into the practical experience of globalisation shows it to be a process of rapid economic integration among countries driven by liberalisation of trade, investment and capital flows, as well as technological change, so why is globalisation feared in the Arab world? The author suggests this fear is the result of studies indicating that freedom of transactions, capital transfer, the floating of currencies together with privatisation barring any intervention by the government in economic affairs can lead to damaging effects in the lower echelons of the economy.

This paper examines the patterns of economic growth and its social repercussions in the Arab countries during the last three decades. The main features of globalisation in the region and the resultant conditions on its people are described and analysed.

A framework of social protection policies is suggested to form a comprehensive strategy to reform the current programs and policies that are taking place in the Arab region. Policy interventions are also suggested to reduce social risks and improve welfare existing both inside and outside the social protection system. Policies recommended include:

  • Strengthening of social safety nets in order to prevent people from falling into destitution, and to rescue them from disaster is essential
  • Improving gender equality to empower women and to release their vast under-used energy and creativity is priority, for example action is needed for setting a firm timetable to end legal discrimination and establishing a framework for the promotion of legal equality
  • Banks can play a very important role in reducing the effect of globalisation on a large segment of society by specialising in loans to poor individuals such as microcredit schemes
  • Education and vocational training systems are essential components of a sustainable social security system, as they contribute to reducing risks and vulnerability
  • A combination of administrative decentralisation and the involvement of NGOs in the formulation and in the delivery of social policies in their capacities as service providers is required

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