IN THIS ISSUE
Is globalisation a good thing?
Why is Coca-cola so expensive?
The Russian Invasion of Ukraine - 1 year on How does the prominent violence in Nigeria affect the country?
Recent Surges In Strikes
The importance of education
Does humanism do more for the world than religion?
NOTTING HILL CRITIC TEAM
Politics: Shobhitha Gnanaratnasingham, Lewhat Yosief
Philosophy: Sephera Forrester, Nur Mohiuddin, Lewhat Yosief, Roxana Quinn, Lilia Poustian, Ellie Tsirtsis
Economics: Ava Jeffery, Kavneet Dhillon, Harinee Sivanandan, Shivani Parthipun, Milan Dhillon
Illustrator: Venus Raman
Editor-in-chief: Mr L Cryer
Is globalisation a good thing?
By Kavneet DhillonEconomic Globalisation is the process of integrating different countries’ economies through the trade of goods and ideas By reducing the barriers between countries, it allows for a more rapid transfer of assets, advanced communication between countries, greater movement of labour and more free trade. It is a very controversial idea that can cause many benefits and costs for different groups in society, which will be explored in this article.
Advantages of Globalisation
There are many benefits to globalisation, which is why it has increased in recent years. For example, the free trade that is created means that each country can specialise in producing certain goods which makes production more efficient Businesses will also have a bigger export market to sell to, allowing them to make more profit for their business to grow. This allows for goods to be sold at a lower price, so consumers have access to a wider variety of goods. Globalisation also allows for increased labour migration, which benefits both workers and businesses. Workers are able to seek out job opportunities internationally if they cannot find any in their home country, which reduces unemployment rates and inequalities. An example of this working effectively is shown within the European Unions where many Eastern European countries are migrating West Businesses benefit by increasing their productivity with new employees, creating economic growth However, free movement in labour can put a strain on a country’s resources such as housing and social services, which is why countries like America try to reduce migration. Since financial assets can be transferred more easily, globalisation enables more investments to be made from multinational, powerful businesses. This can help developing countries improve their economy
Disadvantages of globalisation
However, globalisation is not beneficial to everyone. This is because developing countries often cannot compete with advanced countries, making free trade harmful for them. Many believe that these countries need protection tariffs to allow them to develop internally, although this is not beneficial in the long run. Increased globalisation also comes at an environmental cost since using non renewable resources to create more efficient transfers between countries is not sustainable. Firms are able to outsource production to places where pollution regulations are less harsh through globalisation, which suggests how there needs to be worldwide environmental standards to make globalisation more sustainable. In addition to this, by creating more labour movement, businesses may find it hard to hold onto their employees if workers can find more attractive jobs with higher wages internationally. Therefore, globalisation can lead to the draining of labour in certain areas. Monopoly companies can unfairly benefit off of globalisation by setting up offices in smaller countries. In these countries, the offices can pay smaller corporation tax, giving them more money to continue growing to extreme levels. Whilst monopoly powers get richer, the smaller firms who don’t use tax avoidance cannot compete, creating inequality
Judgement
Despite the negative impacts of Globalisation, it continues to exist today and the UK has increasingly benefited from it. It has facilitated prosperity after World War II and it has the potential of providing higher living standards by creating more economic interaction between countries, although these benefits are not distributed equally.
Why is Coca-cola so expensive?
Shivani Parthipun
Have you ever wondered why you bought certain products? What drew you to them? Even when there were so many other cheaper alternatives, you still chose this particular product Why? Surely, if two products are exactly the same, you would choose the cheaper one, right? Well, throughout the course of this article, I am going to explain some of the reasons we choose certain products over others and how sellers can push us to make certain decisions.
Firstly, peer pressure. You may already know, but peer pressure makes a big difference in which products you tend to buy and why. Peer pressure can come from many different sources: friends, family, influencers online, media and more Therefore, many argue that peer pressure is actually one of the most influential factors in helping a consumer like yourself pick out products. You get influenced by important people in your life and people you trust, causing you to make certain decisions that influence what you buy.
Secondly, habitual behaviour. This means only doing something because you did it previously. For example, only buying Coca-Cola compared to a cheaper Cola drink because you bought it yesterday and the day before and maybe even the day before that. From some research, scientists found that this could be due to having a feeling of comfort and familiarity from buying something that you have already bought, you know you like it and therefore buy it again and again The feeling of trying something new, with the feeling of doubt and the idea that you might not like it, can overrule any other logical thinking about prices and other factors. Therefore, many say when you start a habitual cycle, you ’ re stuck in it!
Lastly, there’s weakness at computation. Have you ever been into a shop and just seen too many different products that you don’t even know where to look? This is weakness at computation, when there are far too many choices for you to make that you, the consumer, can’t seem to come up with a good, rational decision. It could be described as seeing too many options that your brain gets too jumbled and you cannot make a good decision about which product you want. This then causes you to make an irrational decision - a decision which is not your best option. This can influence consumers greatly, not knowing what to pick and then feeling that you don’t have enough time to pick a good product or even ruling out a few so that you have a smaller selection for your brain to work through So, weakness at computation can also play a big part in why you choose certain products
So, next time you ’ re in a shop, whether it be getting groceries, clothes, or anything else, you can think to yourself “Why am I actually getting this product? Why this, out of all the rest?”
The Russian Invasion of Ukraine - 1 year on Shobhitha Gnanaratnasingham
23 MARCH 2023:
It has been over a year since President Vladimir Putin began the invasion of Ukraine and yet there have been a plethora of changes in circumstances. Whilst the Russian forces have currently been attempting to revive their military campaign in the East of Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky returned to the front line on the 22nd of March near Bakhmut; he has condemned Russia's "bestial" attacks on civilians and visited this city where Ukrainian forces have held Russia at bay for more than seven months. Ukraine's cities were hit by drones in the early hours of the 22nd of March and later by rockets, these attacks were enacted just one day after Chinese President Xi Jinping completed a two-day visit to Moscow to promote a 12-point peace plan however it makes no specific proposals and does not explicitly call for Russian forces to leave Ukrainian territory. Ukraine has not been able to liberate all the occupied territory and Russia has been unable to occupy the West of Ukraine due to its focus on the East. Currently, neither Russia nor Ukraine is on the path to reaching their aims for the end of the war, leaving any form of conclusion to this conflict unpredictable, ambiguous, and unforeseeable.
are going to find out why there is such chaos in the country…Everyone who wants, join us.". This is a significant turning point within the conflict’s process as it displays the internal conflict that Putin is now facing and it can be argued that Putin’s control is slowly diminishing, as seen through the bold nature of Prigozhin’s rebellion.
23 JUNE 2023:
The Wagner group, a notorious Russian paramilitary organisation, has rebelled against the Russian government by taking the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and attempting to invade Moscow in protest. Yevgeny Prigozhin had led this rebellion on the grounds of being betrayed by the Russian military through an attack on his men in Ukraine Prigozhin stated “There are 25,000 of us and we
24 JUNE 2023:
Putin addressed the rebellion, simply stating that Russia was facing “treason” and that those who had taken part were betraying Russia. Prigozhin has stated that he is not opposing the war in Ukraine but rather the “clowns” leading it; meaning that while the war may not be impacted, Putin’s control over Russian forces may be weakened. President Zelensky of Ukraine said that Putin had been left humiliated and that the Russians have now seen an alternative way of rule that is not resemblant to Putin’s presidency. Hence, while the conflict of the Ukraine’s invasion may still be left unforeseeable, the strength of Putin’s presidency is certainly diminishing and this may, in turn, be influential in possibly ending the 16 month long conflict
How does the prominent violence in Nigeria affect the country?
Ellie TsirtsisNigeria is one of the most prominent African countries, both economically and politically. However, one significant challenge that seems to impede the progress and development of Nigeria is its prominent violence. This is mainly due to terrorist groups, and one of the most famous terrorist groups in Nigeria is the Islamic group
Boko Haram
Founded in 2002, the group ’ s actions have caused a significant loss of lives and property in Nigeria. The group has carried out numerous deadly attacks, bombings, and kidnappings, causing the deaths of tens of thousands of Nigerians. Many families have lost their loved ones, and the terror attacks have resulted in the destruction of many businesses, homes, and public infrastructures. This obviously has considerable implications for the development of Nigeria's economy to grow. Nigeria is one of the most populated countries in Africa, and is wealthy in natural resources which makes it a great applicant for other countries to trade with However, the insecurity caused by terrorist groups like Boko Haram has negatively impacted the country's economic growth as it discourages foreign investments and scares off tourists. This also causes the displacement of people from their homes which has led to an increase in poverty rates and people who have lost their businesses due to not having a means of income.
Furthermore, Nigeria is an agricultural-based country, with agriculture contributing significantly to the country's economy However, with the increased cases of violence, farming communities have been terrorised by bandits and groups like the Boko Haram which has led to the loss of
agricultural produce and destruction of property due to things like bombing This situation has interrupted food production and supply, leading to inflation and malnutrition rates in the country. The situation affects farmers' income and the country's income from agriculture, which also creates a massive impact on the national economy. Another significant impact of violence is the effect it has on the education sector in the country. Teachers and students have been targeted by the different terrorist groups, which have resulted in the closure of schools in different parts of the country, especially in the Northern region. The closure of schools was also due to the frequent kidnapping of schoolchildren from their classrooms, from March 2020 until September 2021 there had been over 1400 students kidnapped. The closure of schools has led to a lack of development in human resources and limited individual's social mobility. The situation has disrupted the education of thousands of children, denying them the right to education has led to a decline in literacy levels.
Moreover, violence has contributed to the high rate of poverty in Nigeria, which has hindered the country's progress This has led to a vast informal sector and reduced government revenue The low-income earners cannot afford government services and often opt for cheaper and, at times, sub-standard products and services, affecting the country's progress adversely.
In conclusion, the prominent violence in Nigeria adversely affects the country's progress and development. The insecurity caused by the terrorist groups like the Boko Haram has led to the loss of lives and property, which has hindered economic growth, democracy, and social stability The violence destabilises the economy, worsening literacy levels and malnutrition. The country cannot achieve its full potential without tackling the underlying issues of instability and insecurity by suppressing terrorist organisations.
Recent surges in strikes
Harinee SivanandanRecently it has been hard to keep track of which unions are striking. From nurses to teachers, to postal workers there is no shortage of strikes in the service sector, but why now? The current state of the economy, with soaring inflation and an increasing cost of living, has meant that current wages aren’t enough. Average wages have increased by 5.7% in the last quarter, the highest in 40 years, but that is still not enough to keep up with rocketing energy bills and food costs. So what is the solution? Striking. This month saw the largest coordinated strike action in decades with up to half a million teachers, civil servants, and train drivers walking out in order to negotiate a rise in their wages but what are the consequences of the mass demonstrations?
UK being unable to obtain necessary goods for their businesses, and 24% were unable to operate fully. If striking action continues at this rate it can significantly stunt the recovering economy of the UK and can lead to the closure of several small firms and startups.
So, has the action led to any change in wages? As of March most unions have not had their demands met or even negotiated. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) had requested a 18.4% rise in wages, based on the current rate of inflation, which would increase their annual salaries from £37,000 to £43,000 though they were not granted the raise. When asked if he was going to pay nurses properly, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak commented, “nothing would give me more pleasure than to wave a magic wand and have all of you paid lots more ” but he argued “it is not an easy job” According to officials every 1 percent rise for NHS staff would amount to £700 million.
strikes. You might be seeing it first hand as a relative or friend is part of a trade union or you might be affected by the lack of service. 1 in 5 people have reported having their travel plans disrupted by rail strikes that occurred in December 2022 and early January 2023 Over 50% of parents reported that they would be affected if schools closed because of strikes, with 31% saying they would have to work fewer hours and 28% saying that they would not be able to work. Such a large proportion of parents either unable to work or working below their usual capacity can be detrimental to small businesses. Known as a ripple effect, the striking led to 27% of businesses in the
While they have not yet been successful in establishing a more financially secure pay, the trade unions on strike are clearly indicating their needs and reminding the public and the government of their roles in society. From the Royal Mail striking at Christmas to teachers striking now, it is impossible to avoid the crisis arising from the low wages The government has tried to reduce the impact of strikes through establishing parameters such as a “minimum level of service” for emergency services but it is not sustainable and doesn’t offer any solution to the workers that are striking.
The importance of education
Roxana Quinn“In South Sudan, A girl is more likely to die in pregnancy or childbirth than complete primary education.” This is just one of the shocking statistics that have arisen from South Sudan following the pernicious civil war that occurred during 2013 right through until a peace declaration was signed in 2020. Although this civil war is technically over, the effects that it had on the country and its people can be seen in almost every aspect of their daily life. In this essay, I will be discussing how vital girls’ education is to democracy and the development of the country, and what measures the country should take to reverse the impacts that war has had on their education system.
Education is vital to development due to its effect on the future of our civilization. The education of girls saves lives, communities and economies. Approximately 49.94% of South Sudan’s population is female; that is 5.43 million lives, jobs and futures. Yet, societal changes and long durations of instability have caused a severe lack of education, and specifically impedes the equality of education for girls. This rapid decline in girls' education is mainly due to the devastating civil war that ripped through South Sudan from 2013 to 2020 The civil war left a devastating effect on the standard of education in South Sudan - around 2 million children are out of school, 30% of primary schools have suffered at least one attack, and 48% have ceased to operate. South Sudan has one of the world's lowest female literacy rates, and an extremely high maternal mortality rate. To solve this issue, there needs to be a big push on girls' education. Although the economy and society of South Sudan is in a devastating state, the only way to recover and repair the damage done is to ensure that the weight of South Sudan’s future is not borne by uneducated people Temporary schools, volunteers and activists are essential to the survival of their country It is the country's duty to provide their children with the richest start to life as possible, and this includes the right to education. After all, isn’t it in their best interest to?
By limiting a girl's right to an education, South Sudan is preventing democracy in their country.
For a democracy to work, people must feel educated and confident enough to make a decision based solely off of their own view and opinion, and without acting on a taught view without having the independence to consider opposing points of view Without proper education, this is not possible. An education provides the chance for an individual to develop their own views, without the threat of a biased power. In a world where feminism and empowerment are some of the most important themes, it feels as though South Sudan is taking steps back instead of moving forwards. A society with uneducated people, politically-biased people who do not have the power to think for themselves, is a society that cannot function. The democracy of the society will decline so rapidly it will cause turmoil If a basic level of education is not reached by South Sudan as quickly as possible, the knock on effects will be catastrophic
For me, education has always been something I never considered to be a luxury. Growing up, I always considered school to be taxing, but never thought about a life without it The rules for education in the UK have long been very strict; it is illegal to not go to school between the ages of 5 and 16, and everyone must pass Maths and English GCSE. Therefore, the life of a South Sudanese girl our age feels alien to me. A girl should never be able to not go to school, the idea of school should never feel alien, and every girl should have the opportunity to leave school with qualifications, and a sense of fulfilment and wonder about the world ahead of them.
Does humanism do more for the world than religion?
Lilia PoustianReligion and Humanism are two different worldviews that shape how individuals understand their place in the world and their relationship with others. Religion is a set of beliefs and teachings that guide a follower through life the morally right way, which provides a sense of meaning for its adherents. It is typically based on a belief in a divine power Whereas Humanism focuses on human values and ethics, emphasising the agency of human beings, individually and collectively; it generally prefers critical thinking and evidence, therefore rationalism, over the acceptance of dogma or superstition. Humanism is a perspective that highlights reason, compassion, and the pursuit of human knowledge and potential, often in contrast to religious, supernatural, or authoritarian beliefs and practices.
One of the ways Religion does good is by providing a sense of meaning, purpose, and community Religious practices often involve a set of rituals that can help people feel connected to something greater than themselves This sense of belonging can provide comfort and a sense of direction in life, which can be particularly important during challenging times. It also provides a framework for moral values and ethical behaviour. Many religions advocate for principles such as compassion, forgiveness, and generosity, which can inspire people to act in ways that benefit others. Religion has been a significant force in shaping human societies and cultures for thousands of years and many people believe that the moral framework has helped people to live better lives Religious institutions engage in charitable work, such as providing aid to the needy, running soup kitchens, or building schools in impoverished areas There are over 6800 Religious State Primary and Secondary schools in the UK providing young people with a free education. Moreover, in England and Wales, Religious Charities raised £16 billion in 2015. Overall, Religion does imperceptible good for the world, such as counselling and moral support, as well as visible good for the world, for example, charitable work, both bettering the lives of many in the world.
On the contrary, Humanism foregrounds the value of human life and dignity, without the need for
supernatural beliefs or religious doctrines It prioritises individual autonomy and encourages people. Humanists advocate for the use of reason, science, and evidence to guide ethical decision-making and promote social progress. They prioritise individual freedom, equality, and social justice, and reject dogma and superstition. Humanists believe that all people have inherent worth and should be treated with respect and compassion. Humanists advocate for social policies that support equality, justice, and human flourishing. In addition, Humanists UK, a large-scale Humanist-preaching charity, says that Humanists do good for the world in many ways like supporting democracy, open governments, and that and advocate for the environment, human rights and social equality and justice.
Therefore, both Religion and Humanism do good for the world. However, religion has also been associated with negative consequences, such as religious conflict, intolerance, and discrimination. Furthermore, humanism can provide a rational and evidence-based approach to ethical decision-making, which can be more effective in addressing complex societal issues Religion, on the other hand, has often been used to justify discrimination and oppression Many religions have promoted ideas like sexism, homophobia, and racism, which can lead to discrimination and violence against marginalised groups.
Overall, Humanism does more good than religion for the world as it promotes cooperation and understanding between people of different cultures and beliefs. It encourages people to respect and appreciate the diversity of human experience and to work together towards common goals It promotes critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making and as a result goes against human rights violations, racism, sexism and homophobia. Humanists value reason and scientific inquiry and are sceptical of claims that are not supported by evidence. This approach has led to many important scientific discoveries and advancements in fields like medicine and technology. Religion relies on faith and belief rather than evidence. This can lead to harmful practices and beliefs that are not based on reality.