Westernization and Commoditization Answers

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Distinct societies of the world are being overrun by globally available goods, media, ideas, and institutions. The more cultural homogeneity that is attained, the easier it is for businesses to sell their products globally. As the world's cultures move toward one main culture, some unique ethnic aspects disappear. Some cultures perceive this as a threat – the threat of dominant, industrialized cultures overtaking and supplanting indigenous cultures.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Some changes would be to require transparency and full attendance of all WTO country officials at all meetings. Other ideas might include a system of checks and balances to counteract imbalances of power between core and peripheral nations, a mentoring system between core and peripheral countries, a report card for each nation based on the United Nations Compact, equal distribution of MNCs throughout developing countries and core nations, and any other ideas that focus on rectifying the power imbalance that favors core nations.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: A nation that has adopted free trade has few trade barriers, is open to investment by companies from other countries, and has a government with a limited role in trade decisions.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Commoditization helps consumers who want goods and services without guesswork and the lowest possible price. Since commoditization dominates the global economy, companies compete to create virtually identical products while providing them at the lowest price. Commoditization hurts consumers who want a wide variety of features and selections from which to choose. They might be able to cheaply purchase an item, but it might not be specialized to their liking.