Global Wealth Inequality

June 15, 2017
Now that we've watched some of Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel documentary, please consider and write about what you've learned.

HERE'S YOUR PROMPT:


Jared Diamond says this of a civilization’s ability to gain power, wealth, and strength:

• “Wherever you go, you can find people who are smart, resourceful and dynamic …...what’s far more important [to gaining wealth] is the hand that people have been dealt, the raw materials they’ve had at their disposal.”

In other words, he argues that wealth comes more from the circumstances you are born into than other factors.

Do you agree or disagree with Jared Diamond’s words? Why or why not?

In your writing, include the following:

• State a claim (you do or do not agree with Jared Diamond’s statement).(1-2 sentences)

• Explain the reasons for your opinion. In your explanation, provide evidence from the video (using your C-Notes) OR evidence from other information you have from background knowledge. (If you disagree, what problems do you see with his argument?) 
• Does your opinion change when you think about individual wealth? (In other words, do you think individual wealth is mainly a result of the circumstances you're born into? Or do you think other factors are mainly responsible for individual wealth?) 
• (Provide at least 6 sentences on each of the above 2 bullet points.)

OPTIONAL CHALLENGE WORK:
To read a criticism of Diamond's theory, click here.


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For the remaining weeks of school, we're going to look at the issue of global inequality.  Why do some countries have a lot of wealth and others don't?  How equally or unequally is wealth distributed around the world?  Is it luck, hard work and innovation, the types of governments, or other factors that lead to wealth in a country?

Before we start, click here and answer the FOUR questions.

Then, click here and read the article (10 Starting Facts about Global Wealth Inequality).

After you read the article, click here to indicate which fact you found most interesting.