IB Extended Essay on Sociology

Introduction:

In the world today, globalization is increasing at a rapid rate. With the incorporation of the internet into the daily lives of people, communication between nations has been made much more convenient. This results in the increase of a global economy and encourages trading and outsourcing. China is one of the most attractive countries for outsourcing workers with over 150,000 legally employed in 2006, double of what it was in 2003.[1] The increase of outsourced workers began to rise sharply after China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001 and that ¡°foreigners with managerial and professional skills are welcome to work in China¡±[2]

This mentality is a complete turnaround to what China was like prior to World War II and the emergence of the Communist Party. However, since the fall of the Soviet Union in the 80s, the Communist influence and power has deteriorated immensely¡ªpossibly being the main reason why China is opening its doors to international partnership and working itself into the global economy. Due to the increase of outsourced workers, the number of expatriate families also increased¡ªof which many have teenage children. The fact that it is now less of a hassle to get a Chinese visa for the family of a worker and that many companies have offered to handle all legal issues as well as international schools for the children makes the decision to move the entire family much easier as many provide International Baccalaureate courses that provide a global standard in education. The effects on the expatriated teenagers will either be apparent or not leave a lasting effect at all while they are still living abroad. However, the effects once they repatriate themselves will be permanent.