Globalization, Democracy and Local Government

About this grant

In the current debate about globalization and its impact on poverty, many contend that globalization worsens poverty, especially at the local level. On the other hand, others believe that globalization improves opportunities for poor and developing nations. In South Africa, local government is seen as critical in the fight to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable economic development. Funding will enable the International Labour Research and Information Group to conduct research and disseminate information on globalization, democracy and local government to educate key stakeholders involved in issues of local governance. Objectives include examining the experiences of communities with local governance and their degree of participation in decisionmaking processes at the local level; collating secondary material on restructuring in countries such as Britain, Brazil and the Philippines; organizing a series of workshops with local community representatives; and producing a report on globalization and local democracy.The International Labour Research and Information Group has been involved in the South African labor movement for the past 20 years.