Question

Thomas Friedman argues that the world has been flattened, i.e., the economic playing field has been made more level to more people than ever before. On the other hand, academics like Richard Florida argue that the playing field is not level but highly uneven. Who, and what sector of the economy is Friedman really referring to? What are some of the ways that the world is and is not flat?

Answer 1

• According to Thomas Friedman "The world has been flattened". He mean to say that the with the globalization and technological advancement world has become a level playing field. The geographical location has become less important and advancement and development can take place in any region due to globalization and modern technology. The barriers between the flow of international goods and services and knowledge has decreased and world has become a level playing field for everyone. He took the example of Indian and Chinese middle class who have shown tremendous development in terms of education, standard of living, doing quality jobs in Information Technology sector, or working in call centers run by US firms.
• Richard Florida has different view. He says that world is not flattened rather it has become more spiky. The geographical regions with immense technological development and infrastructure are becoming center of attraction for people as compared to other regions.Example Silicon Valley in US is becoming the job hub of highly educated people seeking high quality job in technology sector.He says that economic activity is concentrated only in few areas.
• This is a continuous debate.Yes the world has become flat to some extent. The multinational companies should realize that instead of concentrating in single region and providing jobs to deserving people of this region, they should expand out and set up themselves in new markets with giving equal chance to talented and deserving people.