Madagascar Research Paper

Economic and Social Developments of Madagascar
By: Chad Stephens
GEOG 2253
Dr. Youngs
October 5, 2010

Introduction Globalization is defined as the “increasing interconnectedness of people and places.” The general assumption by people who are unfamiliar with globalization and its processes is that when less developed countries, such as Madagascar, are affected by globalization, the country reaps from the benefits of the new ideas, policies, programs, and beliefs. Although many of the previously stated things have positively affected Madagascar, the economic and social developments that are seen in Madagascar today show that much still needs to be done to help the struggling country.
Body
To understand where Madagascar is headed as
Most of Sub-Saharan Africa is consider less developed countries as well, so the infrastructure and support that Madagascar receives is coming from Europe, Asia, or the United States (Neoliberalising). The relationship shared between the French and Madagascar continued long after Madagascar secured their independence until Marc Ravalomanana was elected President in 2002. Ravalomanana was quick to make changes as he made it clear that he was interested in turning towards the English-speaking world, especially the US and South Africa as a source of economic and political support. Furthermore, his election promises included a commitment to greater economic liberalization; this constitutes a
The Malagasy people are traditional prideful, cultured people. Unfortunately, globalization has lead to the break down of their past times and culture. Typically, the men are the breadwinners for the family. They take care of the family, take pride in their work, and provide food and shelter for the family. But, a new kind of youth, The Jaombilo, have ruined this way of Malagasy life. The Jaombilo are young men who are “pure consumers, who don’t work, and you are attractive and kept for sexual and domestic pleasure by women who earn their money either through prostitution or sometimes more long-term relationships with European men” (Cole). The Malagasy opinion of a man is in complete contrast with the Jaombilo. The Jaombilo do not provide for the family, they do not work, or do anything to be a positive member of society. While older people, especially men, utter the term Jaombilo in a condescending manner, the Jaombilo themselves have come to define the word as a combination of “strength and vitality with behavior unfettered by normal social restraints” (Cole). The actions of the Jaombilo can be traced back to European men who supported Malagasy women, but now the process has added another step of Malagasy women supporting a Malagasy man. This effect of globalization is without a doubt a negative development to Madagascar, but it is proof