Majority World or Minority World?

What do I want to find out?

Whether pupils hold preconceptions about the characteristics of Majority and Minority World countries, their similarities, and their understanding of development and global interdependence.

What do I need?

• Provide an answer sheet for each pupil containing the following list of situations or issues. Alternatively, provide each pupil with a blank piece of paper and display the situations on a white board.

What do I do?

Timing: 25 minutes

• With the pupils in groups of 3 or 4, give each group a copy of the pupils answer sheet. Ask pupils: Are these features of Majority World countries, Minority World countries or both? You may need to explain these terms.
• Ask pupils to draw a circle round the appropriate response for each heading, and summarise the reason for that choice.
• Ask each group to feedback their answers and reasons. Ask which they found most difficult to agree on and why?

How do I analyse the results?

• Note whether pupils associate societal problems mainly with the Majority World, or the Minority World, and whether they show awareness that poverty and lack of opportunity affect the lives of people in countries all around the world.
• Record any comments that are critical of the activity itself, or refer to stereotypes.

How do I measure the change?

Depending on the time between each audit, you can repeat the activity exactly, or use an alternative set of headings based on the same criteria,

such as:

Pollution

Overconsumption of resources

Racism and homophobia

Human rights abuses

Corruption

Gender equality

Wildlife conservation

Tourism

Active participation in democracy

Welcoming refugees

Look for whether pupils are less certain in their responses, and more open to discussion or having their views challenged by others.

Note whether pupils are better able to recognise diversity in different parts of the world.

Notice whether pupils raise any other issues that they are aware of, refer to current events or give examples of people or places that demonstrate the issues referred to.

Record whether pupils have a more positive and balanced image of the Majority World.