Saskia Sassen

Definition

Saskia Sassen is a prominent sociologist and geographer known for her work on globalization, migration, and the role of cities in the global economy. She has particularly focused on how foreign direct investment and multinational corporations shape urban landscapes and influence socio-economic dynamics. Additionally, her research addresses the impacts of brain drain and brain gain in relation to skilled migration, emphasizing how these phenomena affect both sending and receiving countries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Saskia Sassen coined the term 'global city,' emphasizing the role of urban centers as command points for global economic networks.
2. Her work highlights how multinational corporations not only drive economic growth but also exacerbate social inequalities in global cities.
3. Sassen discusses the concept of 'de-territorialization,' where economic activities become less tied to specific geographic locations due to globalization.
4. She argues that brain drain can lead to a brain gain in destination countries, as they benefit from the influx of skilled labor while sending countries lose valuable human capital.
5. Sassen's research underscores the importance of understanding migration patterns in the context of global economic changes, emphasizing that policy responses must consider both local and global implications.

Review Questions

• How does Saskia Sassen's concept of 'global cities' relate to the influence of foreign direct investment on urban development?
  • Saskia Sassen's concept of 'global cities' describes urban areas that serve as crucial nodes in the global economy, heavily influenced by foreign direct investment. These cities attract multinational corporations seeking access to local markets and resources, leading to rapid urban development and transformation. As a result, foreign investment shapes the socio-economic landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for local communities, including increased inequality and gentrification.
• Discuss the implications of brain drain and brain gain as described by Saskia Sassen in relation to skilled migration.
  • Saskia Sassen highlights that brain drain refers to the emigration of skilled individuals from their home countries, resulting in a loss of expertise and potential innovation. Conversely, brain gain occurs when these individuals migrate to developed countries, contributing to their economies and increasing competitiveness. This dynamic creates a dual impact: while destination countries benefit from new talent, sending countries face challenges in fostering growth due to diminished human capital.
• Evaluate the role that Saskia Sassen assigns to multinational corporations in shaping urban environments and migration patterns within the context of globalization.
  • Saskia Sassen evaluates multinational corporations as pivotal players in globalization who fundamentally reshape urban environments and migration trends. She argues that these corporations drive economic growth in global cities by creating jobs and attracting talent; however, they also contribute to social inequalities by displacing lower-income residents. Furthermore, their operational practices influence migration patterns as skilled workers are drawn to urban centers for employment opportunities, while simultaneously prompting outflows of talent from less developed regions struggling to compete economically.

Related terms

Globalization: The process of increased interconnectedness among countries, characterized by the exchange of goods, services, ideas, and cultural practices across borders.

Multinational Corporation (MNC): A corporation that operates in multiple countries beyond its home country, often engaging in foreign direct investment to expand its operations.

Brain Drain:

The emigration of highly skilled or educated individuals from one country to another, often leading to a loss of talent and expertise in the originating country.