ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 26 JUNE 2026
, South African History of Education - HED4805
Question 1
1.1 Explanation of “Global North” and “Global South”
The terms “Global North” and “Global South” are used to describe global inequalities in
terms of economic development, political power, knowledge production and historical
experiences.
The Global North refers to economically developed, industrialised countries, mainly
located in Europe and North America, such as the United States, the United Kingdom
and Germany. These countries are characterised by strong economies, advanced
technology, well-established education systems and significant influence over global
knowledge production. Historically, many Global North countries were colonial powers
that dominated and controlled other regions.
In contrast, the Global South refers to developing or less economically developed
regions, including countries in Africa, Latin America and parts of Asia. These countries
have often experienced colonialism, exploitation and marginalisation. As a result, they
face challenges such as poverty, inequality, limited access to resources and
underrepresentation in global academic research.
Importantly, the distinction is not purely geographical but also historical and socio-
economic. The Global South represents regions that have been historically
disadvantaged by colonialism and capitalism, while the Global North represents those
that have benefited from these systems.
1.2 #RhodesMustFall and #FeesMustFall as moments of decolonisation
The #RhodesMustFall and #FeesMustFall movements were significant student-led
protests in South Africa that highlighted the need to decolonise higher education.