World Sociology

Transnational Corporations (TNCs)

Moore et al. (2006) define transnational corporations (TNCs) as “global businesses that produce and market goods and brands across both the developed and developing worlds”. The work of TNCs ties in with the material previously examined on the World Trade Organisations as TNCs control around two-thirds of world trade. This means that they are key players for the WTO.

Linking in with green crime topics in Crime and Deviance, students could research the 1984 Bhopal chemical explosion. Indian figures put the death rate at over 7000 but some estimates put the figure at over 15,000. Many thousands more were injured in both the short and long term.

After learning about the Bhopal case and the punishments for those held responsible, students could discuss the impact having a TNC as an owner of the chemical factory had a role to play here. A BBC documentary provides a good factual overview of the case: