For the American sociologist Saskia Sassen (2001), the term ‘global city’ refers to cities that act as the ‘command and control points’ of the new global economy. Using such criteria there is little doubt that London qualifies as a truly ‘global’ city. Over 30% of global foreign exchange turnover, 40% of the world’s foreign equities market, and more than 70% of the world’s Eurobond trading now takes place in London (Massey 2007, p. 34).
This article will probably introduce you to some important new concepts. The authors discuss how a ‘global city’ might be defined, and then look at London as an example. Central to their discussion is the concept of the ‘new migrant division of labour’, including what this is, and why it has occurred. The most recent waves of migrant labour have resulted in London becoming what the authors term a ‘super-diverse’ city. The article helps to dispel some popular myths about migrant workers, such as their skill level, and also explains why many employers prefer to hire migrants rather than indigenous British workers. Another useful concept helping to explain why so many migrant workers are prepared to work for the minimum wage (or less) is that of the ‘dual frame of reference’.
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