Economic and political globalization refers to the international integration or linkage between countries through free trade. Though many people relate globalization to the economy and politics, it also impacts society and culture in a significant way. In broader terms, globalization “refers to the expansion of global linkages, the organization of social life on a global scale, and the growth of a global consciousness, hence to the consolidation of world society.”[1] A key concept to economic globalization is that nations must open their boarders to free imports. With an increase in imports, the domestic farmers suffer a great deal. Many poor farmers have recently left their agricultural lifestyles to move into cities, where they can find jobs in industries. This trend has helped many businesses by providing industries with cheap labor.[2]
Globalization also effects society through technology and mass communication. Throughout the world, people are involved in social networking such as Facebook and Twitter. These sites enable people to instantly interact with others from different parts of the world. Websites such as YouTube also enhance global communication because people from different cultures can watch the same videos. Social websites like these create what is known as a “global village,” and show how cultures are linked together through technology. In a “global village” people from different societies share commonalities and can learn about each other’s lifestyles.[3]
Some people argue that the idea of a “global village” is not necessarily a good thing. “Some globalization critics desire to cling on to cultural diversity as something that must be protected from globalization…we must accept that culture cannot be easily isolated from the effects of globalization.” Some critics also believe that social globalization relates to the spread of American culture, ultimately eroding the diversity of cultures worldwide. An example of this is the rapid spread of McDonalds restaurants in foreign countries.[4]
There are certainly valid points supporting both sides of globalization, however I think the positives outweigh the negatives. Through globalization, countries can work together to create more stable economies, and to form a more peaceful world by learning about one another through “global villages.”
[1] Lechner, Frank. "What Is Globalization?" Sociology.emory.edu. Web. 06 Jan. 2011.
[2] Chomsky, Noam. "What Is Globalization?" YouTube.com. Web. 06 Jan. 2011.
[3] Curran, James, and Myung-Jin Park. "Beyond Globalization Theory." De-Westernizing Media Studies. London: Routledge, 2000. Print.
[4] "Culture & Globalization." Uiowa.edu. Web. 06 Jan. 2011.
I also thought the concept of the "Global village" was an interesting one. I like how socially, we can communicate with people across the world, enhancing our social globalization. I agree that it's important to recognize that there is a big difference between the economic/political sides of globalization and the social sides. Without it, the world would be a completely different place. I agree that the positives outweigh the negatives and I believe that people from all over the world can learn from one another.
ReplyDeleteI too believe that the idea of a global village is a positive part of globalization. I understand that critics of globalization want cultural diversity, I want cultural diversity as well, the world would be pretty boring without it. However, I do not think that these "global villages" are removing cultural diversity, they are if anything, spreading and teaching different cultures to all those involved, not conforming to one.
ReplyDeleteNow with social globalization, critics see it as Americanization, which we are seeing all around the world, as you said in your post Jason, with the spread of McDonald's all around the globe. Do you really think everyone wants to be like the United States? Or is it something else they are trying to achieve? In instances like these, I don't think the countries necessarily want to be like America, I think they are trying to appeal to their citizens as well as make money and that is what works.
Fun fact: Israel tried opening Dunkin Donuts a while back and it failed miserably. Were they trying to be like America? Or did they think their people would really enjoy it and it would do well? Or both?!