What is globalization?

Globalization is a very broad term that can have a variety of definitions. I think the PBS documentary gave a good meaning to the word: "the world tied together by flows of investment, trade, ideas, and culture" [1]. The world is becoming more connected in many differing ways. Curran describes globalization as a "universal phenomenon that is transforming the entire world" [2]. Globalization is viewed differently throughout the world, but it is still present in all cultures and societies.

Globalization has much to do with media and communication. With the growth of media, globalization throughout different cultures has the opportunity to expand as well. The global community is more linked than it has ever been through out history. Communication plays a major role in the expansion of connection of societies, that in turn creates globalization. Curran explains how globalization itself "opens new lines of communication" [2]. Globalization allows for a world in which different societies can experience varying cultures. Culture and communication are expanded and bind different parts of the world.

There is a regional bias of global communication networks. Regions that have less access to communication will be effected less by globalization. It takes away the opportunity to be as connected to the surrounding world as other regions.

[1] Commanding Heights. PBS. 2003. Television.

[2] Curran, James and Park, Myung-Jin. De-Westernizing Media Studies. USA and Canada: Routledge, 2000. Print.