Globalization

Faiza Idrees
Globalization

Globalization has many definitions, but

generally it refers to various global
interconnections

The interconnections exist across a

variety of human activities

• Economic

• Social

• Political

• Cultural

• Biological
 Globalization
• Definition:
– An economic phenomenon?
– A social phenomenon?
– A cultural phenomenon?
• The movement towards the expansion of
economic and social ties between countries
through the spread of corporate institutions and the
capitalist philosophy that leads to the shrinking
of the world in economic terms.
Question:
What is a good example of globalization?

• Answer: Princess Diana’s death.

She was an English princess with an Egyptian
boyfriend. They crashed in a French tunnel, riding
in a German car with a Dutch engine, driven by a
Frenchman who was drunk on Scotch whisky,
followed closely by Italian Paparazzi on Japanese
motorcycles, treated by American doctors using
Brazilian medicines.
GOOD MORNING WORLD!
• As I wake up, I throw back the sheets and
blankets, get out of bed and put on my
slippers. I then go to the bathroom where I
wash with soap and water.
• Returning to my bedroom, I take off my
night cloths and put on my uniform and
shoes for school.
GOOD MORNING WORLD!
• Then in the kitchen or lounge, I did my
Breakfast and watched television.
• Realizing I am running late, pick up my
books and head out the door to the bus stop.
So,
• Globalization is the ongoing process that is linking
people, neighbour hoods, cities, regions and
countries much more closely together than they
have ever been before.
• This has resulted in our lives being intertwined
with people in all parts of the world via the food
we eat, the clothing we wear, the music we listen
to, the information we get and the ideas we hold.
 Dimensions
• This interconnectedness amongst humans
on the planet is sometimes also referred to
as the ‘global village’ where the barriers of
national and international boundaries
become less relevant and the world,
figuratively, a smaller place.
 Dimensions
• The process is driven economically by
international financial flows and trade,
• technologically by information technology
and mass media entertainment,
• by human means such as cultural
exchanges, migration and international
tourism.
Contradictions in Globalization

Globalization has many inherent

contradictions including
• It integrates and disintegrates
• It fosters cooperation and conflict
• It engenders order and disorder
• It is divisive and unifying

Some view it as a net positive, others as a

net negative

So far, globalization has had both positive

and negative effects on global peace
Economic Globalization

Increasing economic interconnectivity

• International division of labor
• Rapidly expanding volume of capital flows
• Capital remains concentrated among the wealthiest
nations

Mixed evidence as to the effect of

economic globalization
• Unsure whether it exacerbates or reduces economic
inequality
• Economic interdependence is related to more peaceful
relations, but those left behind tend to be resentful
Politics and Globalization

Nation states are less able to control

social and economic events within their
territory

Global/regional decision-making bodies

(UN, EU, etc.) are rising in importance
but…
• They are not yet fully democratic/accountable

“CNN” effect pressures governments to

intervene on human rights violations

International non-state actors have

gained power
Technology and Globalization

Increases access to information, but…

• Access is unevenly distributed

• Has made it easier to seek out like-minded

voices and avoid opposing views

Makes surveillance and certain types of

control easier
Cultural Globalization

Increases exposure to foreign ideas and

practices, but…
• Cultural exports are disproportionately
from western countries, particularly the
U.S.
• In some cases, has resulted in
“commoditization” of cultures

Some ethnic and religious groups feel

culturally threatened by globalization
• Has resulted in a sharp increase in
reactionary “nationalist” and “fanatical”
groups
• Has “killed” some cultures
Globalization Is Here to Stay!

Globalization does have problems and

negative effects, but it is not going to
disappear. So…

We need to learn how to reap its

benefits, and minimize its costs. To do
that, we must:

• Understand its impacts

• Work to remedy the problems
• Work to spread the benefits as widely
as possible