Introduction to Globalization
The Contemporary World: Lesson 1
Globalization
● Globalization is the free movement of
goods, services and people across the
world in a seamless and integrated
manner. Globalization can be thought of
to be the result of the opening up of the
global economy and the concomitant
increase in trade between nations.
● It is the process by which the
experience of everyday life, marked by
the diffusion of commodities and ideas,
is becoming standardized around the
world. Globalization makes the world
more accessible to all people.
Today, the economies of most countries are so
interconnected that they form part of a single,
interdependent global economy.
Characteristics:
● Connectivity
● Borderless Globe
● Free Trade
● Cultural Diversity
● Mobility
● Information Technology changes
Types of Globalization
1. Economic
a. Countries that trade with many
others and have few trade
barriers are economically
globalized.
b. A worldwide economic system
that permits easy movement of
goods, production, capital, and
resources (free trade facilitates
this)
2. Social
a. A measure of how easily
information and ideas pass
between people in their own
country and between different
countries (includes access to the
internet and social media
networks).
3. Political
a. The amount of political
cooperation there is between
countries.
b. Countries are attempting to
adopt similar political policies
and styles of government in
order to facilitate other forms of
globalization
Causes of Globalization
1. Improved Communications
a. The development of
communication technologies
such as the internet, email, and
mobile phones have been vital
to the growth of globalization
because they help MNCs
(multinational corporations) to
operate throughout the world.
b. The development of satellite TV
channels such as Sky and CNN
have also provided worldwide
marketing avenues for the
concept and products of
globalization.
2. Improved Transport
a. The development of refrigerated
and container transport, bulk
shipping and improved air
transport has allowed the easy
mass movement of goods
throughout the world.
3. Free Trade Agreements
a. MNCs and rich capitalist
countries have always promoted
global free trade as a way of
 increasing their own wealth and
influence.
b. International organizations such
as the World Trade Organization
and the IMF also promote free
trade.
Note: Under a free trade policy, goods and services
can be bought and sold across international borders
with little or no government tariffs, quotas, subsidies,
or prohibitions to inhibit their exchange.
4. The Growth of MNCs
a. The rapid growth of big MNCs
such as Microsoft, McDonalds,
and Nike is a cause as well as a
consequence of globalization.
b. The investment of MNCs in
farms, mines, and factories
across the world
c. Globalization allows MNCs to
produce goods and services and
to sell products on a massive
scale throughout the world.
Effects of Globalization
1. Changed Food Supply
a. Food supply is no longer tied to
the seasons. We can buy
anywhere in the world at any
time of the year.
2. Division of Labor
a. Because MNCs search for the
cheapest locations to
manufacture and assemble
components, production
processes may be moved from
developed to developing
countries where costs are lower.
3. Less Job Security
a. Jobs are becoming more
temporary and insecure.
4. Damage to the Environment
a. More trade means more
transport which uses more fossil
fuels and causes pollution.
b. Climate change is a serious
threat to our future.
5. Cultural Impact
a. Websites such as Youtube
connect people across the
planet. As the world becomes
more unified, diverse cultures
are being ignored. MNCs create
a monoculture as they remove
local competition and thereby
force local firms to close.
6. Increase in Anti-Globalisation
Protests
a. There is a growing awareness of
the negative impacts of
globalization.
b. People have begun to realize
that globalization can be
challenged by communities
supporting each other in
business and society and
through public protests and
political lobbying.
Importance of Globalization and
Roles in the 21st Century
Globalization is important because it opens
many doors to various fields of study. It
broadens the educational horizons for students.
Technology in the world today has made it
easier for students to find more in depth
information that they are looking for to use for
educational purposes. Students can also learn
more about other countries because of the
impact of globalization.
Implementing Technology Tools
to Promote Globalization
● Facebook - the ability to communicate
with people all over the world.
● Skype (video chatting) - the ability to
have a live visual meeting with people
all over the world.
● Twitter - the ability to communicate and
share information with people all over
the world
● WikiSpaces - the ability to share ideas,
thoughts and images with people all
over the world
 ● Phones - the ability to verbally and/or
visually communicate with people all
over the world.
● Microsoft Office - the ability to verbally
and visually communicate with people
through email, live chat and instant
messaging.
● WebQuest - teachers can create one
for students to participate in an
educational journey on various topics
while using the world wide web.
● Podcast - teachers can create a
podcast for students to listen to using
media or create assignments and
students can listen to the podcast as
many times as they want.
● Email - the students can use it to
communicate with:
○ Students in other countries
○ People and/or businesses in the
community
○ Pen-Pals
○ Organizations, companies, and
corporations all over the world
○ Teachers and peers

Conclusion: There are many different

technological uses that promote globalization.
Technology is a big part of changing the way
people communicate and learn in the world
today. People are starting to rely on technology
more and more to communicate globally
instead of traveling to places that are far away.