Module 1: The Structures of Globalization

I. Introduction

Globalization is a complex and uneven process. It is a result of

integration of forces around the world, whether it is in economics, politics, or

culture. It changed and shaped the countries of the world into one economy,

one government, and one culture. No wonder why over a period of time, the

world came up with a universal language, English. It also came up with a

universal currency, the US dollar. Countries of the world are governed by

international navigation routes respecting territorial jurisdiction. Conflicts of

the countries are settled in the International Court of Justice. For countries

that cannot cope with economic crisis, the International Monetary Fund

(IMF) and the World Bank (WB) will come to the rescue. In case of wars of

countries, the United Nations will look into it. Aside from that, the world has

international organizations connected with the national organizations of

laborers, women, human rights, and many more. For whatever reasons,

everybody wants to have global or world peace. Everybody wants to create a

world that is humane for everyone to enjoy life in harmony with nature.

Whether you like it or not globalization has taken its course, a

common place of destination. Unknowingly you are globalized, when you

adapt changes in society like the use of cell phones, internet connections,

media, and all sorts of modern technology. You are unknowingly connected

to the global world.

 A. Definition of Globalization

According to Manfred Steger, globalization is “the expansion and

intensification of social relations and consciousness across world-time and

across world-space.”

Expansions refer to: 1) the creation of new social networks, 2) the

multiplication of existing connections that cut across traditional political,

economic, cultural and geographic boundaries. These various connections

occur at different levels using social media and international organization

that has linkages with the national or local organizations.

Intensification refers to the expansion, stretching, and acceleration of

these networks (NGO’s, Social Workers and Activists Groups which have

linkages abroad). They are connected globally and more interlinked or

closely-knitted and expanding their reach.

The advent of electronic trading brought about a strong financial

market connection which is accelerating rapidly over a period of time. The

world becomes more financially integrated and intensified. When there is

recession in the US, or changes in economic policies in UK, the world will be

affected directly or indirectly. When Iloilo opens her ports to globalization,

the City of Iloilo steadily progress and will possibly become Metro Iloilo.

The connection is not just only for economic or financial matters but

also in calamities and disasters. When the Philippines was hit by typhoon

Yolanda, the province of Samar and Leyte were totally devastated. So, many
countries sent their relief goods, health care service, all forms of aids, and

financial support to help the rehabilitation process.

Steger notes that “globalization processes do not occur merely as an

objective, material level but they also involve the subjective plane of human

consciousness.” It means that the world has become a small place and the

distance collapse from a thousand miles to just a mouse-click away.

B. Differences between Globalization and Globalism

Steger also posits that globalization is different from globalism and

here are the differences:

Globalization Globalism

is a process. is an ideology.

represents the many processes that is widespread belief among powerful

allow for the expansion and people that the global integration of

intensification of global connections. economic markets is beneficial for

everyone, since it spreads freedom

and democracy across the world.

is accepted and tolerated. is highly criticized and considered

problematic.

C. Brief Summary

Globalization is a process that has to be accepted. It has to take place

whether you want it or not. In fact it has taken place already. You have to
welcome and accept it tolerantly or else you will be dismayed. You cannot

change the course of history although you can make a difference out of it. It

has taken place so rapidly and intensely in many forms. It goes with the

saying, “the old has gone the new has come”.