LESSON 1:

GLOBALIZATION: THEORIES
AND DEFINITIONS
LESSON OUTCOME
• Write a personal definition of
globalization based on a concept map
• Differentiate the competing conceptions
of globalization
• Identify the underlying philosophies of
the varying definitions of globalization
• Agree on a working definition of
globalization for the course
LESSON PROPER

• The Task of Defining Globalization

• Metaphors of Globalization
• Globalization Theories
DISCUSSION POINTS
• Globalization encompasses a multitude of processes
that involves the economy, political systems, and culture
( Aldama, 2018, p. 1).
• There are different definitions of globalization.
– Broad and inclusive
– Narrow and exclusive
• The task of defining globalization points to the following:
– The perspective of the person that defines globalization shape
the concept.
– Globalization is the debate and the debate is globalization.
– Globalization is a reality.
• Globalization can be easily understood through the use
of metaphors.
– The contemporary world is characterized by the melting of
solid phenomena and increase in liquidity.
– High liquidity means increase in flows.
• Globalization, as a process, increases either
homogeneity (sameness) or heterogeneity (difference)
in culture, economy, and politics.
PROCESSING QUESTIONS
• What do you think is the importance of
defining globalization?
• Do you agree with the idea that the
contemporary world is characterized by high
liquidity? Why or why not?
• Are societies in the world becoming more
similar (homogeneous) or more different
(heterogeneous)?
ANSWER KEY
• Defining globalization frames the way we understand the
concept. Moreover, the issues and concerns involving
globalization have a wide range. The fact that we experience
globalization should give one the interest of engaging in the
study of the phenomenon.
• Yes because of the increase of flows of people, things, and
information around the world and also no because of the
barriers to flows neutralize the intensity of liquidity
• More homogeneous: cultural imperialism, neoliberalism,
Mcworld
• More heterogeneous: cultural hybridization, glocalization,
Jihad
LESSON SUMMARY
• Despite the many definitions of globalization, they can be
classified as either broad and inclusive or narrow and exclusive.
• The task of defining globalization allows for the stimulation of
more discussions and better understanding of the
phenomenon.
• Globalization is a reality that affects individuals, societies,
economies, and political systems.
• Metaphors such as solid, liquid, and flows can be used to better
describe the contemporary world.
• The theories of globalization explains that the world today
experiences either homogeneity or heterogeneity in different
aspects of our lives.