Aldama 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.