Introduction to Globalization

Intended Learning Outcomes:

• 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
ACTIVITY:

1. Identify some material possessions that you cannot live

without.

2. List them according to the degree of importance.

3. Cite the importance of these material possessions to

your existence.

4. Share to the class the top 3 in the list.

What is Globalization?

Definition of Globalization

Origin, History and causes of

Globalization

Dimensions of Globalization
What is Globalization?

Globalization is a process of interaction and integration

among the people, companies, and governments of different
nations a process driven by international trade and
investments and aided by information technology. (Levin
Institute, 2016)

Globalization is the process by which ideas, goods and

services spread throughout the world. In business, the term is
often used in an economic context to describe an integrated
economy marked by free trade, the free flow of capital and
corporate use of foreign labor markets to maximize returns
and benefit the common good.
Globalization defined cont.

Refers to a set of social processes that appear to transform the present social condition of
conventional nationality into one of globality.

The intensification of worldwide social relations which link distant localities in such a way
that local happenings are shaped by events occurring many miles away and vice versa.

A process (or set of processes) which embodies a transformation in the spatial organization
of social relations and transactions – assessed in terms of their extensity, intensity, velocity
and impact – generating transcontinental or interregional flows and networks of activity,
interaction and the exercise of power.

A concept which refers to the compression of the world and the intensification of
consciousness of the world as a whole.

A transplanetary process or set of process involving increasing liquidity and the growing
multi-directional flows of people, objects, places and information as well as the structure
they encounter and create.
Globalization (Concept Map)
 Economic globalization refers to the increasing
interdependence of world economies as a result of the growing
scale of cross-border trade of commodities and services, flow of
international capital and wide and rapid spread of technologies
(Shangquan,2000).

Military globalization is “the process which embodies the

growing extensity and intensity of military relations among the
political units of the world system. (David Held)

Cultural globalization is the transmission of ideas, meanings

and values around the world in such a way as to extend and
intensify social relations. It focuses on the social factors that cause
cultures to converge -- such as increased ease of communication
and transportation, brought about by technology.
 Ecological globalization refers to global environmental
issues including:
- population growth
- access to food
- worldwide reduction in biodiversity
- the gap between rich and poor
- human-induced climate change
- and global environmental degradation

Political globalization deals mainly with policies designed to

facilitate international trade and commerce. It also deals with the
institutions that implement these policies, which can include
national governments as well as international institutions, such as
the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization.
 Technological globalization the phenomenon by which
millions of people are interconnected thanks to the power of the
digital world via platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Skype or
Youtube.

Geographical globalization is defined as the set of

processes (economic, social, cultural, technological, institutional)
that contribute to the relationship between societies and
individuals around the world. It is a progressive process by which
exchanges and flows between different parts of the world are
intensified.
 Characteristics of globalization:

1. It involves both the creation of new social networks and the

multiplication of existing connections that cut across traditional
political, economic, cultural, and geographical boundaries.

2. The expansion and the strengthening of social relations,

activities, and connections

3. The intensification and acceleration of social exchanges and

activities

4. The compression of the world into a single place has increasingly

made global the frame of reference for human thought and action.
Effects of globalization
The effects of each type of globalization can be felt both locally
and globally, and can be observed in interactions at every level of
society, from an individual at the micro level to a society at the macro
level.

• The individual level includes the way international influence affects

ordinary people within a nation or region

• The community level includes effects to local or regional

organizations, businesses and economies.

• The institutional level includes effects to multinational corporations,

national governments and higher education institutions that have
international students. At this level, decisions are made that affect
the lower levels.
George Ritzer (2011) uses metaphors to explain Globalization:

1. From “Solids”-people, things, information, and places “harden” over time

with limited mobility to “liquids”- Increase of ease of the movement of people,
things, information, and places in the global age.

2. “Flows”- movement of people , things and information , and places due , in

part, to the increasing porosity of global barrier (melting of barriers)- sushi
globalization, Chinatowns, Disneyland, china products around the world,
internet, blogs, online shopping, G cash, e-commerce, Wire to wireless, spread
of democracy. And the end of communism.

3. Heavy and Light- e.g. encyclopedia to kindle, PC- laptop, -tablet, mobile
phones, watches, steel, alloy, Titanium, carbon fiber. Work becomes light due
machines and computers, vinyl records to cassettes to Walkman, DVD. From DVD
to downloads.
Mansbach (2013)

1. Skeptics- sees globalization as mere economic

interdependence and it is neither unprecedented
Nor revolutionary. In fact it is reversible.

2. Hyper globalizers- also perceive globalization as basically

economic interdependence but it
Revolutionary. There new actors like non state actors.

3. Transformationalist- sees globalization as unprecedented and

multidimensional it causes profound
Change in politics and economics, culture, security, migration,
human rights, and environment
Political Dimension of Globalization (Steger 2013)

1. ‘The political dimension of globalization’ looks at political arrangements

beyond the nation-state.

2. The modern nation-state came into being after the Protestant Reformation
(treaty of Westphalia), characterized by centralized government and self-
determination.

3. The rise of organizations such as the United Nations has threatened the
nation-state, according to globalization sceptics. However, national
governments still hold significant powers.

4. There has been a rise in the number of supra-territorial institutions,

operating from the local level all the way to the global level.

5. Globalization further spreads democracy.

The Cultural Dimension of Globalization (Steger 2013)

1. Explores the intensification and expansion of cultural flows across the globe
2. Critics of cultural globalization claim that the world is being homogenized
or ‘Americanized’.
3. advocates say that globalization reinvigorates niche cultures instead of
eliminating them
4. The existence of the global imaginary is linked to the rise of global media
networks. These networks are owned by a small group of transnational
corporations, which can affect journalistic integrity.
5. Several different hypotheses exist about the effects of language
globalization. Some say that it leads to protection of native tongues. On the
other hand, some foresee the rise of a ‘Globish’ language.
Ecological Dimension of Globalization (Steger 2013)

1. Deals with he effects of global alliances on ecological issues

2. There is an inexorable link between all humanity and the planet Earth

3. The Industrial Revolution has caused many ecological problems, including,

resource and food shortages, overpopulation, reduced biodiversity, pollution, and
climate change. All these problems are global — the result of aggregated human
action — and require a coordinated response.

4. However, there are still debates about the seriousness of ecological issues, and,
whilst progress has been made, few multilateral measures have been implemented.
This phase of globalization has been severely damaging to the environment, and
action is needed now.
Ideological dimension of Globalization (Steger 2013)

1. Market globalism- belief in free trade, neoliberal ideas

and the promise of consumerism

2. Justice globalism- envisages a global civil society with

fairer relationships and environmental safeguards

3. Religious globalism- strive for a global religious

community with superiority
over secular structures
Underlying Philosophies of Globalization
1. Imperialism
 concept that describes various methods employed by one
country to gain control (sometimes through territorial
conquest) of another country (or geographic area) and then
to exercise control, especially political, economic, and
territorial, over that country (or geographic area).
2. Colonialism
 the creation by the colonial power in the country (or
geographic area) that has been colonized of an administrative
apparatus to run its internal affairs.
3. Development
 “project” that is primarily concerned with the economic
development of specific nation - states not regarded as
sufficiently developed.
Underlying Philosophies of Globalization cont.

4. Americanization
 “the import by non - Americans of products, images,
technologies, practices and behaviour that are closely
associated with America/Americans.” (Richard Kuisel,1993)
5. Neo – Liberalism
 a combination of classical liberalism’ s commitment to
individual liberty with neo classical economics devoted to
the free market and opposed to state intervention in that
market.
• (article: liberalism vs. Neo-liberalism)
• (Dismantling Trade Barriers)
6. Neo - Marxian Theories
 The new imperialism
References

Gopinath, C. (2008). Globalization A Multidimensional System. London: Sage.

Mansbach, Richard and Edward Rhodes (2013). Introducing Globalization. London: Sage

McGregor, Harriet (2011). Globalization (Global Issues). New York: Rosen Publishing Group Inc.

Ritzer, George (2011). Globalization The Essentials. United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.

Steger, Manfred, Paul Battersby and Joseph Siracusa. The Sage Handbook of Globalization.
Vol. 1.

Steger, Manfred (2013). Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. Third Edition. Oxford University
Press.