PSY 350 Globalization and Social Issues: Summary PDF

PSY 350 - Globalization Chapter 1: Globalisation An Introduction Definition of Globalization ​ Core Concept: Greater interconnectedness among the world’s people. ○​ Defined as the increasing scale, extent, variety, speed, and magnitude of cross-border in...

PSY 350 - Globalization Chapter 1: Globalisation An Introduction Definition of Globalization ​ Core Concept: Greater interconnectedness among the world’s people. ○​ Defined as the increasing scale, extent, variety, speed, and magnitude of cross-border interrelations (social, economic, military, political, cultural). ○​ Involves the flow of goods, information, money, communication, and culture across national boundaries. Implications of Globalization 1.​ Shrinking World: Modern communication, transportation, and the internet have tied countries and people together in complex ways, making the world feel smaller and more interdependent. 2.​ A Process, Not a Product: ○​ Manifested in activities like immigration, transnational travel, global marketing, outsourcing, and international investments. ○​ Examples include pricing commodities globally, and finding multinational corporations like McDonald’s and Coca-Cola in almost every city. 3.​ Far-Reaching Effects: ○​ Extends beyond economics into political, social, and cultural spheres, reshaping individual and institutional lives. 4.​ Diverse Experiences: ○​ Benefits some (opportunities, prosperity) while others face poverty, instability, and loss of tradition. ○​ Rapid social change destabilizes norms but also fosters new identities, values, and practices. 5.​ Dual Nature of Impact: ○​ Comparable to Shiva in Hinduism—simultaneously destructive and creative. Historical Context: Globalization is Not New ​ Pre-Modern Globalization: ○​ Around 1000 A.D., trade and cultural exchanges spanned the globe. Examples: ​ Vikings: Traded and settled in Europe, Iceland, and Russia. ​ Byzantine Empire: Central hub for trade between East and West. ​ Islamic World: Facilitated cross-boundary exchanges of inventions and knowledge (e.g., algebra by Mohammad Ibn Musa-al-Khwarizmi). ○​ These exchanges influenced significant events like the European Renaissance and the Enlightenment. ​ Key Historical Periods: ○​ 16th Century: European trade and exploration expanded globally. ○​ 19th and Early 20th Centuries: High levels of immigration and cross-border trade marked globalization. ○​ Post-World War II: Accelerated globalization through decolonization, technological advances, and the rise of transnational institutions (e.g., World Bank, IMF, UN). Contemporary Characteristics of Globalization 1.​ Production: ○​ Rise of transnational corporations creating a "global assembly line." ○​ Examples: ​ Dell: Components sourced globally (Mexico, Taiwan, China). ​ Nokia: Products made in 10+ countries.  ○​ Impacts: ​ Manufacturing jobs move to low-wage economies (e.g., U.S. jobs moved to China). ​ Race to the Bottom: Jobs migrate to countries with even lower wages (e.g., from Mexico to China). ​ Result: Decline in developed countries' manufacturing sectors. 2.​ Markets: ○​ Corporations increasingly market globally, not just domestically. ○​ Example: Japanese carmakers (Honda, Toyota) build plants in the U.S. to target the local market. 3.​ Technology: ○​ Robotics, fiber optics, internet, and communications satellites revolutionized production, transportation, and information sharing. ○​ Example: Foreign exchange turnover rose from $800 billion in the 1990s to $4 trillion by 2009. ○​ Geography becomes "irrelevant" in many areas due to technology. 4.​ Corporate Restructuring: ○​ Corporations outsource production, create alliances, and decentralize manufacturing. ○​ Example: Boeing’s Dreamliner relies on global partners for components. 5.​ Neoimperialism: ○​ Despite political independence post-WWII, many former colonies remain economically dependent on Western nations and corporations. ○​ Globalization enriches third-world elites but often subordinates them to foreign powers. 6.​ Changing Work Structure: ○​ Decline in job security due to downsizing and outsourcing. ○​ Labor unions lose influence; employers resist wage increases by threatening to relocate jobs. 7.​ Global Institutions:  ○​ Organizations like the World Bank, IMF, and WTO promote transnational trade but face criticism for perpetuating inequality. 8.​ Neoliberal Ideology: ○​ Advocates free trade, deregulation, privatization, and reduced government intervention. ○​ Critics argue it prioritizes corporate interests over societal welfare. 9.​ Governance: ○​ Nation-states lose sovereignty to transnational organizations and global market forces. ○​ Governments prioritize corporate interests, even at the expense of citizens. 10.​Permeable Borders: ○​ Environmental pollution, pandemics, terrorism, and crime transcend borders. ○​ Migration flows involve both labor and forced migration (e.g., sex trafficking). 11.​Global Culture: ○​ Consumerism and media drive a "global culture" often centered on Western ideals (e.g., McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Nike). ○​ Tension between globalization and local cultures, leading to "glocalization" (adapting global products to local contexts). ○​ Example: Resistance by religious fundamentalists against Western modernity. Globalization's Sociological Implications ​ Sociology historically focused on nation-states; globalization shifts this to studying transnational flows and impacts. ​ Sociologists examine how globalization contributes to: ○​ Inequality within and across nations. ○​ Environmental degradation. ○​ Restructuring of social institutions, gender roles, and class relations  Class notes 1/23 Written on board: ​ Hegemony Hegemony refers to the dominance of one group, nation, or ideology over others, often through cultural, economic, and political means rather than direct coercion. In the context of globalization, hegemony is often used to describe the influence and control of powerful nations or institutions over global systems. For example: ​ Cultural Hegemony: Coined by Antonio Gramsci, this concept highlights how dominant cultures shape global norms, values, and ideologies, making them appear as the "natural" order of things. For instance, Western cultural ideals, such as consumerism, democracy, and capitalism, have spread globally through media, education, and multinational corporations, reinforcing the dominance of Western powers. ​ Economic Hegemony: This refers to the control of global trade, finance, and economic policies by powerful nations, often through organizations like the IMF, World Bank, and WTO. These institutions set rules and policies that reflect the interests of dominant economies, typically those of the Global North. In globalization, hegemony ensures that global systems operate in a way that benefits those in power, often at the expense of weaker or less-developed nations. Neoliberalism is an economic and political ideology that emphasizes free markets, deregulation, privatization, and minimal government intervention in the economy. It has been a driving force behind globalization since the late 20th century, shaping how global economies, trade, and governance operate. Key aspects of neoliberalism in the context of globalization include: ​ Economic Liberalization: Countries are encouraged or pressured to open their markets to foreign investment, reduce tariffs, and eliminate trade barriers, which facilitates the free flow of goods, services, and capital across borders. ​ Privatization: Public services and industries, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, are transferred to private entities, often favoring multinational corporations. ​ Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs): Implemented by institutions like the IMF and World Bank, these programs require countries (usually in the Global South) to adopt neoliberal policies in exchange for financial aid or debt relief. This often leads to austerity measures, reduced public spending, and increased inequality. ​ Global Power Imbalances: Neoliberal globalization tends to favor wealthier nations and multinational corporations, which exploit cheaper labor and resources from developing countries, reinforcing global inequality. Here’s an analysis of the transcript from the Globalization discussion based on the key themes and ideas discussed: Main Themes: ​ 1.​ Globalization of Food and Culture: ​ ​ Example of Thai Food: The instructor uses a personal anecdote about discovering Thai cuisine in Seattle, which highlights how globalization introduces diverse foods and ingredients to different parts of the world. ​ ​ Access to Ingredients: Globalization allows people to access foods and cultural products that were once limited to specific regions, but it also creates challenges like navigating foreign labels or understanding unfamiliar cuisines. ​ ​ Cultural Feedback: There is a “flowback” of global culture into U.S. culture, especially in areas like food and music, creating a more diverse cultural landscape. ​ 2.​ Globalization in Business and Labor: ​ ​ Interconnected Labor Markets: Labor has become globalized, with jobs outsourced to countries like India, leading to issues like time-zone challenges, human rights concerns, and low wages in certain regions. ​ ​ Economic Interdependence: Countries depend on one another for trade, resources, and production. For instance, the supply chain for products like cars and electronics spans multiple nations, emphasizing interdependence. ​ ​ Loss of U.S. Manufacturing Jobs: Globalization has led to the decline of manufacturing jobs in the U.S., raising questions about workers’ identities and stability in the workforce. ​ 3.​ Global Institutions: ​ ​ United Nations (UN): The instructor explains the role of the UN as a facilitator of conversation rather than an organization designed to enforce decisions. It plays a key role in sharing information during crises (e.g., pandemics). ​ ​ International Monetary Fund (IMF): The IMF serves as a lender of last resort for struggling countries but often imposes controversial terms, like the privatization of public resources, leading to debates about economic exploitation. ​ 4.​ Supply Chain and Global Trade: ​ ​ “Just-in-Time” Production: Modern supply chains rely on components sourced from various countries, making production efficient but vulnerable to disruptions (e.g., during the COVID-19 pandemic). ​ ​ Regional vs. Global Trade: While globalization has expanded trade networks, most trade still occurs within regional boundaries (e.g., Europe trading within the EU, Southeast Asia trading locally). ​ 5.​ Nationalism vs. Globalization: ​ ​ Tribalism and Stress: The rise of nationalism is linked to psychological factors like stress, fear, and resource scarcity, which can amplify tribalism and aggression. ​ ​ Realistic Conflict Theory: This theory explains how competition for scarce resources leads to conflict between groups, a recurring issue in history and modern times. ​ 6.​ Technological Globalization: ​ ​ Communication Advances: Advances in technology, such as social media and cheaper global communication, have reshaped family dynamics and global connections. For example, staying in touch with family abroad is easier and more affordable now than in the past. ​ ​ Cultural Homogenization: Western technology and culture (e.g., American fast food, social media platforms) dominate globally, raising concerns about cultural erosion in non-Western countries. ​ 7.​ Economic Regionalism vs. Globalism: ​ ​ Despite the rise of globalization, much economic activity remains localized or regionalized. For instance, most trade in the European Union or Southeast Asia is conducted within their regions, not globally. Key Issues and Implications: ​ 1.​ Cultural Exchange vs. Exploitation: ​ ​ While globalization introduces diverse cultural experiences, it also raises concerns about exploitation, loss of local traditions, and economic imbalances. For example, the privatization terms imposed by the IMF can disproportionately harm less powerful nations. ​ 2.​ Economic Inequalities: ​ ​ The global labor market often benefits wealthier nations while creating challenges for developing countries. For instance, low-wage jobs in call centers and factories may exploit workers in poorer nations while reducing opportunities in wealthier countries. ​ 3.​ Identity in the Globalized Workforce: ​ ​ The shift away from lifetime professions, especially in manufacturing, challenges traditional notions of identity tied to work. Workers now face more uncertainty and need to adapt to rapidly changing industries. ​ 4.​ Nationalism as a Reaction to Globalization: ​ ​ The rise in nationalism can be seen as a reaction to the perceived threats posed by globalization, such as cultural dilution or economic dependence on other countries. ​ 5.​ Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: ​ ​ Global supply chains are efficient but fragile. Disruptions in one part of the world (e.g., pandemic lockdowns) can cause ripple effects, leading to shortages and higher costs. Conclusion: This transcript illustrates the complex and multifaceted nature of globalization, highlighting both its benefits (e.g., cultural exchange, economic efficiency) and drawbacks (e.g., exploitation, inequality). It also emphasizes the interplay between globalization and psychological, social, and economic factors. The discussion raises important questions about how nations and individuals navigate the tensions between global integration and local identity, as well as how to address the inequalities and vulnerabilities that globalization creates. Globalization Chapter 2 Notes: Introduction to Globalization and Debates ​ Globalization is not new but has accelerated in scope and speed. ​ Major debates: ○​ Have transnational corporations (TNCs) overtaken nation-states in power? ○​ Does globalization promote or weaken democracy? ○​ Is Western culture homogenizing the world? ○​ Is local identity becoming irrelevant? ○​ Who benefits and suffers from globalization (economic, environmental, social impacts)? ​ Key questions: ○​ Does globalization ensure security or increase instability? ○​ Does it uplift the poor or exacerbate poverty? ○​ Does it benefit workers or create a global “race to the bottom”? Reading 1: Globalisation by Anthony Giddens ​ Overview: Globalization profoundly impacts all aspects of life (economic, political, cultural, personal).  ​ Skeptics vs. Radicals: ○​ Skeptics: Globalization is overhyped and not significantly different from earlier global trade systems. ○​ Radicals: Globalization is real, eroding national sovereignty and creating a borderless economic system. ​ Key Characteristics: ○​ Increased global financial transactions (trillions of dollars exchanged daily). ○​ Dependency on technology and communication advancements (e.g., satellites, internet). ○​ Instantaneous communication shapes personal and cultural experiences (e.g., global celebrity culture). ​ Contradictions: ○​ Globalization pulls power upwards (supranational institutions) and pushes it downwards (local autonomy movements). ○​ Revival of local identities (e.g., Catalonia, Quebec) occurs alongside global integration. ​ Challenges: ○​ Inequality between the Global North and South persists. ○​ Environmental risks and exploitation of weaker regulations in developing nations. ​ Key Argument: Globalization reshapes institutions and identities, creating a "global cosmopolitan society." Reading 2: The World Is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman  ​ Main Thesis: The world is "flattening" due to technology, enabling global competition and collaboration. ​ Three Eras of Globalization: ○​ Globalization 1.0 (1492–1800): Driven by countries’ power (colonization, trade). ○​ Globalization 2.0 (1800–2000): Multinational corporations as drivers; reduced transportation/communication costs. ○​ Globalization 3.0 (2000–present): Empowerment of individuals through technology (internet, software, fiber optics). ​ Technology’s Role: ○​ Platforms like Infosys allow global collaboration across time zones and borders. ○​ Cheaper technology and connectivity enable individuals and small companies to compete globally. ​ Opportunities and Threats: ○​ Opportunities for innovation and prosperity if politics/terrorism don't interfere. ○​ Concerns over empowerment of bad actors (e.g., terrorist networks). ​ Conclusion: Globalization 3.0 flattens the playing field, making global collaboration more accessible but also more complex. Reading 3: Why the World Isn’t Flat by Pankaj Ghemawat ​ Main Argument: The world is far less globalized than proponents suggest. ​ 10 Percent Presumption:  ○​ Most activities (trade, investment, communication) remain local, not global (e.g.,