TOPIC 1.pdf

THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD Cagayan State University Carig Campus TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF GLOBALIZATION Objectives: After completion of the module, students will be able to: a. Define globalization; b. Identify underlying philosophies of the varying definitions of globalizat...

THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD Cagayan State University Carig Campus TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF GLOBALIZATION Objectives: After completion of the module, students will be able to: a. Define globalization; b. Identify underlying philosophies of the varying definitions of globalization; c. Participate in news reports, critiquing globalization; and, d. Narrate personal experiences on globalization. ==================================================================================== Globalization refers to the world getting smaller and people becoming more aware of global issues. It's about how societies and the global economy change because of more trade, investment, and cultural sharing across borders. These processes have been happening for centuries, but only recently has globalization become a big topic. The recent era of globalization has been shaped by countries, their economies, and their cultures. This new type of globalization connects the world and creates a global culture often called a "global village." Globalization is a complex process that involves many aspects of life that can be seen in every corner of society starting from the basic unit of society, the family, to the nations of the world. This greatly affects human lives and is seen in every culture of the world. In the modern world, globalization has become part of human life. With the advent of technology, people have become more connected. Ideas and information are now being shared on social media, and we socialize globally through the interconnectedness of life through technology. What is Globalization? Globalization is the process by which the world, previously isolated through physical and technological distance, becomes increasingly interconnected. It is manifested by the increase in interaction between people around the world that involves the sharing of ideas, cultures, goods, services and investments. It encompasses various dimensions from economics, cultural, social, political, to technological aspects, each offering unique insights into its multifaceted nature. ECONOMICS Many see globalization primarily through an economic lens, focusing on how it influences the integration of national products into global markets. This perspective highlights the importance of trade, investment, and market dynamics in shaping the interconnectedness of economies worldwide. It emphasizes the role of multinational corporations, trade agreements, and financial systems in driving economic growth and development on a global scale. CULTURAL Globalization is understood as the diffusion of ideas, values, cultural practices, and identities across borders, resulting in the emergence of a global culture and the blending of local and global influences. POLITICAL Globalization is seen as the shift of power and authority from national governments to international institutions and supranational organizations, such as the United Nations and the European Union, resulting in the erosion of state sovereignty and the emergence of global governance mechanisms. TECHNOLOGICAL Globalization is defined as the rapid advancement and dissemination of technology, particularly information and communication technologies, enabling instant communication, collaboration, and the global exchange of goods, services, and information. THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD Cagayan State University Carig Campus PHILOSOPHIES OF THE VARYING DEFINITIONS OF GLOBALIZATION Manfred Steger – Globalization is “the expansion and intensification of social relations and consciousness across world-time and across world-space”. Expansion refers to both the creation of new social networks and the multiplication of existing connections that cut across traditional political, economic, cultural, and geographical boundaries. While intensification refers to the expansion, stretching and acceleration of these networks. Manfred offers the following philosophies to the varying definitions of globalization: 1. Globalization is about the Liberalization and Global Integration of Markets This is anchored in the neo-liberal idea of self-regulating market as the normative basis for the future global order. According to this, the vital function of the free market (its rationality and efficiency, as well as its alleged ability to bring about greater social integration and material progress) can only be realized in a democratic society that vales and protects individual freedom. (Steger, 2005) 2. Globalization is Inevitable and Irreversible According to the market-globalists, globalization reflects the spread of irreversible market forces driven by technological innovations that make the global integration of national economies inevitable. (Steger, 2005) 3. Nobody is in Charge of Globalism Globalization hinges on the classical liberal concept of “self-regulating” market. According to Robert Hormats (1998), vice chairman of Goldman Sachs International, “the great beauty of globalization is that no one is in control. It is not controlled by any individual, any government, any institution. However, this idea that nobody is in charge serves the neo-liberal political agenda of defending and expanding global capitalism. 4. Globalization benefits everyone in the long-run This lies at the heart of market globalism which is unpacked on material terms such as economic growth and prosperity. In terms of globalism concept, it taps not only liberalism progressive worldview, but also draws on the powerful socialist vision of establishing economic paradise on Earth. (Steger, 2005) 5. Globalism furthers the spread of democracy in the World This links “globalization” and “markets” to the concept of democracy which plays a significant role in liberalism, conservatism, and socialism. Globalists tend to treat freedom, free markets, free trade and democracy as synonymous terms. According to Francis Fukuyama (2000), “there exists a clear correlation between country’s level of economic development and successful democracy.” Though it is true that globalization and capital development, it does not automatically create democracies. Fukuyama believes that the “level of economic development resulting from globalization is conducive to the creation of complex civil societies with a powerful middle class which facilitates democracy.” (Steger, 2005) Activity: Choose a partner and relate how you understand globalization. Share how you experience globalization either at home, school, or within the community. _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________.