Contents
Preface
iii
Issue 1
Key point a
Key point b
What is globalization?
What is meant by globalization?
The trend towards globalization
1
2
25
Issue 2
Key point a
What is the impact of globalization?
Cultural, economic and political impact
47
48
Impact and opportunities for the mainland and Hong
Kong
70
Will globalization bring forth more conflict or world
peace?
Harmony and conflict
Regional alliances and global institutions
80
Key point b
Issue 3
Key point a
Key point b
i
81
90
ii
Preface
Among its recent proposals for education reform in Hong Kong, the Education
Commission recommends the provision of ‘a broad senior secondary curriculum to
enable students to acquire experiences in various key learning areas, construct a broad
knowledge base and enhance their ability to analyze problems’ (Education
Commission, September 2000). The Integrated Humanities (S4-5) represents a
response to this proposal. The Integrated Humanities is made up of four core modules,
namely Personal Development, Characteristics of Hong Kong Society, Development
of Modern China and Globalization; it also has three optional modules, that is
Religion and Life, Human-Environment Relationship and Relationship between Mass
Media and Modern Culture. Students studying this curriculum can build a broad
knowledge base and a rich repertoire of skills and abilities.
The Learning Resource Pack on Integrated Humanities (S4-5): Core Module
IV – Globalization is part of a series of learning and teaching materials being
developed by the Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB) for the implementation of
the new subject.
The Department of History of the Chinese University of Hong Kong has been
commissioned by EMB to prepare this booklet.
Schools are encouraged to adapt the materials for educational use according to
their contexts. NO part of the documents shall be duplicated for commercial purposes.
iii
We welcome feedback and suggestions from teachers. Please send them to:
Chief Curriculum Development Officer (Personal, Social and
Humanities Education)
Curriculum Development Institute
Education and Manpower Bureau
13/F Wu Chung House
213 Queen’s Road East
Wan Chai
Hong Kong
or by e-mail to pshe@emb.gov.hk, or by fax on 2573 5299 / 2575 4318.
For further enquiries, please contact the PSHE Section, Curriculum Development
Institute (CDI) on 2892 5735 or 2892 5859.
iv
Issue 1
What is globalization?
1
Key Point a
What is meant by globalization?
2
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Teachers’ References
Globalization is a complicated concept. Some people believe that it is the outcome of
a series of processes while some think that it is simply a noun for a series of processes.
Some scholars believe that globalization emerged as early as the Middle Ages and
globalization in the 20th century was, in fact, a “continuity”. But other scholars stress
that globalization is the product of modern advanced technologies and represents a
“basic change”.
Globalization broadly refers to the expansion of global linkages, the organization of
social life on a global scale, and the growth of a global consciousness. It encompasses
several large processes; definitions differ on what they emphasize. The term
globalization is not neutral; definitions express different assessments of global change.
The following definitions represent currently influential views:

Thomas Friedman: “The inexorable integration of markets, nation-states, and
technologies…is enabling individuals, corporation and nation-states to reach
around the world farther, faster, deeper and cheaper than ever before … the spread
of free-market capitalism to virtually every country in the world”.
Citation from:
Friedman, Thomas. The Lexus and The Olive Tree. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1999,
pp.7-8.

Roland Robertson: “The compression of the world and the intensification of
consciousness of the world as a whole … concrete global interdependence and
consciousness of the global whole in the twentieth century”.
Citation from:
Robertson, Roland. Globalization: Social Theory and Global Culture. London: Sage Publications,
1992, p.8.

Martin Albrow: “The historical transformation constituted by the sum of particular
forms and instances of … making or being made global (i) by the active
dissemination of practices, values, technology and other human products
throughout the globe; (ii) when global practices and so on exercise an increasing
influence over people’s lives; (iii) when the globe serves as a focus for, or a
3
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
premise in shaping, human activities”.
Citation from:
Albrow, Martin. The Global Age: State and Society beyond Modernity. Cambridge, UK: Polity
Press in association with Blackwell Publishers, 1996, p.88.

Malcolm Waters: “A social process in which the constraints of geography on
social and cultural arrangements recede and in which people become increasingly
aware that they are receding.”
Citation from:
Waters, Malcolm. Globalization. London; New York : Routledge, 1995, p. 3.

Philip McMichael: “Integration on the basis of a project pursuing market rule on a
global scale.”
Citation from:
McMichael, Philip. Development and Social Change: A Global Perspective. Thousand Oaks, Calif.:
Pine Forge Press, 2000, p.149.

James Mittelman: “As experienced from below, the dominant form of
globalization means a historical transformation: in the economy, of livelihoods and
modes of existence; in politics, a loss in the degree of control exercised locally …
and in culture, a devaluation of a collectivity’s achievements … Globalization is
emerging as a political response to the expansion of market power … [It] is a
domain of knowledge.”
Citation from:
Mittelman, James. The Globalization Syndrome: Transformation and Resistance. Princeton, N.J.:
Princeton University Press, 2000, p.6.
As it is, would globalization lead to uniformity? Scholars hold different theories on
this question. Some believe that globalization would kill regional uniqueness and lead
the world to uniformity. While some point out that globalization does not flow
unilaterally but mutually. In this process of mutual flow, local uniqueness would be
preserved.
4
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Suggested Learning Objectives
Suggested questions
for enquiry
What is
globalization?
[2 periods]
Learning objectives
-
To come up with a definition of Teachers can introduce
globalization.
activities and discussion
using Source 5.
What are the main
features of
globalization in terms
To understand various types of
transnational corporations and
global institutions and their role
of economics, politics
and culture?
[2 periods]
in globalization;
To familiarize oneself with the
features of globalization in terms
of economics, politics and
culture.
Will globalization
lead to uniformity?
Can the world sustain
diversity under
-
To analyze the globalization of
culture and its effects on
individual societies and cultures;
To analyze the effects of
globalization?
[2 periods]
economic globalization on
individual countries and peoples;
To discuss whether political
globalization has influenced
governments and peoples;
To discuss whether globalization
impacts on the peoples of the
world in the same way;
To discuss whether globalization
would destroy the uniqueness of
-
-
-
Remarks
countries and peoples and lead
the world to uniformity
5
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Suggested question for enquiry:
What is globalization?
Source 1
Globalization:

Global adoption of social institutions:
the process by which social institutions become adopted on a global scale.

Operation at international level:
the process by which a business or company becomes international or starts
operating at an international level.
Citation from:
MSN Learning & Resesarch [Online],
<http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/Dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?search=globalization>
[accessed 31 July 2003].
Source 2
Globalization means that borders become markedly less relevant to everyday
behaviour in the various dimensions of economics, information, ecology,
technology, cross-cultural conflict and civil society. It points to something …
which is changing everyday life with considerable force and compelling
everyone to adapt and respond in various ways.
Citation from:
Beck, Ulrich, Patrick Camiller (tran.). What is globalization? Cambridge: Polity Press, 2000, p.20.
6
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Source 3
... across the world there is growing consciousness of interdependence. In Roland
Robertson’s eyes, globalization refers both to the compression of the world and
the intensification of consciousness of the world as a whole.
Summarized from:
Beynon, John and David Dunkerley. “General Introduction”. In John Beynon and David Dunkerley
(eds.), Globalization: The Reader. London: The Athlone Press, 2002, p.35.
Robertson, Roland. Globalization: Social Theory and Global Culture. London: Sage Publications,
1992.
Source 4
Globalization is a Nike trainer on every foot, … a Madonna on every Magazine
cover, … a Coke on every table, … a cloud of pollution on every landscape ...
Globalization is an assembly line circling the world, generating ever more 3D
jobs (dirty, dangerous, difficult) and widening the gap between rich and poor.
Globalization is the same answer to a multitude of problems: “Let the market
decide.” Globalization is TINA (There is No Alternative) … When New Yorkers
eat sushi, Tokyoites dances to Hong Kong pop, Chinese watch French movies,
Parisians read Senegalese novels, the residents of Dakar visit Argentinean
websites …, globalization seems to have expanded our options rather than
limited them … globalization has also helped to raise the visibility of
international labour standards, respect for human rights, and movements for
women’s emancipation. Globalization brought the world leaders to Seattle for the
World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting in 1999, but it also brought an
international array of protesters to the Seattle streets.
Citation from:
Feffer, John. “Challenging Globalization: An Introduction”. In John Feffer (ed.). Living in Hope:
People Challenging Globalization. London and New York: American Friends Service Committee,
2002, p.1.
7
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Source 5
The following are some internationally renowned brand names.
SONY
Nike
CNN
Disney
HSBC
Coca-Cola
icq
McDonald’s
amazon.com
Microsoft
intel.
MTV
YAHOO!
Mercedes-Benz
LEVI’S
Source 6
The following shows a summary of global activities.
Communications
 Air transport
 Telecommunications
 Electronic mass media
 Global publications
Markets
 Global products
 Global sales strategies
Production
 Global production chains
 Global sourcing of inputs
Money
 Global currencies
 Bank cards connected to global ATM networks
 Digital cash on electronic purses
 Global credit cards
8
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Finance
 Global foreign-exchange markets
 Global banking (both deposits and loans)
 Global bonds (‘eurobonds’) and bond trading
 Global shares and share dealing
 Global insurance business
Organizations
 Global governance agencies
 Global companies
 Global corporate strategic alliances
 Global civic association
Social ecology
 Global atmosphere (climate change, ozone depletion, radioactive fallout, acid rain)
 Global biosphere (loss of biological diversity, deforestation)
 Global hydrosphere (rising sea level, marine pollution, reduced fresh water)
 Global geosphere (desertification, loss of arable soil)
Consciousness
 Concepts of the world as single place
 Global symbols
 Global events
 Global solidarities
Citation from:
Scholte, Jan Aart. Globalization: A Critical Introduction (Basingstoke, Hampshire: Macmillan Press
Ltd, 2000), p. 55.
9
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Questions for discussion:

What do you think globalization refers to?

Do you agree with the meaning of globalization given in Source 3? Why?

What factors do you think lead to “the compression of the world and the
intensification of consciousness of the world as a whole”? (Hints: How can people
from different parts of the world be connected? What issues do you think attract
global concerns and influence people across the world?)

What are the benefits and problems of globalization mentioned in Source 4? Do
you agree?

With globalization, are we exposed to more choices or less? Why do you think so?

Some argue that globalization is a set of processes over space and time. Others say
that globalization is the product of a set of processes. What do you think? Why?

Do you know the home base of the companies in Source 5? What products and
services do they provide? Where are their products made?

Have you used any goods or services provided by the companies listed in Source 5?
How often do you use them?

Do you think these companies influence our daily life? If so, in what way is our
daily life being affected? Please illustrate your answer with an example.

Select one of the global activities listed in Source 6 and give an example to show
how it is “global”.
10
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Suggested question for enquiry:
What are the main features of globalization in terms of economics, politics and
culture?
Source 1
Globalization is a set of economic policies that emphasize growth and the role of
the market at the expense of the state. It is the culmination of certain trends in
technology. Politically, it favours democracy and transparency, though often only
in a formal sense. And it is pushed forward by international institutions and the
largest economic powers, particularly the United States.
Citation from:
Feffer, John. “Challenging Globalization: An Introduction”. In John Feffer (ed.). Living in Hope:
People Challenging Globalization. London and New York: American Friends Service Committee,
2002, p.14.
11
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Source 2
The following shows the worldwide website of The Coca-Cola Company, with
the opening message reproduced in the box below.
The Coca-Cola Company refreshes
people across the globe. Take a look
at some of our websites around the
world to discover how we are
meeting the demands of local tastes
and cultures with more than 300
brands in over 200 countries.
Citation from:
The Coca-Cola Company Worldwide website,
<http://www.coca-cola.com/worldwide/flashIndex1.html> [accessed 6 May 2003].
12
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Source 3
Starbucks Coffee International has over 900 coffeehouses in 22 markets outside
the United States. The first one was established in Tokyo, Japan in 1996.
Mr Tang, who always goes
to the Starbucks coffeehouse
in Causeway Bay, said, “I
feel relaxed and free here.
The coffee it provides is
good.
And,
you
know,
people can just buy a cup of
coffee, staying here for a
whole day. No one will
interrupt you. This is kind of
coffee culture.”
Source:
Department of History, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
13
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Source 4
The United Nations (UN) was established in the aftermath of a devastating war
(World War II) to help stabilize international relations and give peace a more
secure foundation. … The UN, however, is much more than a peace-keeper and
forum for conflict resolution. Often without attracting attention, the UN and its
family of agencies are engaged in a vast array of work that touches every aspect
of people's lives around the world.
Citation from:
The United Nations website – UN in History, <http://www.un.org/aboutun/achieve.htm> [accessed 5
May 2003].
Source 5
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was established in 1945 to promote
international monetary cooperation, exchange stability, and orderly exchange
arrangements; to foster economic growth and high levels of employment; and to
provide temporary financial assistance to countries to help ease balance of
payments adjustment. Since the IMF was established its purposes have remained
unchanged but its operations – which involve surveillance, financial assistance
and technical assistance – have developed to meet the changing needs of its
member countries in an evolving world economy.
Citation from:
The International Monetary Fund website – About the IMF, <http://www.imf.org/external/about.htm>
[accessed 5 May 2003].
14
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Source 6
On one level globalization is an economic phenomenon. One half of the world’s
largest economic units are states, the other half consists of transnational
corporations (TNCs). Eighty-nine out of the top 200 TNCs are based in the
United States and 25 in Japan and they produce between a third and a half of
world output. Economic activities of these transnational corporations could be
arranged at any time of the day or night with the aid of electronic
communication. Globalization thus refers to economic activity on a global scale
and is an aspect of time-space compression or the “shrinking world” …
Citation from:
Thrift, Nigel. “A Hyperactive World”. In John Beynon and David Dunkerley (eds.). Globalization: The
Reader. London: The Athlone Press, 2002, p.42.
Source 7
There are two basic characteristics of transnational corporations: 1) The scope of
their economic activities is wide and includes retail, wholesale, raw materials
exploitation, processing of industrial products, research and development. These
activities are carried out in at least two regions and rely on the financial activities
in those regions. 2) Their management and decision-making division is mainly
region-based and takes into account their global need.
Citation from:
馬陵。《疆界的終結：全球化》
。北京：新華出版社，2001，頁 56。
15
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Source 8
Source:
Department of History, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Source 9
Among the most obvious and tangible forms of cultural globalization are the
products of the Western media: television; global icons like Michael Jackson and
Madonna; the proliferation of products like Coca-Cola and McDonald’s; and a
wide range of Western consumer goods … global culture, which is not yet based
on shared global stories and memories, is held to be mainly a recent media-driven
construct. Whereas local culture is closely tied to place and time, global culture is
free of these constraints. It is brought into being and sustained by the media and
entertainment industry, not just in terms of products, but as a desired
Americanized lifestyle.
Citation from:
Beynon, John and David Dunkerley. “General Introduction”. In John Beynon and David Dunkerley
(eds.), Globalization: The Reader. London: The Athlone Press, 2002, p.13.
16
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Source 10
Some scholars argue that in a globalized world, national governments are
increasingly powerless and irrelevant. While they are too small to deal with
global problems that affect their citizens – such as global warming or illegal
drugs trade, they are too big to deal with local matters such as refuse recycling.
Others oppose this view and say that globalization is reaffirming the centrality of
national governments to the management of human affairs.
Citation from:
McGrew, Anthony. “Power shift: from national government to global governance?” In David Held (ed.),
A Globalizing World? Culture, Economics, Politics. London and New York: The Open University,
2000, p.130.
17
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Questions for discussion:

What are the major activities in the global economy? What kind of corporations
participate in these activities?

Is Coca-Cola a transnational company? Why do you think so?

Have you been to a Starbucks coffeehouse? In addition to
coffee, what else does it offer you while you are enjoying the
drinks? What are the differences between a Starbucks
coffeehouse and a cha chaan ting (tea meal cafeteria)1 in
terms of food and environment?

Can you give an example of the rising global culture? How does it spread across
the world? (Hints: Ask students how they come to know about it.)

Do you think local culture is being destroyed under globalization? Why do you
think so?

What tasks are global institutions such as the United Nations and the International
Monetary Fund are doing?

What are the differences in terms of function and responsibilities between global
institutions and national governments?

Do you think global institutions have much influence on national governance?
Please illustrate your answer with an example.

Do you think national governments are increasingly powerless under globalization?
Why do you think so? Please illustrate your answer with an example.

How and to what extent are individual lives being affected by globalization?
The term is coined in Wu, David Y. H. (2001), “Chinese Café in Hong Kong” in David Y. H. Wu
and Tan Chee-beng (eds) Changing Chinese Foodways in Asia (Hong Kong: The Chinese University
Press, 2001), pp.71-80.
1
18
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Suggested questions for enquiry:
Will globalization lead to uniformity? Can the world sustain diversity under
globalization?
Source 1
Do you know how to find out the time in any given place in the world? The
investor in the following cartoon will tell you about time zones.
Berlin, 13 May 2003,
Tuesday, 5:04 am
Tokyo
13 May 2003,
I can participate in 24-hour
financial activities across the
world just sitting at home …
Hong Kong
13 May 2003,
New York
12 May 2003,
London
13 May 2003,
Tuesday, 12:04 pm Tuesday, 11:04 am Monday, 11:04 pm Tuesday, 4:04 pm
Source:
Department of History, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
19
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Source 2
Mr. Doug Daft, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola
Company, believes that the company must be committed to operating at the local
level in the communities it serves. He said, “No one decides to enjoy one of our
products globally.” This is the reason why Coca-Cola is committed to local
markets, to pay attention to what people from different cultures and backgrounds
like to drink, and where and how they like to drink it.
Adapted from:
The Coca-Cola Company Worldwide website – Heritage Timeline,
<http://www2.coca-cola.com/ourcompany/ourheritage.html> [accessed 7 May 2003].
Source 3
Starbucks Coffee attributes its success to the criteria it strictly follows when
choosing partners worldwide:

Shared values and corporate culture.

Strong multi-unit retail/restaurant experience.

Dedicated human resources.

Commitment to customer service.

Quality image.

Creative ability, local knowledge and brand-building skills.

Strong financial resources.
Howard Schultz, Chairman and Chief Global Strategist of the company, remarks,
“We remain highly respectful of the culture and traditions of the countries in
which we do business … we must continue to earn the trust and respect of
customers every day.”
Adapted from:
Starbucks Coffee Company Corporate website,
<http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/international.asp> [accessed 7 May 2003].
20
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Source 4
HSBC The world’s local bank
To truly understand a country and its culture, you have to be a part of it. That’s
why at HSBC, we have local banks in more countries than anyone else. And all
of our offices around the world are staffed by local people. It's their insight that
allows us to recognize financial opportunities invisible to outsiders. But those
opportunities don’t just benefit our local customers. Innovations and ideas are
shared throughout the HSBC network, so that everyone who banks with us can
benefit. Think of it as local knowledge that just happens to span the globe.
© COPYRIGHT HSBC HOLDINGS PLC 2003 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Citation from:
HSBC website, <http://www.hsbc.com> [accessed 13 May 2003].
Source 5
American and British troops are stationed at the Persian Gulf and are ready to
conquer Iraq. At the same time, waves of anti-war sentiment surge high across
the globe. People are against the military action by the United States and Britain
and demand a peaceful resolution of the Iraqi question. Anti-war has become a
consensus in the international community.
Summarized from:
《大公報》
，2003 年 3 月 14 日。
《明報》
，2003 年 3 月 14 日。
21
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Source 6
Local culture remains a powerful influence in daily life. People are tied to places,
and those places continue to shape particular norms and values. The fact that
residents of Moscow, Beijing, and New Delhi occasionally eat at McDonald’s,
watch Hollywood films, and wear Nike athletic shoes does not make them
global … People everywhere show a desire to partake of the fruits of
globalization, but they just as earnestly want to celebrate the distinctiveness of
their own cultures.
Citation from:
Watson, James L. “Globalization,” Encyclopaedia Britannica online,
<http://sesarch.eb.com/eb/article?eu=369857> [accessed 29 January 2003].
22
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?
Questions for discussion:

Why do you think global corporations such as Starbucks International, Coca-Cola
and HSBC always emphasize they respect the cultures and traditions of the
countries where they do business? Do you think such an attitude leads to smooth
development and acceptance in places where they do business?

Use McDonald’s as an example and give a brief account of the followings:
-
Compare the food menus of McDonald’s in Hong Kong and the United States
and list the similarities and differences.
McDonald’s in Hong Kong:
<http://www.mcdonalds.com.hk/english/index.htm>
McDonald’s in the United States:
<http://www.mcdonalds.com/countries/usa/index.html>
-
Give an account of their differences.
-
Show how McDonald’s in Hong Kong blends into local culture.

Do you think global consumer products will bring about global uniformity? Why?

How do people across the world benefit from the global financial system?

Why do you think many people in the world opposed the American-British war on
Iraq?

Do you think if it is useful for people across the world to demonstrate for issues
such as peace, human rights, deforestations, and environmental protection?

Do you think global ideas such as anti-war will lead to uniformity? Why do you
think so?

Do you think the lifestyle of the world’s people will soon become uniform under
globalization? Please illustrate your answer with an example.
23
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point a – What is meant by globalization?

It is said in Source 6, “People everywhere show a desire to partake of the fruits of
globalization, but they just as earnestly want to celebrate the distinctiveness of
their own cultures.” Do you agree? Why?

How can local culture be preserved under globalization?

Do you agree that globalization has not affected all of the world’s people in the
same way and to the same extent? Please illustrate your answer with an example.
24
Key Point b
The trend towards globalization
25
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Teachers’ References
Most scholars agree that information technology is one of the major forces promoting
globalization. Recent development of advanced technologies in transportation and
communication facilities, for instance, not only shortens the distance between peoples
but also increases the opportunities of contact between peoples, nationalities,
countries and cultures. As a result, we often hear people say, “We are living in a
global village.”
Global institutions (e.g. the United Nations and the World Trade Organization) and
non-governmental organizations (e.g. Greenpeace and Médecins Sans Frontières)
contribute to human development by striving to maintain peace and equality and
advocating environmental protection. They are the driving forces of globalization.
However, these institutions and organizations are, to a certain extent, products of
globalization themselves. This is because governments find it difficult to deal with
certain global problems or to achieve common objectives single-handedly. The result
is the formation of global institutions and organizations.
Religion is a driving force behind certain global concepts such as fraternal love and
peaceful co-existence. But some people think that the United States is the greatest
driving force of globalization. It promotes globalization through many channels and in
various ways. They think that globalization is, in fact, Americanization.
People in different parts of the world respond differently to globalization. Some say
that globalization brings more choices, greater convenience, more enjoyment and a
more comfortable life. On the other hand, some people think that globalization takes
away people’s choices and destroys the unique features of places, nationalities and
cultures. Because globalization is still developing and covers wide areas, it is difficult
to conclude now whether it is good or bad.
To sum up, there are many factors promoting globalization and it affects our lives. But
people also influence the content and direction of globalization in many ways.
26
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Suggested Learning Objectives
Suggested questions
for enquiry
What are the forces
that promote
globalization?
[2 periods]
Learning objectives
-
To analyze the forces promoting
globalization, including the need
to solve global problems,
technological development, the
emergence of transnational
corporations and global
Remarks
Some scholars think that
global institutions
promote globalization
and are also its products.
institutions, such as the United
Nations and religious
organizations.
How do different
parts of the world
react to
globalization?
[1 – 2 periods]
-
To analyze the responses of
people in different parts of the
world to globalization.
What are the possible -
To discuss the probable
consequences when
globalization
becomes a big trend?
[2 periods]
consequences of globalization,
including:
The probable
consequences are listed in
the column of “Learning
objectives”. Have they
Economic globalization→
occurred already?
polarization of the rich and the Students can also discuss
poor; exploitation of developing how to prevent the
countries; acceleration of
adverse consequences
economic growth in some
from happening.
countries; domination of the
global economy by a rich
minority of countries; decreasing
choices for people; and unfair
trade.
Cultural globalization→
destruction of local cultures;
formation of “third cultures”;
enhancement of understanding
27
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Suggested questions
for enquiry
Learning objectives
between peoples and
nationalities;
and sharing of the same thing by
different places and nationalities.
Political globalization→
decrease in the power of
governments; changing
government roles; global
co-operation to prevent and
resolve problems; and
intervention in other countries’
affairs by powerful countries
through global institutions.
28
Remarks
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Suggested question for enquiry:
What are the forces that promote globalization?
Source 1
In 1519, Magellan sailed with 5
ships across the Atlantic Ocean
from Spain. Three years later,
only one of his ships succeeded to
arrive home after sailing round the
world.
On 22 May 1819 the first
steamship,
the
Savannah,
crossed the Altantic Ocean
and arrived in Liverpool in
England 28 days later.
In
1987
an
aircraft,
Voyager, orbited the earth
(nonstop,
non-refuelling)
with 9 days, 3 minutes and
44 seconds.
29
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Source 2
Answer the following questionnaire about your daily routine.

Have you looked for materials on the Internet for your school projects?

Have you sent e-mail messages to your friends?

Do you have experience with ICQ?

Have you talked with your friends or relatives by long-distant-call?

Did you watch live coverage of the World Cup, the Olympics Games and
news such as the 911 Incident in the United States?

Do you have your own homepage?

Have you downloaded music from the Internet?

Have you ever visited overseas by airplane or ship?

Have you visited the rest of China by airplane, ship or train?
30
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Source 3
Which is the best and fastest way to contact with friends in oversea countries?
31
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Source 4
The role of transnational corporations has often been cited as the main factor
contributing to the globalization process. Their role is certainly crucial in a
number of areas, such as trade and investment, organization of production and
markets, and homogenization of consumption patterns. They are important
sources of new useful knowledge, embodied in new products and processes. This
makes them the main force behind the transition to a new technological era,
which is a special part of global transformation.
Citation from:
Simai, Mihály. The Age of Global Transformations: The Human Dimension. Budapest: Akadémiai
Kiadó, 2001, p.23.
Source 5
… the contemporary globalization has developed a new twist sparked by the
rapid rate of technological change over the last 25 years. The micro-electronics
revolution has irrevocably changed the essence of human contact on Earth.
Distances are shrinking and information is spreading faster than ever before. The
Internet and the World Wide Web have helped this process, enabling business to
communicate more smoothly and efficiently and sparking what some have called
the ‘third wave’ of economic growth
Citation from:
Ellwood, Wayne. The No-Sense guide to Globalization. Oxford, London: New Internationalist and
Verso, 2001, p.9.
32
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Source 6
The United Nations (UN) has played a vital role in fashioning a global
programme designed to protect the environment. The “Earth Summit”, the UN
Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992,
resulted in treaties on biodiversity and climate change, and all countries adopted
“Agenda 21” – a blueprint to promote sustainable development or the concept of
economic growth while protecting natural resources. Also, the UN, through the
International Atomic Energy Agency, has helped minimize the threat of a nuclear
war by inspecting nuclear reactors in 90 countries to ensure that nuclear materials
are not diverted for military purposes.
Adapted from:
The United Nations website – About the UN: Major Achievements,
<http://www.un.org/aboutun/achieve.htm> [accessed 14 May 2003].
Source 7
It should come as no surprise that global institutions support globalization. After
the Second World War, world leaders sought to create global institutions in order
to manage economic relations. These institutions, such as the World Bank, the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Trade Organization (WTO),
have grown in importance and influence in recent decades … The most powerful
economic countries in the world have generally favoured globalization. Among
all, the most notable is the United States. Its influences penetrate into
international institutions and its consumer products spread across the world.
Citation from:
Feffer, John. “Challenging Globalization: An Introduction”. In John Feffer (ed.), Living in Hope:
People Challenging Globalization. London and New York: American Friends Service Committee,
2002, pp.13-14.
33
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Source 8
Source:
Department of History, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Source 9
German reporters Hans-Peter Martin and Hala’erte Shuman believe that
globalization is not the product of the development of global economy and
advanced technologies. Instead, it is a set of processes being pushed forward by
American economic and political elites. It is also a set of processes in which
developing countries are being shortchanged.
Reference:
漢斯-彼得•馬丁、哈拉爾特•舒曼著，張世鵬等譯。
《全球化陷阱：對民主和福利的進攻》
。北京：
中央編譯出版社，1998。
34
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Source 10
Global problems, such as transnational crimes, AIDS, the drug trade, terrorism,
triad activities, war, poverty and deforestation, are also driving forces in
globalization.
Adapted from:
劉文富、唐亞林、文軍、趙勇著。《全球化下的網絡社會》。貴陽：貴州人民出版社，2001，頁
41。
35
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Questions for discussion:

Why is the globe shrinking?

What is the implication of a shrinking world?

What do the questions listed in Source 2 demonstrate? (Hints: Has the distance
between peoples across the world become shorter?)

How did people communicate with others in ancient times? What is the
significance of modern information and communication technologies in the
contemporary world?

How do transnational corporations spread information and knowledge across the
world? Please illustrate your answer with an example.

Do you agree transnational corporations are a force promoting globalization?
Why?

In what ways do non-governmental organizations and global institutions such as
the United Nations and religious groups promote global ideas such as human
rights, peace and equality? Please illustrate your answer with an example.

Some argue that globalization is actually a process of being “Americanized”. Do
you agree with this argument? Why? (Hint: To what extent do American products
spread globally and affect the daily life of the world’s people?)

Do you agree that global problems promote globalization? Why? (Hints: Can a
national government solve global problems by itself? If not, who are handling
global problems?)

Do you think if globalization is promoted by a single force? Why do you think so?
36
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Suggested question for enquiry:
How do different parts of the world react to globalization?
Source 1
“South Korea is now under the influence of American culture. However, there are
some voices which are urging the Koreans to protect their own culture. One is an
association that insists people eat traditional food such as kim-chi. They make
web sites to show how traditional Korean foods are beneficial for health, and
they advertise on TV regularly about traditional customs in order to make people
feel a responsibility to preserve their own culture.”
Citation from:
Shu, Kate. “Influence of American Culture on Korea”. Topic Online Magazine – Globalization,
<http://www.topics-mag.com/globalization/culture-korea2.htm> [accessed 15 May 2003].
37
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Source 2
José Bové, a French farmer, drove his car into
a McDonald’s outlet in Millau, a small city in
the south of France, in early 2001. His action
is more than a stand against the so-called junk
food, represented by McDonalds. José Bové
fights more broadly against globalization and
the hegemony of multinational companies
and liberalism.
Citation from:
Trombé, Emmanuelle. “Asterix and Globalization”. Topics Online Magazine – Globalization,
<http://www.topics-mag.com/globalization/protest-jose-bose.htm> [accessed 15 May 2003].
Source 3
“Over 90% of the movies shown in Taiwan come from America. So, if you just
look at the movie billboards there, you will feel like you are in the U.S. It’s so
sad … I think it is always the people who live together and have the same culture
who can share their feelings well. Whenever I see a good American movie, I am
always touched, but inside my feelings are different. Because these are movies
for Americans, they cannot move me the same way. That's why I wish we could
have our own movies.”
Citation from:
Jung, Ping-lin. “American movies are good but I wish we had our own”. Topics Online Magazine –
Globalization, <http://www.topics-mag.com/globalization/movies-taiwan.htm> [accessed 15
May 2003].
38
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Source 4
Greenpeace (Hong Kong) activists demonstrated for the introduction of the GE
food labeling system. (20 March 2003)
Volunteers from Greenpeace and Green Hope, a Guangzhou-based environmental
organization, distributed GE-Free soya sauce products to consumers in front of
Guangzhou’s Carrefour supermarket. (19 January 2003)
Greenpeace (Hong Kong) activists used the nearly 10,000 petition postcards
collected from consumers in the past few weeks to compose a gigantic “X” over
the word – Nestle – in order to show the growing disapproval of GE food
trespassing on the local food market. The protest was a global action and
participants in Hong Kong were joined by those in Thailand and Switzerland. (6
June 2002)
Note: GE food means “genetically engineered food”.
Adapted from: Greenpeace website – Our action,
<http://www.greenpeace-china.org.hk/eng/gm_diary.adp?category=gm>
2003].
39
[accessed
15
May
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Source 5
No War on Iraq
Held by the Stop the War Alliance on 15 February 2003, an anti-war
demonstration in Britain was joined by people across the world. A total of 1,200
people from 75 countries participated in demonstrations which were held in their
home countries.
Summarized from:
Stop the War Alliance, <http://www.workersdemocracy.net/en/engl-lflt.htm> [accessed 15 May 2003].
《明報》
，2003 月 2 月 16 日及 3 月 4 日。
Source 6
What lies behind the smiles?
In August 2000 McDonald’s was found to be selling buns that contain GE soya
beans in Hong Kong. And a research revealed that its store workers in Hong
Kong were paid on an hourly basis, ranging from as low as HK$11.5 to HK$13.
Besides, the working conditions of workers of McDonald’s toy suppliers in the
mainland of China were poor in terms of long hours and low wages.
This led to an Anti-McDonald’s campaign staged in Hong Kong on 15 October
2000. More than 30 people from the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions,
Greenpeace Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Christian Industrial Committee,
marched from Yau Ma Tei to Tsim Sha Tsui, accusing the corporation of using
GE food and labour exploitation. This is the first time Hong Kong groups
demonstrated on the global anti-McDonald’s day. It is hoped to see an
anti-McDonald’s and anti-TNC (transnational corporation) awareness can be
cultivated in Hong Kong and the rest of Asia.
Adapted from:
Anti-McDonald’s Action – What lies behind the smiles?
<http://www.geocities.com/mc_shame/actionreport1015> [accessed 7 May 2003].
40
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Questions for discussion:

Why do some South Koreans try to protect their own traditions and culture?

Why do you think French farmer José Bové fights against globalization? (Hints:
What are the probable consequences of globalization? How is daily life affected in
a negative way?)

Why does Jung Ping-lin (Source 3) feel sad?

Why do you think people across the world participate actively in protest against
global problems such as war and GE food? Why are these activities important?

People react differently to changes brought by globalization. Why do you think it
is so?

The world and its peoples are now living under the impact of globalization? Are
there people who still know nothing about globalization?

What are your views on globalization? Do you think it is good to people’s lives?
Why?
41
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Suggested questions for enquiry:
What are the possible consequences when globalization becomes a big trend?
Source 1
Source 2
Global inequality?!
The annual Human Development Report of the United Nations (UN) in 1999
shows that the combined wealth of the world’s three richest families – Japan, the
European Union and the United States – is greater than the annual income of 600
million people in the least developed countries. According to the report,
economic globalization is creating a dangerous polarization between
multi-billionaires such as Microsoft’s Bill Gates and the millions who have been
left behind. The UN called for a rewriting of global economic rules to avoid
inequalities between poor countries and wealthy individuals.
Citation from:
Thompson, Grahame. “Economic globalization?”. In David Held (ed.), A Globalizing World? Culture,
Economics, Politics. London and New York: The Open University, 2000, pp.110-113.
42
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Source 3
Under the influence of globalization and without any restraint, the system of
international division of labour will seriously damage the ecosystem and the
environment. Military strength, also influenced by globalization, leads to the
flow of war industrialization and weapons around the globe, thereby greatly
increasing the risk of war.
Citation from:
劉文富、唐亞林、文軍、趙勇著。
《全球化背景下的網絡社會》
。貴陽：貴州人民出版社，2001，
頁 47。
Source 4
Globalization will cause market structures to become both deeper (more
geographic specialization in production; more contracting-out to independent
firms) and wider (more countries participating actively in the global economy).
Globalization will also reduce the ability of national governments to act
unilaterally.
Citation from:
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Economic Globalization and the
Environment. Paris: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, 1997, pp.20-21.
Source 5
Nation states may not be necessarily constrained by globalization. In a more
integrated world national governments may even become more important: they
have a special role in creating conditions for growth and compensating for the
effects of economic competition; they are key players in organizations and
treaties that address global problems.
Adapted from:
Lechner, Frank. “Globalization Debates”. The Globalization Website,
<http://www.emory.edu/SOC/globalization/debates.html> [accessed 30 April 2003].
43
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Source 6
Source:
Department of History, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
44
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Source 7
Source:
Department of History, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
45
Core Module IV
Issue 1 – What is globalization?
Key Point b – The trend towards globalization
Questions for discussion:

What does the picture in Source 1 imply?

Refer to Source 2, who are the beneficiaries and victims under economic
globalization?

Do you think global institutions can stop inequality? (Hints: Do they help
developing countries alleviate poverty and improve the lives of the people? Do
you think rich and powerful countries would follow the recommendations of
global institutions and help the poor and developing countries?)

Do you agree with the argument in Source 3? Why?

Do you think national governments can work cooperatively on a global level with
or without the existence of global institutions? Please illustrate your answer with
an example.

Do you agree national governments would become powerless under globalization?
Why?

What do you think individuals, national governments and global institutions can
do to reduce the negative side of globalization as they enjoy the benefits of
globalization?

Is globalization good or bad? Why do you think so?
46
Issue 2
What is the impact of globalization?
47
Key Point a
Cultural, economic and political impact
48
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Teachers’ References
Globalization has become a focus of conversations in many circles. It has changed
people’s life style in varying degrees. Is globalization a blessing or a curse? This
question is a topic of heated debate in different parts of the world. Some believe that
globalization is a blessing from God because it can probably raise productivity and
living standards. But others think that globalization leads to greater competition
among countries. People in developing countries would suffer from exploitation,
while some traditionally wealthy countries (where the people have higher wages than
those in developing countries) may also suffer because of their weaker competitive
power.
Some scholars say that globalization restricts the development of state power,
resulting in decreasing power of the government. But the world today is still made up
of sovereign states which will never give up their advantages and powers.
As far as cultures are concerned, some believe that globalization is a nightmare
because it destroys local cultures with amazing speed. The picture on p.61 of Hugh
Mackay, “The globalization of culture?” in A Globalizing World? Culture, Economics,
Politics edited by David Held seeks to bring out this message. However, there are still
some countries in the world (e.g. Japan) capable of maintaining their own local
culture and traditional practices despite the fact that they are in the tidal wave of
globalization. Xu Yuandan points out that, “it is difficult for a country to maintain the
uniqueness of its local culture and traditional practices and, at the same time, to adjust
its national culture to the globalization trend.” He stresses we must make sure that
globalization does not mean achieving the same quality and the same lifestyle.
“Without national independence and independence of national cultures, there will be
no globalization in the true sense.” (Citation from: 徐元旦。《全球化熱點問題聚
焦》。上海：學林出版社，2001，頁 257。).
49
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Supplementary material
Figure 2.6 “The onslaught of Disney” from Hugh Mackay, “The globalization of
culture?” in David Held’s A Globalizing World? Culture, Economics and Politics,
London and New York: The Open University, 2000, p.61.
D-Day means June 6 1944 when the Allied Force landed on Normandy, France, to
fight against Hitler and his Nazi army during the Second War World. The invasion
was called “Operation Overlord”.
The picture, titled “The onslaught of Disney”, adopts the same title. But instead of
guns and powder, consumer goods are the weapons for this invasion. Most troops are
from the United States as most of the transnational corporations shown in the picture
are US-based. [The parent companies of Shell are public companies in the
Netherlands and the United Kingdom.]
Microsoft – Computer software
McDonald’s – Fast food
Nike – Sportswear and footwear
Shell – Petroleum products
Texaco – Petroleum products
Disney – Entertainment/ amusement park/ consumer goods
Coca-Cola – Soft drinks
Television sets are also there. This suggests the mass media is a way of transporting
American goods, concepts and ideas to non-US regions.
Those who surrendered are native peoples in regions outside the United States.
In conclusion, the picture depicts how Americans invade other countries and regions
in the name of globalization.
50
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Suggested Learning Objectives
Suggested questions
for enquiry
Learning objectives
Remarks
How does
globalization affect
the life style of
individuals in
different societies? Is it a blessing or a
To analyze the changes brought
about by globalization in
different regions and in the
people’s life styles;
To discuss the pros and cons of
these changes to peoples in
Before discussing with
students, teachers can ask
them to answer the last
question in the section
Questions for discussion:
To what extent is your
curse to these
societies?
[2 periods]
different parts of the world.
daily life being
influenced by
globalization?
Does globalization
promote homogeneity
or diversity in
cultures and values of
different societies?
[1 – 2 periods]
To analyze and discuss whether
globalization leads to
homogeneity of cultures and
values.
Before discussion,
teachers can ask students
to look at Fig. 2.6 (The
onlaught of Disney) as
mentioned in
Supplementary material.
Ask them the following
questions: In the picture,
people surrender raising
their hands. What does
this mean? What does the
invading Disney army
represent? Look for the
logos of transnational
corporations in the
picture. Which
corporations do the logos
belong to? What is the
implication?
Does globalization
provide benefits to all
countries or it leads
to exploitation by
developed countries
To analyze the work and
effectiveness of global
institutions and to discuss
whether these global institutions
can safeguard the interests of
51
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Suggested questions
for enquiry
Learning objectives
and international
capital over
developing countries?
Does globalization
lead to fair treatment
for all the countries
or domination by
great power(s)?
peoples in developing countries;
To analyze the role played by
transnational corporations in the
global economy and in people’s
lives in different parts of the
world;
To determine whether
globalization is equivalent to
[1 – 2 periods]
Americanization (and
Westernization) and to discuss
the roles played by non-western
countries and regional
organizations.
52
Remarks
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Suggested questions for enquiry:
How does globalization affect the life style of individuals in different societies? Is it
a blessing or a curse to these societies?
Source 1
In some ways, globalization of communication and trade are bringing people
additional convenience, knowledge and diversity. Satellite and Cable TV are
providing channels of minority language broadcasts in many societies. The
Internet allows us to read the magazines and listen to the radio-stations of many
countries and cultures of the world. Global trade brings more and more Thai,
Japanese, Mexican and Indian food to restaurants and shops in Hong Kong. It
allows us to shop around for the cheapest holiday tours, to play the same
electronic games that Japanese children play, wear the same shoes that sports
stars wear in America.
Citation from:
Sayer, John. “Globalization and Labour”. Oxfam Hong Kong website –
Useful Resources,
<http://www.oxfam.org.hk/english/resource/document/global.shtml>
[accessed 15 May 2003].
Source 2
“If you visit Seoul, you will see a lot of fast food stores, such as KFC,
McDonald’s and Burger King, in each avenue. When you go around department
stores, you can see many young students waiting in line to buy famous brands
such as Prada, Channel and Cartiers.”
Citation from:
Shu, Kate. “Influence of American Culture on Korea”. Topics Online Magazine – Globalization,
<http://www.topics-mag.com/globalization/culture-korea2.htm> [accessed 15 May 2003].
53
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Source 3
“McDonald’s food is popular in Honduras because people think that it is the
cheapest and fastest. You see Toyota cars everywhere as people think Toyotas are
the best. If Toyotas were cheaper, everybody would have one in Honduras. As for
appliances, if everybody could afford a Sony television, everyone would have
one. It is the same situation as with cars. People think that all Sony products are
the best. As for clothing, brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Polo, Levis, and GAP
are popular. You hear boys saying: ‘Look, I’m wearing a Tommy or Polo shirt
and pants.’ People think wearing all these brands is fashionable.”
Citation from:
Maradiaga, Nelson. “In Honduras, Foreign Goods are Popular”. Topics Online Magazine –
Globalization, <http://www.topics-mag.com/globalization/culture-honduras.htm> [accessed 15
May 2003].
Source 4
Mamadou Salilou Barry, a farmer in Guinea, expanded his small farm after
receiving two loans from a micro-finance operation trained and supported by the
United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). “My family now has
better clothes, a better house, better food and will soon have satellite TV. Our
health is better, our attitude is better and overall our lives are better,” he said.
Citation from:
The United Nations website – The UN Works, “Mamadou wants to market globally”,
<http://www.un.org/works/development/development3.html> [accessed 15 May 2003].
54
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Source 5
According to a 1996 report prepared by the National Labour Committee, a New
York-based group, women working at clothing assembly plants in Port-au-Prince
(the capital city of Haiti) were sewing garments for the Walt Disney Corporation
for as little as 28 cents an hour, far too little to live on. Workers who protested or
even attempted to negotiate with management for better conditions had been
fired.
Citation from:
Alpert, Arnie. “Bring Globalization Home Is No Sweet”. In John Feffer (ed.), Living in Hope: People
Challenging Globalization. London and New York: American Friends Service Committee, 2002,
p.39.
Source 6
“At 7.00 in the morning, the clock radio woke me up with American pop music.
After showering, I poured the Colombian coffee into my earthenware mug,
hand-made in Spain, and enjoyed. Then I jumped into my car – reliable German
engineering – and drove to my office. There, I switched on my computer, and
“Microsoft”, the American software, helped me organize my work. At lunchtime
I went to the Italian restaurant just around the corner and enjoy pizza. After work,
I went shopping. French bread, Greek Olives, grapes from Chile, Swiss cheese,
French wine and Florida oranges were for dinner tonight. After dinner, I watched
television and I found I had many choices: an American movie, a fashion show
from Paris, or CNN news. I realize many cultures touch my life to make it more
interesting and enjoying.”
Citation from:
Baerthlein, Dorothea. “A Day in My Life in Germany”. Topics Online Magazine – Globalization,
<http://www.topics-mag.com/globalization/life-germany.htm> [accessed 19 May 2003].
55
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Source 7
A survey, which was sponsored by the International Labour Organization (ILO)
and undertaken in the Philippines, found that 60% of all economically active
children to be exposed to hazardous working conditions. Most of them worked in
factories manufacturing goods for transnational corporations. Of all child
workers, 24% were found to suffered work related illness and/or injury. Most
common injuries were cuts, wounds or punctures, accounting for 69% of the
total. Body aches and pains (59%) and skin diseases (22%) were the most
common work related illness. Today, more than 250 million children between the
ages of five to 14 are exploited for cheap labour, according to the ILO. Many of
these children work under appalling conditions and are denied their basic right to
education.
Citation from:
O’Donnell, O., E. Van Doorslaer and F. Rosati. “Child Labour and Health: Evidence and Research
Issues”. January 2002, Understanding Children’s Work website,
<http://www.ucw-project.org/resources/report_research.html> [accessed 19 May 2003].
Source 8
A total of 24 developing countries that increased their integration into the world
economy over two decades ending in the late 1990s achieved higher growth in
incomes, longer life expectancy and better schooling. These countries, home to 3
billion people, enjoyed an average 5% growth rate in income per capita in the
1990s compared to 2% in rich countries. People in these integrating countries
saw their wages rise, and the number of people in poverty declined. But not all
countries have integrated successfully into the global economy. Some 2 billion
people, who are living in countries such as Africa, the Middle East, and the
former Soviet Union, are being left behind. In these countries, poverty has risen,
and education levels have risen less rapidly than in the more globalized countries.
Citation from:
World Bank, “Globalization, Growth and Poverty: Building an Inclusive World Economy,” December
2001, The World Bank Group website – Policy Research Reports,
<http://econ.worldbank.org/prr/globalization/> [accessed 20 May 2003].
56
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Questions for discussion:

To what extent is people’s daily life influenced by globalization? Can you
summarize the changes to people’s lives brought by globalization? (Hints: Ask
students if people’s lives are improved or not.)

Refer to the above-asked question, do you think such changes are good or bad?
Why do you think so?

Some argue that globalization is a curse to people in developing countries as they
are being exploited. Do you agree with this? Why?

Do you think all the world’s peoples and societies are under the influence of
globalization at the same pace and to the same extent? Why do you think so?

To what extent is your daily life being influenced by globalization? You might
find yours answer after doing the following questions.
-
Do you like to watch Hollywood movies? How often do you go to a
cinema for a Hollywood movie?
-
How often do you go to McDonald’s or KFC? Do you like their food?
-
List 10 books you enjoy. Where are these books from?
-
List 10 websites you always browse. Where are these websites from?
-
List 5 global institutions. How do you get to know them?
-
List 5 of your favourite idols. Where are they from?
-
List 10 movies you enjoy. Where are they from?
-
What is your most favourite soft drink? Which country is it associated
with?
-
How did you learn that the 911 Incident had happened? How did you get to
know?
-
Name a recent global event. How did you get to know about it?
57
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Suggested question for enquiry:
Does globalization promote homogeneity or diversity in cultures and values of
different societies?
Source 1
The globalization of one culture invariably means the destruction of the cultures
of those places to which the globalized culture spreads, since the local culture
may not have the resources or will power to resist its conquering impact.
Citation from:
Okure, Teresa. “Africa: Globalization and the Loss of Cultural Identity”. In Jon Sobring and Felix
Wilfred (eds.), Globalization and Its Victims. London: SCM-Canterbury Press Ltd, 2001, p.67.
Source 2
“It is incredible how popular English is in Venezuela. Now we have a kind of
hybrid language between English and Spanish. In the Venezuelans' daily
conversations, they often use English words with Spanish verb endings. For
example, if they send a fax, they use the word faxear. In addition, you see
English names everywhere for restaurants. In Caracas, there is a very fashionable
neighborhood named Las Mercedes, where each street has an American name
like New York Street or Fifth Avenue. Therefore, when you go shopping, you can
see signs in English in the windows of stores, such as On Sale.”
Citation from:
Ortiz, Alice. “The Influence of English on Venezuelan Spanish,” Topics Online Magazine –
Globalization, <http://www.topics-mag.com/globalization/lang-venezuela1.htm> [accessed 15
May 2003].
58
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Source 3
“In Brazil, everybody knows about Madonna,
Michael Jackson, and other icons of American
music; but Brazilian music has never lost its
first place in the Brazilians’ preferences. I think
we don’t need to be afraid of cultural free trade.
People tend to be selective, and not everything
that is imported is necessarily bad. We can’t
avoid the process, but we could learn to be
more critical and as selective as possible.”
Citation from:
Berg, Yara. “Americanization of Brazilian Culture”. Topics Online Magazine – Globalization,
<http://www.topics-mag.com/globalization/americanization.htm> [accessed 15 May 2003].
Source 4
“Nowadays, we can easily find American fast food restaurants in Asia. In South
Korea, there is always more than one American restaurant in a town. Inside these
American restaurants, it looks almost the same as in the United States. The
uniforms of the waiter are exactly the same, and they play American music. I
think that American fast food restaurants are quite common in many Asian
countries, but to be accepted they often have to adapt to local tastes. For example,
at McDonald’s in India, the taste of the food has been changed because the
original American taste wasn’t successful there. I think when American
companies are set up in other countries, they don’t just sell food or goods. They
try to sell American culture as well.”
Citation from:
Lee, Joo Sam. “The Spread of American Fast Food in Asia”. Topics Online Magazine – Globalization,
<http://www.topics-mag.com/globalization/food-spread-asia.htm> [accessed 19 May 2003].
59
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Source 5
Transnational corporations, such as Coca-Cola, Starbucks Coffee, Nokia and
Nike, are selling homogenous products or services across the world, but they
claim they are not selling homogenous goods. They adapt to local culture and
respect cultural diversity, instead. Coca-Cola, for instance, stresses the company
strives to be a special part of people’s lives and embraces its commitment to
diversity in all its forms as a core value. Also, it believes that diversity – of race,
gender, ideas, ways of living, cultures and business practices – provides the
creativity and innovation essential to our economic well-being.
Summarized from:
The Coca-Cola Company website – Diversity: Community Support,
<http://www2.coca-cola.com/ourcompany/community_support.html> [accessed 9 May 2003];
Nike website – About Nike: Corporate Responsibilities,
<http://www.nike.com/nikebiz/nikebiz.jhtml?page=26&item=community> [accessed 9 May 2003].
Starbucks International website – About us: Corporate social responsibilities
<http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/csr.asp> [accessed 9 May 2003].
Source 6
The very logic of globalization, with economy as the driving force, calls for
homogenization of culture, of production and consumption, and way of life.
Globalization seems to admit cultural diversity as long as it falls within and in
service of the overarching sub-culture globalization is trying to create worldwide.
As a result the cultural diversity of peoples and nations become more and more
museum pieces.
Citation from:
Sobring, Jon and Felix Wilfred. “Introduction: The Reasons for Returning to This Theme”. In Jon
Sobring and Felix Wilfred (eds.), Globalization and Its Victims. London: SCM-Canterbury Press
Ltd, 2001, pp.12-13.
60
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Source 7
It is said that cultural globalization is likely to produce both similarities and, at
the same time, differences. Cultural flows are seen to produce degrees of both
cultural homogeneity and heterogeneity, the product being transnational,
hybridized “third cultures”, which cannot be understood merely as the product of
bilateral exchanges just between nations. Rather, new global processes (based on
the increased flow of images, knowledge, ideas, information, goods, services and
people) are making available new cultural possibilities as the world becomes both
a more culturally singular and, paradoxically, a more diverse place.
Citation from:
Beynon, John and David Dunkerley. “General Introduction”. In John Beynon and David Dunkerley
(eds.), Globalization: The Reader. London: The Athlone Press, 2002, p.27.
61
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Questions for discussion:

Can you summarize the influence of globalization on the domestic cultures of
places mentioned in Sources 3 – 5? Where does this global culture come from?

It is sometimes argued that global culture is dominated by the Western world,
especially, the United States. And cultural globalization is actually a process of
“Westernization”, precisely speaking, “Americanization”. Do you agree with this
argument? Why?

Do you agree domestic cultures may not have the resources or will power to resist
the conquering impact of global culture? Why?

It is said in Source 7 that “cultural globalization is likely to produce both
similarities and, at the same time, differences.” Do you agree? Why?

What are “Third Cultures’? Can you find any examples of “Third Cultures” in
Hong Kong?

Has local culture in Hong Kong vanished under the influence of cultural
globalization? Please illustrate your answer with an example.

In what ways can we preserve valuable domestic culture as our lives and societies
are being influenced by global culture?

Do you think cultural globalization is a one-way process? Why?

To what extent is Hong Kong under the influence of American culture? Please
share your opinions with the class. (Hints: Ask students which culture exerts a
high degree of influence on the community in Hong Kong.)
62
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Suggested questions for enquiry:
Does globalization provide benefits to all countries or it leads to exploitation by
developed countries and international capital over developing countries? Does
globalization lead to fair treatment for all the countries or domination by great
power(s)?
Source 1
Globalization is an illusion. It creates a world of make-believe which people
happily inhabit … We need to be awakened from this illusion by the poor whose
world is one of struggle for food, water, shelter, basic education, primary medical
needs, and so on … Another illusion globalization creates is that our world is
becoming united. But the hard fact is that humanity has never been so fragmented
as it is today, and globalization is a process of exclusion. Today, with it, we have
reached a situation where the poor ones are not wanted. Globalization promises
unity, but does not achieve it because it lacks justices.
Citation from:
Sobring, Jon. and Felix Wilfred. “Introduction: The Reasons for Returning to This Theme”. In Jon
Sobring and Felix Wilfred (eds.), Globalization and Its Victims. London: SCM-Canterbury Press
Ltd, 2001, pp.11-12.
Source 2
What lies behind the smiles?
In August 2000 McDonald’s was found to be selling buns that contain GE soya
beans in Hong Kong. And a research revealed that its store workers in Hong
Kong were paid on an hourly basis, ranging from as low as HK$11.5 to HK$13.
Besides, the working conditions of workers of McDonald’s toy suppliers on the
mainland were poor in terms of long hours and low wages.
Citation from:
“Anti-McDonald’s Action – What lies behind the smiles?”
<http://www.geocities.com/mc_shame/actionreport1015> [accessed 7 May 2003].
63
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Source 3
By 1985, the production plants of Nike, an American footwear corporation, have
been moved to Asian countries, such as China, South Korea, Vietnam and
Indonesia, where production cost is much lower than in the United States. A 1997
report showed that practices and conditions at Nike’s factories in China violated
its own codes of conduct as well as Chinese labour law. Violations included
excessive hours, forced overtime, denial of days off and wages below the legal
minimum. It was also found that workers were fired for being “too old” (over
than the age of 25). The problems of conditions also included exposure to toxic
chemicals, high levels of dust and excessive heat, causing a variety of health
problems.
Adapted from:
Alpert, Arnie. “Bring Globalization Home Is No Sweet”. In John
Feffer (ed.), Living in Hope: People Challenging Globalization.
London and New York: American Friends Service Committee,
2002, pp.41-42.
Source 4
The 20th century saw unparalleled economic growth, with global per capita GDP
increasing almost five-fold. The gaps between rich and poor countries, and rich
and poor people within countries, have grown. The richest quarter of the world’s
population saw its per capita GDP increase nearly six-fold during the century,
while the poorest quarter experienced less than a three-fold increase.
Contemporary globalization offers extensive opportunities for truly worldwide
development but it is not progressing evenly. Some countries in East Asia are
becoming integrated into the global economy more quickly. Others in Latin
America and Africa have been suffering from economic stagnation, poverty and
high inflation.
Citation from:
International Monetary Fund. “Globalization: Threat or opportunity?” January 2000, International
Monetary Fund website – About IMF, <http://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/ib/2000/041200.htm>
[accessed 30 April 2003].
64
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Source 5
Globalization is often viewed as a process of international standardization, a
move towards a single style that will destroy traditional cultures and exclude
small local business. Companies such as Microsoft, which controls the operating
system of over 90% of the personal computers sold on the market today. When
people think of globalization, they think of the icons which symbolize global
manufacture and distribution of goods such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola and
Disney. In fact, it is in other sectors where globalization has really led to a small
number of companies controlling so much of the total business in a sector that
they can control the market, in industries like chemicals, communication,
bio-technology and finance.
Citation from:
Sayer, John. “Globalization and Labour”. Oxfam Hong Kong website –
Useful Resources,
<http://www.oxfam.org.hk/english/resource/document/global.shtml>
[accessed 15 May 2003].
Source 6
Globalization is viewed not just a set of trends, but also a political project that is
run by an elite group of countries, institutions and corporations led by the United
States. Whether through the decisions of the Federal Reserve Bank (on interest
rates), major US banks (on Third World debt), US investment houses (on capital
flows), or US cultural institutions (on the content and distribution of films), the
United States has attempted to use globalization as a method of consolidating
political and economic power. Besides, the United States also exerts influence
upon global institutions such as International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the
United Nations (UN).
Citation from:
Feffer, John. “Challenging Globalization: An Introduction”. In John Feffer (ed.), Living in Hope:
People Challenging Globalization. London and New York: American Friends Service Committee,
2002, pp.11-12.
65
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Source 7
TransFair USA is an organization whose mission is to build a more equitable and
sustainable of international trade that benefit producers, consumers, industry and
the earth by certifying and promoting Fair Trade products. By doing so, farmers
and workers are guaranteed to receive a fair price for their product. Also, most
Trade Certified coffee, tea and chocolate in the US is certified organic and shade
grown that maintain biodiversity, provide shelter for migratory birds and help
reduce global warming. Nowadays, there are over 600,000 producers (farmers,
farmworkers and tea pickers) and their families in over 32 countries benefit from
selling their coffee, tea, and cocoa on Fair Trade Certified term.
Adapted from:
TransFair USA website, <http://www.transfairusa.org/> [accessed 21 May 2003].
Source 8
Do you know which association the following logo represents?
Source:
The Association of the Southeast Asian Nations website – About ASEAN: Logo,
<http://www.aseansec.org/logo.htm> [accessed 3 June 2003].
66
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Source 9
The following are some of Articles 1-8 from the Bangkok Declaration adopted by
Asian states in 1993 with respect to the issues of human rights:
1.
Reaffirm their commitment to the principles contained in the Charter of the
United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as
the full realization of all human rights throughout the world;
2.
Underline the essential need to create favourable conditions for effective
enjoyment of human rights at both the national and international levels;
3.
Stress the urgent need to democratize the United Nations system, eliminate
selectivity and improve procedures and mechanisms in order to strengthen
international cooperation, based on the principles of equality and mutual
respect, and ensure a positive, balanced and non-confrontational approach in
addressing and realizing all aspects of human rights;
4.
Discourage any attempt to use human rights as conditionality for extending
development assistance;
5.
Emphasize the principles of respect for national sovereignty and territorial
integrity as well as non-interference in the internal affairs of States, (and the
non-use of human rights as an instrument of political pressure);
6.
Reiterate that all countries, large and small, have the right to determine their
political systems, control and freely utilize their resources, and freely pursue
their economic, social and cultural development;
7.
Stress the universality, objectivity and non-selectivity of all human rights
and the need to avoid the application of double standards in the
implementation of human rights and its politicization, and that non-violation
of human rights can be justified;
8.
Recognize that while human rights are universal in nature, they must be
considered in the context of a dynamic and evolving process of international
norm-setting, bearing in mind the significance of national and regional
particularities and various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds;
Citation from:
Samydorai, Sinapan. “Bangkok Declaration, The Asian Intergovernmental
Meeting,
Bangkok,
29
March
to
2
April
1993”.
<http://www.thinkcentre.org/article.cfm?ArticleID=830> [accessed 1
August 2003].
67
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Source 10
“We earn that place only by being
involved, concerned and committed
citizens.”
In brief:
In the nearly 200 countries where the Coca-Cola Company does business, it gives
back to the community in different ways, such as providing financial
contributions and awarding scholarships.
Examples of programmes:
The Coca-Cola Valued Youth Programme
“…we ardently contribute to the communities where
we live, work and play throughout the work.”
In brief:
Nike focuses its grantmaking efforts on programs that encourage the participation
of young people in physical activity and programs that address innovative
solutions to the challenges of globalization. Nike also supports our athletes, who
give back to their local communities and support causes that are important to
them.
Examples of programmes:
Open Schools Programme (with Shanghai Education Bureau), Education
Programmes held in China, Indonesia and Vietnam, Nike Care Trust in South
Africa.
Summarized from:
The Coca-Cola Company website – Diversity: Community Support,
<http://www2.coca-cola.com/ourcompany/community_support.html> [accessed 9 May 2003];
Nike website – About Nike: Corporate Responsibilities,
<http://www.nike.com/nikebiz/nikebiz.jhtml?page=26&item=community> [accessed 9 May 2003].
68
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point a – Cultural, economic and political impact
Questions for discussion:

Do you agree that globalization is unjust as not everyone in the world can benefit
from it?

Do you think globalization leads to exploitation in developing countries and that
people in developing countries are the victims of globalization? Why do you think
so?

Do transnational corporations do anything to improve people’s lives across the
world? What do they do? Why do you think transnational corporations do that?

Are there global institutions trying to maintain equality and fairness among
countries? If so, are they successful?

It is sometimes said that globalization means “Americanization” as international
institutions and corporations which are the driving forces of globalization are
influenced by the United States. Do you agree with this argument? Why?

Do you think globalization leads to domination by the great powers? Please
illustrate your answer with an example.

What do you think about regional associations in the context of global cooperation?
Please share your opinions with the class.
69
Key Point b
Impact and opportunities for the mainland
and Hong Kong
70
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point b – Impact and opportunities for the mainland and Hong Kong
Teachers’ References
China’s relationship with the rest of the world becomes closer since its entry into the
World Trade Organization (WTO). Inevitably, its politics, economy, social values and
culture will be increasingly influenced by globalization. At this stage, we are unable
to assess whether these influences are good or bad.
China’s entry into the WTO requires state-owned enterprises to face new challenges
with new global visions. They must learn to exploit, utilize and allocate resources
quickly. Xu Yuandan says that economic globalization and China’s entry into the
WTO brings three major challenges to state-owned enterprises:

Technological challenges: Economic globalization expands the competitive
environment into the world. Enterprises have to take global economic
development seriously. The first and foremost factors are science and technology.
Whoever owns sophisticated technologies will have competitive power, thereby
playing a leading role in market competition.

Challenges of a knowledge-based economy: The first elements of a
knowledge-based economy are wisdom and invisible assets. Its feature is
socio-economic development driven by scientific knowledge and scientific
techniques. In this development process, the most valued assets are talented people
and knowledge. Enterprises which have these two resources will be successful.
There are many enterprises in China and a considerable number are world famous.
If these enterprises are able to ride on the back of knowledge-based economy, they
can create new situations for their further development.

Challenges of an information revolution: Information is a major component, a
formative basis and the format of presentation of knowledge. In the new economic
era, knowledge and information are the most important strategic resources.
Whoever have access to information will be able to exploit the first opportunities.
Adapted from 徐元旦。《全球化熱點問題聚焦》。上海：學林出版社，2001，pp.98-107。
71
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point b – Impact and opportunities for the mainland and Hong Kong
Globalization also influences China’s political system, promoting changes in the
structure, functions, economic policies and roles of the government. When people in
the mainland come into contact with foreign products, they also receive the messages
attached to these products. These messages may change their former way of thinking
(especially towards politics and the economy). This may have a bearing on the
mainland’s future development.
Hong Kong is a free economy which is always influenced by globalization. The entry
of our country into the WTO and the advent of the era of a knowledge-based economy
have certain impact on Hong Kong. To face these challenges and to exploit new
opportunities, Hong Kong should re-position itself on the global economy. We should
allow our strengths full play.
72
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point b – Impact and opportunities for the mainland and Hong Kong
Suggested Learning Objectives
Suggested questions
for enquiry
Learning objectives
Remarks
What are the impact and opportunities for
the mainland and
Hong Kong under
globalization? How are the mainland and
To analyze the impact on Hong
Kong and the mainland by our
country’s entry into the global
economy;
To analyze the measures that
have been carried out or can be
Core Module III Issue 1
Key point b discusses
China’s entry into the
WTO and its effects. The
WTO is a global
institution and China’s
Hong Kong reacting?
Should globalization
be supported or
actively resisted?
[2 periods]
carried out by the mainland and
Hong Kong to meet these
challenges;
To discuss whether globalization
is an inevitable trend and what
our role is in this development.
entry symbolizes the
opening of the country to
various economies,
cultures and political
processes.
73
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point b – Impact and opportunities for the mainland and Hong Kong
Suggested questions for enquiry:
What are the impact and opportunities for the mainland and Hong Kong under
globalization? How are the mainland and Hong Kong reacting? Should
globalization be supported or actively resisted?
Source 1
This is part of a letter from Martin Lee, former Chairperson of the Democratic
Party in Hong Kong to Bill Clinton, former President of the United States, in
1999.
… I wanted to write to assure you that as elected representatives of Hong Kong
people, we strongly support China’s entry into the World Trade Organization
(WTO). We do so not only because it would be of tremendous long-term benefit
to China and to Hong Kong as part of China, but also because we believe it
represents the best long-term hope for China to become a member in good
standing of the international community.
… China’s joining the world trade club is obviously good for the new economic
world order. Indeed, the benefits are not only to China, but to the entire
Asia-Pacific region. The participation of China in the WTO would not only have
economic and political benefits, but would also serve to bolster those in China
who understand that the country must embrace the rule of law, which of course is
a key principle underlying active membership in global trade organizations.
Adapted from:
Lee, Martin. “A letter to Bill Clinton: WTO Accession Can Fast-track China’s Development of the
Rule
of
Law”.
14
November
1999,
Democratic
Party
<http://www.dphk.org/e_site/index_e.htm> [accessed 22 May 2003].
74
website
–
Press
Release
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point b – Impact and opportunities for the mainland and Hong Kong
Source 2
China’s economy has been booming since its entry to the World Trade
Organization. Shanghai was the world’s fourth busiest container port last year. It
handled 8.61 million 20-foot-equivalent units last year. To make it as the biggest
international shipping centre, the city has started a deepwater port project to solve
its capacity problems. And it is believed that the new port, due for completion in
2020, will serve the whole Yangtze River Delta area and spur economic growth.
A trade representative of the United States said that the effects of China’s entry to
the WTO had gone beyond wealthy coastal areas to reach the country’s
hinterland, bringing a sense of competition between provinces and accelerating
China’s integration with the global economy. He also said that China agreed to
support a US proposal for WTO members to cut agricultural tariffs.
Summarized from:
South China Morning Post, 6 & 20 February 2003.
《星島日報》，2003 年 6 月 17 日。
Source 3
China’s economy is probably in its best time in several years. The country’s GDP
grew 9.9% from a year ago in the first quarter, its highest growth rate in six
years. Fixed-asset investment jumped 27% annually in the first three months of
the year, while foreign trade was up more than 40%. Retail sales in the first two
months of this year rose 9.2% to 761 billion yuan, or US$9.1 billion, compared
with 8.5% in the same period last year. Actual foreign direct investment in China
hit US$13.09 billion in the first quarter of this year, up 56.7% from a year earlier.
It is estimated that the strong growth has continued from last year and is expected
to last for quite some time.
Citation from:
People’s Daily (online), 15 April 2003,
<http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200304/15/eng20030415_115211.shtml> [accessed 21 May
2003].
75
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point b – Impact and opportunities for the mainland and Hong Kong
Source 4
After China’s entry into the WTO, the global market will gradually become more
open in accordance with the established rules. With the opening of the film and
television markets, the competition in these two sectors will become increasingly
keen. The impact of foreign films and television programmes on the mainland
(including its economy, culture and thought) should not be under-estimated.
Citation from:
劉重著。《WTO 會改變中國經濟嗎？》
。天津：天津社會科學院出版社，2001，pp.208-217。
Source 5
The direct adverse effects of the mainland’s entry into the WTO on Hong Kong
are such as: the importance of Hong Kong’s intermediary role starts to decline;
the different special channels and networks of guanxi (relationships) built up by
Hong Kong’s commercial sector over the years will eventually disappear as a
result of increasing transparency in various areas; and the various businesses on
the mainland in which Hong Kong invested before others had the chance to do so
in the past will be directly threatened by foreign investors with solid financial
resources.
Of course, the positive effects of the mainland’s entry into the WTO cannot be
neglected. For instance, the Pearl River Delta, Yangtze Delta and the coastal
areas of the Bohai Sea will rapidly complete the transformation of their industrial
sector. As a financial and service centre, Hong Kong can provide the areas of the
Pearl River Delta and the Yangtze River Delta with talented people, economic
development, technical training and other support.
Citation from:
單仲偕。〈特區政府應對中國加入世貿作出積極準備〉。
《敢言》，2001 年 1 月號（第 41 期）
，載
於民主黨網頁，<http://www.dphk.org/index_database.html> [下載日期：2003 年 5 月 22 日]。
76
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point b – Impact and opportunities for the mainland and Hong Kong
Source 6
A survey done by the Hong Kong Policy Research Institute in 1999 showed that
the Hong Kong business community is optimistic about its sales turnover and
investment in Hong Kong and the mainland in both the short and medium term,
as a result of China’s entry into the WTO. In particular, 66.7% of the respondents
expected that their medium-term investment on the mainland would increase.
Furthermore, our country’s entry into the WTO would also have positive effect
on Hong Kong’s free market economy. 81.4% of the respondents expressed that
the market freedom should be no change or even enhanced. However,
respondents from the manufacturing sector seemed prudent on those issues when
compared with other sectors. The report mentioned that foreign competition
would increase, and the local business community should pay more attention to
this development. The Government should also provide more relevant
information as well, so that the business community can better prepare for the
new challenge.
Citation from:
Hong Kong Policy Research Institute. “A Special Opinion Survey of Senior Business Executives in
Hong Kong on China’s Entry into the WTO”. Hong Kong Policy Research Institute website –
Press Releases, 3 May 1999, <http://www.hkpri.org.hk/eindex.htm> [accessed 22 May 2003].
77
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point b – Impact and opportunities for the mainland and Hong Kong
Source 7
Offshore trade is on the rise, and is destined to become more pronounced in the
future. Apart from further promoting our re-exports, we will develop Hong Kong
as a multi-modal trade management and operations centre … To strengthen our
position as Asia’s premier transportation and logistics hub, we will facilitate the
development of Hong Kong International Airport’s logistics centre and express
cargo terminal, and build a modern Logistics Park on North Lantau Island. We
will also enhance Hong Kong’s information connectivity, upgrade the necessary
infrastructure, ensure a smooth flow of cargo between Guangdong and Hong
Kong and strive to reduce operating costs … Hong Kong’s container throughput
has ranked number one in the world for years. This leading position will be
strengthened when Container Terminal 9 comes on stream later this year.
Citation from:
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government of the People’s Republic of China.
Address by the Chief Executive The Honourable Tung Che-hwa at the Legislative Council meeting
on 8 January 2003: Capitalising on Our Advantages, Revitalising Our Economy. Hong Kong:
Printing Department, 2003, p.9.
Source 8
An official of the Central People’s Government said that reforms on China’s
telecom operators have not yet been completed. He pointed out that the
government would carry our institutional reform to allow market forces to decide
prices so as to break monopolies. All the reforms are to ensure that customers
will be able to enjoy high quality services at reasonable prices.
Summarized from:
劉研。〈吳基傳告別演講：中國電訊業改革仍須深化〉。載於中國新聞網，2003 年 2 月 24 日，
<http://202.108.44.27:89/gate/big5/www.chinanews.com.cn/n/2003-02-24/26/275467.html>
[accessed 15 June 2003].
China Daily, 20 February 2003.
78
Core Module IV
Issue 2 – What is the impact of globalization?
Key Point b – Impact and opportunities for the mainland and Hong Kong
Questions for discussion:

What impact do you think will be brought on China after joining the World Trade
Organization? (Hint: Ask students to think about China’s domestic economic and
political development, and China’s role in the global stage.)

What impact do you think will be brought on Chinese people living on the
mainland after the country joins the WTO and gradually integrates with the global
economy? (Hints: Ask students whether Chinese people’s economic and cultural
life on the mainland would gradually improve and if people on the mainland could
benefit from it.)

What is the impact of globalization on Chinese culture?

As an international financial centre, Hong Kong has long been under the influence
of globalization. In what ways do the economy and people of Hong Kong benefit
from globalization?

What challenges does Hong Kong face under globalization? (Hints: Ask students
to think about high production cost, poverty, unemployment and so on.)

What are the impact on and opportunities for Hong Kong after our country’s entry
into WTO?

Is globalization inevitable? Do you think we should support or resist
globalization?
79
Issue 3
Will globalization bring forth more
conflict or world peace?
80
Key Point a
Harmony and conflict
81
Teachers’ References
With the world coming into the era of globalization, political and economic systems
become more open, states strengthen co-operation among themselves and the mobility
of capital, technologies and people becomes unrestricted by national boundaries. The
development of information technology and the popularity of the Internet shorten the
distance between different parts of the world. The world has become a global village,
giving different political systems, cultures, religions and nationalities more
opportunities to understand one another better and move towards integration.
However, some commentators point out that convenient and increased exchanges
allow the world to move towards tolerance. But the same also leads to comparison
between different political systems, cultures, religions and nationalities, often giving
rise to more conflicts and wars.
To some people, globalization is equivalent to Westernization and Western domination
(to be more accurate, to Americanization and US domination). They oppose the
unfairness created by Westernization or US domination. During the summit of the
eight industrialized countries in France in 2003 massive number of anti-globalization
people launched large-scale demonstrations to oppose the evils brought about by
globalization.
Thomas Friedman, a commentator of the New York Times, points out that
anti-globalization originated from the dominant position occupied by US power,
culture and economic concepts in various places and US intervention in the lives of
different peoples. From the American and British attack on Iraq in 2003, we can see
that US power seems to have reached an uncontrollable level. Annan,
Secretary-General of the United Nations, expressed his deep sorrow to the American
and British decision to wage the war.
Some commentators think that during the process of globalization, one superpower –
the US – has emerged in the world. It attempts to transform the world by its own
methods. This kind of unilateralism practically brings more conflicts even though it is
declared that the war is for the safety and welfare of the whole human race.
What are the ways to resolve the conflicts between countries and regions caused by
globalization? How can global institutions break the restraints (e.g. they do not have
powers equal to those of sovereign states), help resolve international conflicts and
maintain and promote peace?
82
Suggested Learning Objectives
Suggested questions
for enquiry
Learning objectives
Does globalization
contribute to
harmonization among
different political
systems, social
structures, cultures,
economies, religions
To discuss whether globalization
helps the peaceful co-existence
of different political systems,
social structures, cultures,
economies, religions and
nationalities and whether
globalization leads to conflicts
and ethnic groups?
What insights do
recent international
by widening the gap between
different societies. This is done
by analyzing Hollywood
crises yield? Will
globalization increase
social disparity and
lead to conflicts?
[2- 3 periods]
movies, the development of
global trade, the functions of the
United Nations Security
Council, the Iraqi war and the
outbreak of SARS.
83
Remarks
Suggested questions for enquiry:
Does globalization contribute to harmonization among different political systems,
social structure, cultures, economies, religions and ethnic groups? What insights do
recent international crises yield? Will globalization increase social disparity and
lead to conflicts?
Source 1
In the eyes of the world, Hollywood is America. However, the economic
transformations of the past twenty years are changing media landscapes in the
United States and around the world. We are seeing American movies shot on
Chinese locations, Chinese martial arts action scenes, borrowings from
Hollywood in films like “The Guru”, and remakes of Japanese hits like The
Ring – not to mention the Japanese ownership of a major Hollywood studio. As
the market around the world expanded, Hollywood is becoming an export
industry, making movies primarily for people who live outside the United States.
Therefore, the globalization of market is leading to the globalization of labour, so
we see Jackie Chan, John Woo, Corey Yuen, Ringo Lam and others from Asia are
making their mark in the United States. The globalization of markets has also led
to the globalization of production. The Matrix, for instance, was shot in Australia.
Citation from:
Klein, Christina. “The Asia Factor in Global Hollywood”. YaleGobal Online, 25 March 2003,
<http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/article.print?id=1242> [accessed 22 May 2003].
[This article appeared in YaleGlobal Online <http://yaleglobal.yale.edu>, a publication of the Yale
Center for the Study of Globalization, and is reprinted by permission. Copyright © 2003 Yale Center
for the Study of Globalization.]
84
Source 2
“The so-called Americanization phenomenon seems to be more a consequence of
the recent globalization in our world. If we find American products worldwide, it
is also increasingly common to find Asian products in the United States ... Living
in the United States now, I am discovering many Asian products in America,
from food to movies … we can buy Shiseido cosmetics from Japan at the
Galleria Mall, have sushi and sashimi in one of the many Japanese restaurants in
the city, go to the cinema and enjoy the beautiful American-Chinese movie
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and take home spring rolls from one of the
many Chinese restaurants in town.”
Citation from:
Berg, Vara. “Asianization: The influence of Asia on America”. Topics Online Magazine –
<Globalization, http://www.topics-mag.com/globalization/asianization.htm> [accessed 20 May
2003].
Source 3
International trade can be a force for poverty reduction. However, existing world
trade rules are loaded against the poor. Rich countries and powerful corporations
have captured a disproportionate share of the benefits of trade, leaving
developing countries and poor people worse off. Global inequality is widening.
For every dollar of trade, the rich world gets 80 cents while the poor world gets
just 3 cents and middle-income countries get 17 cents.
Citation from:
Oxfam Hong Kong website – Fair Trade Campaign, <http://www.oxfam.org.hk/english/> [accessed 23
May 2003].
85
Source 4
Do you know the structure, functions and powers of the United Nations Security
Council?
The Council has 15 members – five permanent members and 10 elected by the
General Assembly for two-year terms. Each Council member has one vote.
Decisions on procedural matters are made by an affirmative vote of at least nine
of the 15 members. Decisions on substantive matters require nine votes,
including the concurring votes of all five permanent members (the United States,
China, France, the United Kingdom, Russia Federation). This is the rule of “great
Power unanimity”, often referred to as the “veto” power.
The Security Council is:

To maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles
and purposes of the United Nations;

To investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international
friction;

To recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement;

To formulate plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments;

To determine the existence of a threat to the
peace or act of aggression and to recommend
what action should be taken;

To call on Members to apply economic sanctions
and other measures not involving the use of force
to prevent or stop aggression;

To take military action against an aggressor;

…
Citation from:
The United Nations website – Security Council: Functions and Powers,
<http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/unsc_functions.html> [accessed 23 May 2003].
86
Source 5
George Bush, President of the United States, issued his final war cry, giving the
Iraqi President Saddam Hussein 48 hours to leave Baghdad or face the “full force
and might” of coalition forces. Facing the ultimatum, France and Germany –
among the fiercest opponents in the United Nation’s Security Council of the
US-led drive to war – stood their ground despite the collapse of diplomatic
efforts to avert conflict.
Summarized from:
《明報》
，2003 年 3 月 19 日。
《蘋果日報》，2003 年 3 月 19 日。
Source 6
The following is a session of the Statement of Patriarchs and Bishops of Iraq (29
April 2003) submitted by the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the
President of the Security Council of the UN in May 2003.
… when Iraq is turning a page and is beginning a new chapter in its millenary
life, we, the Patriarchs and Bishops of the Christian churches in Iraq, driven also
by pressure from our faithful, wish to express our aspirations relative to the
future of this country, in the hope that the Iraqi people, which has had a long
history marked by defeats and success, will be able, without religious or ethnic
distinction, to live in freedom, justice and respect for inter-religious and
multi-ethnic coexistence.
Citation from:
The United Nations website – Security Council: Notes by the President (5 May 2003),
<http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/notes/PresidentialNotesEng.htm> [accessed 23 May 2003].
87
Source 7
Chinese Vice-Premier and Minister of Health Wu Yi said at the annual meeting of
the World Health Organization (WHO), in Geneva on 20 May 2003 that the
Chinese government stands ready to cooperate sincerely with other countries and
will shoulder its responsibility and play a constructive role in fighting all global
diseases. She said that globalization has increasingly turned the homeland of
humankind into a global village, where the issue of public health knows no
national boundaries, stressing that mutual understanding, close cooperation and
joint counter-measures are the only solutions to any crisis. She also reiterated that
it is necessary to set up a global SARS control fund, to which China is ready to
make its contribution.
Note: SARS refers to severe acute respiratory syndrome.
Adapted from:
Xinhua News Agency. “China to Play Constructive Role to Fight Global Disease”. 20 May 2003,
<http://www.china.org.cn/english/2003/May/65069.htm> [accessed 22 May 2003].
Source 8
The World Health Organization announced the creation of a new public-private
initiative to fight SARS and build capacity for surveillance, epidemiology and
public health laboratory facilities in China and the surrounding region. The initial
target is to raise US$ 100 million by September 2003 from the business
community, especially companies with operations or markets in Asia.
Adapted from:
World Health Organization website – Media Centre: Press Releases, 22 May 2003,
<http://www.who.int/mediacentre/releases/2003/prwha3/en/> [accessed 23 May 2003].
88
Questions for discussion:

There are a number of well-known Asian artists and film directors who are now
working in Hollywood. Do you think they can bridge the gap between cultures
while they work in a Western community? Why do you think so?

Do you think cultural globalization contributes to better understanding and
harmonization among different ethnic groups?

Do you think income inequality is a consequence of economic globalization? If so,
what do you think the global community led by global institutions can do to stop
it?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the rule of “great Power unanimity”
exercised in the Security Council?

Do you think the Security Council of the United Nations can stop aggression by
using its powers? Why do you think so?

What is the implication of the joint declaration of the United States and Britain of
war against Iraqis President Saddam Hussein under the circumstance that their
decision was opposed by most of the members of the UN Security Council?

Do you think the UN’s involvement in re-establishing post-war Iraq is important?
Why do you think so?

What are the World Health Organization, nation-states and business communities
trying to do after the outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome? Do you
think cooperation on a global level can help stop or control the disease?
89
Key Point b
Regional alliances and global institutions
90
Teachers’ References
There are many global institutions working in different areas, such as human rights,
environmental protection, academic exchange and exchange of social cultures,
development of human societies and economies, and the maintenance of peace.
Overall, because global institutions do not have powers equal to those of sovereign
states, their work may be restrained. For example, in 2003 majority members of the
United Nations Security Council opposed the American and British attack on Iraq and
emphasized the use of diplomatic means to resolve the problem. However, the US and
Britain rejected their opposition and launched their attack on Iraq. This war not only
took away the lives of many civilians and destroyed their homes, but also damaged
the credibility of the United Nations. In future, what are the roles played by global
institutions in global affairs? Will they possess the power to restrain aggressive
behaviour? This is a matter of concern among the peoples around the globe.
Regionalized and regional organizations, such as the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union, came into being in the process of
globalization. They promote co-operation but also exert control over one another. If
globalization represents the singular rise of the power of the West, then non-western
countries should unite to perform their role of checking and balancing Western
powers. It seems that regional organizations are an answer for non-western countries.
91
Suggested Learning Objectives
Suggested questions
for enquiry
Learning objectives
To achieve world
peace and fair
distribution of wealth,
should we count on
regional alliances or
global institutions?
What should be done
To analyze how global
institutions/non-governmental
organizations/ regional
institutions are relevant to
globalization by studying the
functions of these institutions
and organizations and the events
to achieve permanent
peace in human
society?
in which they have participated;
To discuss whether these
institutions and organizations
[2 periods]
can help resolve the problems of
poverty so as to achieve world
peace and a fair distribution of
wealth.
92
Remarks
Suggested questions for enquiry:
To achieve world peace and fair distribution of wealth, should we count on regional
alliances or global institutions? What should be done to achieve permanent peace
of human society?
Source 1
About World Environment Day 2003
World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5
June is one of the principal vehicles through which the
United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the
environment and enhances political attention and action.
Citation from:
United Nations Environment Programme - World Environment Day, <http://www.unep.org/wed/2003/>
[accessed 23 May 2003].
93
Source 2
The United Nations Study on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education
2002 urges the following actions:

Promote disarmament and non proliferation education and training at all
levels in all regions of the world, with the active participation of civil society,
especially educators and non-governmental organizations (NGOs);

Network and share experiences and best practices on disarmament and
non-proliferation education;

Consult and actively seek partnerships with Governments, regional
organizations, academic and research institutions, educators, civil society,
including NGOs, and private and corporate donors on further practical
disarmament and non-proliferation education and training projects;

Encourage the incorporation of disarmament and non-proliferation education
elements into future public information products of the United Nations and
relevant international organizations.
Citation from:
United Nations website, “United Nations Study on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education”,
<http://disarmament2.un.org/education/study.html> [accessed 22 May 2003].
94
Source 3
Oxfam Hong Kong, a member of Oxfam International, is an independent
development and relief agency based in Hong Kong. It works with poor people
regardless of race, sex, religion or politics in their struggle against poverty,
distress and suffering, and hopes to build a world where people are equally
assured of their rights with dignity and respect, including access to food, shelter,
employment and health care, in a sustainable manner.
Citation from:
Oxfam Hong Kong website, <http://www.oxfam.org.hk/> [accessed 15 March 2003].
Source 4
Following the explosion in Znamenskoe, northern Chechnya, on 12 May, the
Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) sent a medical team provided assistance to the
wounded as well as medicine and medical material. A dressing kit for 300
wounded, infusion sets and antibiotics were given to the hospitals which received
103 wounded in Znamenskoe and 46 wounded in Mozdok. Three other hospitals
had already been provided with medical material the previous week.
Citation from:
Medecins Sans Frontiers website, “MSF sends medical teams to help civilians wounded in Chechnya
bomb blasts,” 14 May 2003
<http://www.msf.org/countries/page.cfm?articleid=E02FFBA9-AD95-49DD-87A1AC2E150F19F
5> [accessed 23 May 2003].
95
Source 5
Not everyone agrees with everything in the World Trade Organization (WTO).
But the WTO is a forum for countries to thrash out their differences on trade
issues. Here are some reasons why the world is better off with the system than
without it:
 The system
 Disputes
helps promote peace.
are handled constructively.
 Rules
make life easier for all.
 Freer
trade cuts the costs of living.
 It
provides more choice of products and qualities.
 Trade raises
incomes.
 Trade stimulates
 The basic
economic growth.
principles make life more efficient.
 Governments
 The system
are shielded from lobbying.
encourages good government.
Citation from:
The World Trade Organization website: What is the WTO? – 10 Benefits of the WTO trading system,
<http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/10ben_e/10b00_e.htm> [accessed 22 May 2003].
96
Source 6
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) intervened in Kosovo to halt a
humanitarian catastrophe and restore stability in 1999. Afterwards, NATO formed
the core of the international peace-keeping mission to Kosovo, or Kosovo Force
(KFOR), in which some 46,000 military personnel from 39 countries are
deployed. Its mission is to build a secure environment in Kosovo, in which all
citizens, irrespective of their ethnic origins, can live in peace with international
aid and democracy.
Adapted from:
North Altlantic Treaty Organization website – NATO’s role in Kosovo,
<http://www.nato.int/kosovo/kosovo.htm> [accessed 23 May 2003].
97
Source 7
Stop World War III
No War on Iraq
Source:
Department of History, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
98
Source 8
Although most of the members of the Security Council of the United Nations
opposed to the act, the United States-British alliance declared war against Iraqis
President Saddam Hussein. Now, peace returns to Iraq. The most important task,
according to Kofi Anna, Secretary-General of the United Nations, is to help the
Iraqi people, “through a transparent and impartially managed political process,
form a free and representative government of their own choices.”
Summarized from:
《明報》
，2003 年 4 月 15 至 22 日。
《蘋果日報》，2003 年 4 月 15 至 22 日。
The homepage of the Secretary-General of the United States,
<http://www.un.org/News/ossg/sg/index.shtml> [accessed 23 May 2003].
Source 9
International Monetary Fund (IMF) was born with a mission to create economic
stability for a world which had just been through the trauma of depression and
the devastation of war. When a country joins the IMF it is assigned a quota which
is calculated in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), the Fund’s own unit of account.
Quotas are assigned according to a country’s relative position in the world
economy which means that the most powerful economies have the most influence
and clout. The World Trade Organization, which was established to govern global
trade, is dominated by rich countries. Rubens Ricuper, former Secretary-General
of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development commented that
global trade rules were highly imbalanced and biased against developing
countries. India, for instance, reduced its tariffs from an average of 82% in 1990
to 30% in 1997.
Citation from:
Ellwood, Wayne. The No-Nonsense Guide to Globalization. Oxford: New Internationalist Publications
Ltd, 2001, pp.24-37.
99
Questions for discussion:

What are the goals of the World Environment Day launched by the United Nations
(UN)? Why is the UN’s efforts on promoting environmental protection important?

Are there other tasks the UN is doing now? If so, what are they?

Do you think the UN is successful in its tasks? Why do you think so?

Apart from the UN, are there other global institutions whose missions are to
achieve peace, fair treatment and equality? Do you think these tasks are important?
Why?

Compared to national governments, what are the advantages of global institutions
when dealing with global issues such as environment, peace-keeping and human
rights?

What is the role of global institutions on promoting mutual assistance and
cooperation among peoples and nation states?

Are there constraints on global institutions? If so, what are they? (Hints: Do global
institutions possess powers the same as those of a nation-state?)

It is argued that some economic global institutions are dominated by rich and
powerful countries. Do you agree with this argument? Why?

What do you think we can do to achieve peace and fair treatment on a personal
level?
100