THE STRUCTURES OF GLOBALIZATION
This unit will introduce you to the various drivers of the globalization process, with a
particular emphasis on economics and politics. Although it emphasizes the "everyday"
experience of globalization, it is also important to recognize that there are large
institutions that effect large-scale changes. This unit will begin by tracing the historical
emergence of these institutions. It will then explain how they are affecting countries and
people today.
The major learning outcomes of this unit are to:


Analyze the various contemporary drivers of the globalization; and
Describe the emergence of global economic and political systems.
Lesson 1: What is the Globalization?
Learning outcomes
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. Agree on a working definition of globalization for the course;
2. Differentiate the competing conceptions of globalization; and
3. Narrate a personal experience of globalization.
Globalization: A working Definition
According to most accounts, globalization is primarily an economic process. When
a newspaper reports that nationalists are opposing "globalization," it usually refers to the
integration of national markets into a larger global market, as represented by increased
free trade. When activists refer to the 1990s "anti-globalization" movement, they are
referring to the opposition to trade deals between countries facilitated and promoted by
global organizations such as the World Trade Organization.
Scholars of globalization do not always agree with those who criticize unfair
international trade deals or global economic organizations. In fact, many people agree
with the critique of economic globalization. Academics, on the other hand, differ from
journalists and political activists in that they view globalization in a much broader context.
They look at the process through various lenses that take into account various theories
and perspectives. This is known as an interdisciplinary approach in academia, and it is
the approach used by the general education (GE) courses you will be taking alongside
this one.
The best scholarly description of globalization provided by Manfred Steger
described the process as "the expansion and intensification of social relations and
consciousness across world-time and across world space." Expansion refers to “both
the creation of new social networks and the multiplication of the existing connections
that cut across traditional political, economic, cultural, and geographic boundaries."
This various connections occur at different levels. Social media, for example, allows
people all over the world to connect in new ways. When international networks of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) connect a more specific group-social workers and
activists-from around the world.
Intensification refers to the network's expansion, stretching, and acceleration. Global
connections are not only multiplying, but they are also becoming more tightly knit and
expanding their reach. For example, a strong financial market has always existed
MODULE 1: THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD
between London and New York. However, with the advent of electronic trading, the
volume of that trade has increased exponentially.
Traders can now trade more frequently and at faster speeds. As a result, the connection
is becoming faster. Aside from this acceleration, as the world's financial integration
increases, the intensified trading network between London and New York may expand
and stretch to cover more and more cities. After China committed to the global economy
in the 1980s, for example, Shanghai gradually returned to its former role as a major
trading center.
These connections can be found in areas other than finance. When the Monsoon rains
flooded Bangkok in 2012, the Honda plant producing some critical car parts temporarily
ceased production. This had a significant negative impact on Honda-USA, which relied
heavily on parts imported from Thailand. Not only was it unable to meet its sales target,
but the ability of the center service nationwide to assist Honda owners suffered as well.
As a result, global profits for Japanese automakers fell.
The final attribute of this definition relates to the way people perceive time and
space. Steger notes that “globalization processes do not occur merely at an objective,
material level but they also involve the subjective plane of human consciousness. “ In
other words, people begin to feel that the world has become a smaller place and
distance have collapse from thousands of miles to just a mouse- click away. One can
now e-mail a friend in other country and get a reply instantaneously, and as a result,
begins to perceive their distance as less consequential. Cable TV and the internet has
also exposed one to news from across the globe, so now, he/she has this greater
sense of what is happening in other places. Steger posits that his definition of
globalization must be differentiated with an ideology he calls globalism. If globalization
represents the many processes that allow for the expansion and intensification of global
connections, globalism is a wide spread belief among powerful people that the global
integration of economic markets is beneficial for everyone, since it spreads freedom
and democracy across the world. It is a common belief forwarded in the media and
policy circles. In the next lesson you will realize why it is problematic.
For the time being, it is important to note that when activists and journalists criticize
"globalization," they are frequently criticizing some manifestation of globalism. These
criticisms are frequently justified. However, it is critical to emphasize that "globalization"
as a process refers to a larger phenomenon that cannot be reduced to the ways in which
global markets have been integrated.
Assignment:
Guide Questions
1. How have you experienced globalization?
2. Why it is crucial to emphasize that globalization is uneven?
3. What is the difference between globalization and globalism?
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LEARNING ACTIVITY:
How globalize is your home?
Go to your room and make an inventory of everything you own. The most important
"things" in your room will be footwear, clothes, computers (if any), cellphones, televisions
(if possible), and possibly a radio. If you're a student, you might notice books,
newspapers, and new magazines, as well as school supplies and equipment.
Sort your inventory into two categories: "things" made in the Philippines and "things"
from foreign brands. List the countries of origin for your imported items.
Repeat the process in the kitchen and living room. Appliances should be included.
Compare your lists to those of your classmates in class to determine which countries
have the most households and what personal needs you and your families have. Make
a similar list of Philippine-made items. Discuss why certain products are manufactured
in the Philippines while others are manufactured elsewhere.
MODULE 1: THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD