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Globalization is the interaction between people of different nations. It is a process that connects and unites people around the world in the realization of basic needs and aspirations. To meet basic needs and obtain goals, goods and ideas are exchanged globally. It is boosted by technological advances and results in a “global village” in which everyone becomes a global citizen with a direct stake in global issues. This process has dynamic effects on the environment, on culture, on political systems, on economic development and prosperity, and on human physical well-being in societies around the world.
Forces Driving Globalization
Although globalization has a long history, globalization has become more prevalent since WWII. Since
World War II, there have been many factors that have contributed to the expansion of globalization.
Technological advances and a change in thinking have led to increased globalization. These driving forces have contributed to the “glocal” effect in the world.
Glocal
In many cases, these factors work in conjunction to mold individual and collective identities to create the global village we find ourselves in.
International Organizations
Even before the end of WWII, people knew they had to find a way of avoiding another similar global conflict. As a result, representative of Britain, the United States, Canada and other countries worked together to build an organization that would
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In July 1944, representatives of 44 countries met in a small town in New Hampshire, Bretton Woods, for a conference to figure out how they could prevent the kind of economic turmoil that could lead to another world war. At the_________________________________________________, the
_______________________________________ and the
_______________________________________ were established. These two organizations were designed to help expand international trade by providing money to countries seeking financial assistance.
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Several other international organizations have been created in attempt to solve global issues. These organizations require individuals or governments from multiple countries to work together to achieve a goal, thus increasing the exchange of goods and ideas worldwide.
Examples of international organizations include:
International Agreements
After WWII, people around the world faced the task of rebuilding their lives and their prosperity. The war cost more than $2 trillion. People wanted a chance to rebuild their lives on a secure economic basis. Many believed the best plan for economic recovery was to increase trade.
Countries began signing on to agreements remove tariffs and trade barriers in order to facilitate trade.
Tariffs
At Bretton Woods, some countries agreed to also establish trade rules. Ultimately, the
_______________ _____________________________________________ was created in 1947. GATT members agreed to gradually eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers between themselves. In 1995, the ____________________ replaced GATT.
Other trade agreements include:
Transnational Corporations
Transnational corporations
Economies of Scale
About 70% of global trade involves transnational corporations, but more than 50% of these transnationals have headquarters in just 5 countries. (USA, Japan, France, Germany, and Britain)
Transnationals have gained more power than some countries. They generate more revenue and have great influence in the economics, environment, social life and politics of countries around the world.
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Transportation Technology
Transportation is essential for trade. Even early societies relied on transportation such as camels, horses, carts, and boats to move goods around. The _____________________________________ is an example of early transportation routes vital for trade.
The ___________________________________________________________ began in the late 1950s.
At that time, goods began to get shipped in standardized shipping containers. Today, containerization of shipping accounts for 40% of shipping. It has become popular because:
Because of the benefits, containerization is considered to be the
_____________________________________.
Often, we think of transportation of goods, but people can also be moved or transported globally.
People may travel for a variety of reasons including work and pleasure. Sometimes people choose to move in hopes of avoiding economic or political hardships or persecution.
Immigrant
Emigrant
Refugee
Illegal immigrant
Migrant worker
Transportation of goods and people has the potential to create wealth and increase awareness of global issues, but just as easily as positive consequences are created, so too are negative outcomes.
Pandemics
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Communication and Media Technology
Technology has revolutionized the way information flows. Computers were first developed during
WWII, but it was not until the late 1970s that personal computers became available. Cheaper technology has now made personal computers extremely common, and in turn, increased communication of ideas globally. Communication also allows transnationals to access the global marketplace. Now, E-commerce or any on-line buying or selling, can be done via the internet as can talking, schooling, and entertainment.
In addition, a variety of mediums has increased global communication and has impacted the amount of information shared. The type and speed of information that can now be exchanged has, in some regards, led us into a truly global village.
New mediums include:
Our identity is impacted by all forces of globalization, but due to new technologies, media is one of the greatest impacts on our identity. What we wear, think, and do may in some way be affected by media.
Because we are so impacted by media, it is important to understand how it affects us. The impacts can be both positive and negative.
Marshall McLuhan, Edmonton born, is respected around the world as one of the most influential thinkers of the 20 th century. He believed people can understand the world only if they also understand how they are affected by various media. He reasoned that the medium (source) influences and shapes the message (purpose). Understanding a message isn’t from the meaning of the words in the message.
The meaning is the reaction/perception produced by the receiver due to the medium. Thus, McLuhan coined the term, the medium is the message.
Examples:
People are affected by the media received; however, due to digital divide, not everyone is affected by media equally.
Digital Divide -
Often, when we think of digital divide, we think of people in developing countries as those that do not have access to technology; however, a digital divide also exists in developed countries such as Canada.
Location, money and language may be barriers in developed countries such as Canada.
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Although access to technology can provide more diversity and communication among people who may not normally have access to each other, it also creates the possibility of people creating false identities and it allows people to become “high-tech hermits.”
Techno-isolation -
In order make the most informed decisions; individuals must have access to a diversity of crucial information. While there may be a lot of information, individuals need to understand that media coverage is never completely objective. Media companies want to generate profit so they minimize expenses by combining mediums and use economies of scale to operate several news sources under one parent company. In addition, they will highlight stories that the consumer wants. Therefore, they will focus on stories that are of interest to people like unusual but explainable disasters such as earthquakes or news about celebrities. Stories about continuing, lengthy tragedies that don’t have clear causes or solutions attract less media attention because they are not of interest to the average consumer. Because of the constant access to information, it can have to power to change individuals’ and collectives’ way of thinking.
Media Convergence -
Media Concentration -
Bias –
Propaganda –
CNN Effect –
Globalization and Identity
The forces that drive globalization influence individual and collective identities.
Individual Identity
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Collectives are groups that have a common interest or goal. Examples of collectives include:
Collective Identity
There are 9 ways to express identity.
1) Traditions are repetitive actions that are done for purpose or a meaning by individuals or collectives.
 Collective traditions –
 Individual traditions –
2) Religion is based on a community of believers who accept rules, beliefs, and general guidelines.
3) Spirituality is the concept of focusing on things related to the soul or spirit. Often, spirituality is more individualistic than religion.
4) Arts such as music, drama, dance, and graphic art allow us to express our identity.
5) Attire relates to the way we present ourselves.
 Collective attire –
 Individual attire –
6) Relationship to land is how we interact with our physical surroundings.
7) Ideologies are systematic sets of beliefs that we accept as true.
8) Role models influence our identity. Role models are often based on the collectives we are a part of they can change over time.
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9) Language allows us to express our identities. Our identity is expressed through words and body language.
Slang –
Jargon –
The migration of people, transportation of goods, media, multinational corporations, and international organizations and agreements have created many opportunities and challenges for individuals.
Affirmation of Identity – With access to global information, individuals are able to understand their background and assert it.
Examples of affirmation of identity:
Integration – Fitting into another culture without losing your own.
Examples of integration:
Marginalization – A process whereby one culture undermines another culture when introducing something new. Individuals are forced to stick to their traditional culture but while on the margin of society or give up their traditional culture to fully participate in society.
Examples of marginalization:
Globalization and Culture
Culture is ___________________________ (what we think), ______________________ (what we do) and ____________________________ (expressions) of a collective. Culture is learned, taught, and shared.
Culture is important for a number of reasons.
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Just as globalization impacts individual identity, cultural identities are being significantly impacted by globalization as well.
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Pop Culture – Pop culture is short for popular culture and means the culture of the people. This includes current cultural trends such as arts, artifacts, entertainment, fads, beliefs and values shared by large segments of society that is spread by mass media.
Examples:
When the forces of globalization spread pop culture trends, the result is the universalization of pop culture.
Universalization of pop culture - Because of the force mass media plays in globalization, there are worldwide trends common in music, clothing, and entertainment.
Examples:
Sometimes, nations are able to create a hybridization of pop culture.
Hybridization of Pop Culture – Hybridization combines elements of pop culture of one nation with those of another.
Examples:
In some regards, there is less diversification worldwide because of the impacts of pop culture. On the other hand, it could be argued that by being exposed to a variety of ideas, we have greater diversity.
Opportunities and Challenges of Globalization to Cultures
Just as individual identity can be affected through globalization, cultures can also be impacted by the exchange of goods and ideas.
Acculturation – A process that sees two cultures adapt to each other’s world views. The end result is a new, unique culture based on inputs from both.
Examples of acculturation:
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Assimilation – A process that occurs when a weaker culture, or elements of it, are overtaken by a more dominant one. The end result is the dominant culture replacing the weaker one.
Examples of assimilation:
Accommodation – A process that involves a culture making adaptations for another. The end result is small changes to one or both cultures while still maintaining their original identity.
Examples:
Homogenization – The end result of cultures merging. A homogenized society would completely be void of cultural differences. Homogenization can be the end result of a variety of processes such as assimilation, marginalization, acculturation and extensive accommodation.
Measures may be taken for those wishing to maintain cultural diversity in a globalizing world.
Cultural Revitalization – An initiative to affirm, promote, and protect cultural identity and preserve traditional practices.
Examples of cultural revitalization:
Cultural Content Legislation – This legislation enacts laws that helps protect the nation’s cultural identity from being overwhelmed by a more dominant culture.
Examples of cultural content legislation:
Globalization and Language
Language serves as a mechanism for bringing people together. Similar languages normally have similar culture, thus language helps bring people with common bonds together. ________________ is the most common native language spoken globally; however, _________ is the most distributed language globally. English is widely accepted as the de facto language of diplomacy. In fact, the majority of
United Nations voted to use English as the official language of communication between government embassies. English is so popular, that about 75% of the world’s mail and faxes are in English, approximately 60% of the world’s radio programs are in English, and about 90% of all internet traffic is as well. UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, estimates that over ________ of the world’s _________ languages are endangered and, on average, one language
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disappears every two weeks. It notes that 96% of the world’s languages are spoken by 4% of the world’s population and 90% of the world’s languages are not represented on the internet. Other research also suggests such alarming numbers. About 2000 languages have less than 1000 speakers and about ½ of the world’s languages are no longer being taught to children. Why do you think children are no longer being taught traditional languages?
The most threatened languages are those of the indigenous people of Australia and the Americas.
Regardless of which languages are being lost, the loss of language is a concern for a number of reasons.
1. Loss of Identity -
2. Loss of knowledge -
3. Loss of cultural insight -
Because of globalization’s impact on minority languages, there are initiatives in place to preserve language.
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Linguistic Revitalization – There are a variety of initiates in place to affirm, promote, and protect languages.
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Language Laws – Many nations have laws preserving their language, and many nations struggle to keep their languages from being influenced by more global languages such as English.
 Linguistic Rights – Laws that protect language minorities from discrimination.
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Dimensions of Globalization
Each global event affects different dimensions of our lives. Often these dimensions can be related as one affects the other.
Political –
Economic –
Social –
Environmental –
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