Globalization
Globalization. Globalization Defined. Globalization is the process by which ideas, beliefs and practices cross national boundaries and tie individuals to world wide processes. Globalization forces. Three forces Drive Globalization: UNIVERSALISM IMPERIALISM CAPITALISM. Universalism.
Globalization
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Presentation Transcript
Globalization Defined • Globalization is the process by which ideas, beliefs and practices cross national boundaries and tie individuals to world wide processes.
Globalization forces • Three forces Drive Globalization: • UNIVERSALISM • IMPERIALISM • CAPITALISM
Universalism • Interest in global expansion is based upon a material products that can be made and distributed on a global basis. • Universal business practices
1. Universalism- • See McDonaldization-the homogenization of culture. • Corporations –level the landscape. • Products produced in chain store fashion
McDonaldization • George Ritzer in his book The McDonaldization of Society (1993). He explains McDonaldization occurs when cultural possesses assume the characteristics of a fast-food restaurant. • Scientific management =Weber’s rationalization thesis.
Universalism is not universality Universality is a left wing movement… • A philosophy concerning the provision of the benefits of the welfare state which declares that all citizens have access regardless of their need. • For example, all citizens receive the same access to health care in Canada, regardless of their income.
Globalization runs counter to Universality • Neo-liberal policies of globalization entail that less powerful citizens can be more easily deprived of benefits. • Benefits can be more easily reduced. • Benefits are not received by most people in the population. • The principle of universality has been seriously eroded by globalization.
FOR EXAMPLE:. • Local crops are replaced by specialized industries • Standard of living may go up for some, for many there is increasing exploitation. • Instead of goods exchanged through barter, individuals must work for a company and pay for goods in cash. • This has been linked to patriarchy andalienated labour.
2. Imperialism • Imperialism–is the notion that developed nations can help and exploit lesser developed nations. • Inclusiveness leaves nothing untouched. This notion has an embedded militarism. • The Koran and the Semitar, the Bible and the Sword, Communist manifesto and tanks. • Imperialism is colonialism with added militarism
3. Capitalism • Capitalism-Profit or surplus value. • The search for suplus value-the market drive for profit • Cheaper and more efficient ways of producing goods for sale and consumption. • Capitalism is characterized by systematic consumption, systematic exchange, wealth accumulation.
Globalism-a new nationalism • Globalism -a transnational political mobilization that focuses individual energies on global issues rather than on the nation-state.
Globalism includes • Global consciousness where opinions are formed and issues are resolved by hammering out global interests. • UN, World Bank, INTERPOL…
History Of Globalization \5 Key Events • 1-Expansion of the West • 2. Uneven development • 3.WW1 and WW2 • 4. American self consciousness • 5. Neo-liberal movement (1980s)
Key featuresGlobalization • It is a process that both connects and stimulates awareness of global connection. • Globalization dissolves the autonomy of Nations in contemporary world order. • Globalization enhances global inequality
See David Korten’s Book • … • When Corporations Rule the World by. David C. Korten, Kumarian Press and Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 1995 ...
Globalization • Involves the following six processes: • 1. International economic institutions • 2. Global corporations • 3. International markets • 4. Global production/consumption • 5. More competitive nations • 6. World wide division of labour
Liberalism over collectivism • Liberal Interpretation Adam Smith developed first developed the notion of individualism and the division of labour
To A. Smith,Wealth of Nations Capitalism is a mutually beneficial system consistent with human nature. (See Hobbesian view of man) Socialist debate this (See Rousseau’s view man)
Globalization debate • The is significant debatearound globalization from different sociological perspectives..
Paradigms on Globalization • SF-modernization and adaptation • Conflict theory-dialectical change towards end of capitalism-its last crisis • Symbolic Interactionism-rationalization
Functionalist Believe.. • The economy will take care of itself • Economics is structurally differentiated from politics • Economic downturns =market correction…not collapse
Symbolic Interactionists (Weber) • Globalization=Iron cage of capitalism • Increase in formal rationality of bureaucracy I.e. monopoly capitalism • Decrease in substantive rationality, loss of human control • See G. Ritzer on Mcdonaldization of culture
Logo culture • The symbols signs and language are characterized by Corporate Logos • Logos affect consciousness. • See Naomi Klein’s book, NO LOGO…(1999)
Conflict Theory • THE GLOBAL VILLAGE is THE GLOBAL EXPLOITATIVE MARKET • FREE ENTERPRISE IS AN ILLUSION’ • FREE FOR WHO?
Karl Marx’s Writings • Include 6 key points regarding the political economy and global economics: • The 6 points are as follows:
TO MARX…Conflict Theory • THE GLOBAL VILLAGE is THE GLOBAL EXPLOITATIVE MARKET • FREE ENTERPRISE IS AN ILLUSION’ • FREE FOR WHO?
Marx on Capitalism • 1. Marx believed that capitalism is ultimately a system of exploitation • 2.Marx believed workers receive a pittance wage compared to the owners of the means of production • 3. Marx believed that Socialism would replace capitalism • 4. Liberal critics argue that Socialism is unrealistic, others believe it may still happen • . 5. Contractions of capitalism =(surplus value) • 6. Surplus value requires worker exploitation. • 7. Maximization of profit requires bourgeoisie to go further abroad for profit. • 8. Economic downturns inevitable • 9. Attempts to correct system will ultimately fail. • 10. Capitalism sows the seedsof its own destruction.
THE RESULT: will be improved economic order-interests of all men better served. SOCIALISM OR • SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION or True communism
POST MODERNISM • IS HIGHLY CRITICAL OF THE ENTIRE CONCEPT OF MODERNIZATION. • Is society `modernizing’ or is it merely going round and round…fragmented, multiple realities, multiple discourses?.
Mel Hutig, The Betrayal of Canada Mulroney Betrayed Canada...speech in 1983 stated: "Free trade with the United States is like sleeping with an elephant. It's terrific until the elephant twitches, and if you role over you are a dead man" • (Thunder Bay, 1983)
Mulroney-Gave away the store... • 1. Bill C22 weakened generic drug laws. • in the name of profit • 2. FIRA and National Energy Program • `guaranteed access' • 3. Secret deals over Softwood Lumber. • 4. Secret deals over the value of the Canadian dollar.
Free Trade Implications(M. Hurtig) • .1.Unemployment-4% points higher-although recession will end-"but high unemployment, underutilized capacity, and a lower standard of living overall" • Underemployment-part-time, temporary, contractual jobs.
2. Deindustrialization- • 2.Deindustrialization-a warehouse economy-worse than branch plant....GDP now 16% from 19% before FTA • 3.Jobs Heading South -"blind doctrinaire adherence to age old Adam Smith economics"
Foriegn ownership- • 4. Foriegn ownership-1.fewer jobs • 2.poorer jobs • 3.less diverse exports • 4. fewer professionals
Key featuresGlobalization • It is a process that both connects and stimulates awareness of connection. • Globalization dissolves the autonomy of actors and practices in contemporary world order.
Summary • GLOBALIZATION is key issue in sociology today. • Sociological theorists-structural functional, conflict and symbolic interactionist debate its significance in terms of modernization
Some Definitions • The analytical definition highlights universal factors (e.g., Giddens). • The historical definition focuses on specific developments (e.g., Freidman). • The merger of both perspectives (e.g., Robertson): • Robertson defines globalization as the compression and intensification of awareness of the world, both of which have developed over centuries but most intensely in recent times.