Downey 1

Shannan Downey
V00723752
Geography 347b
November 3, 2014
Globalization

Globalization has been a controversial topic in recent years. There seems to be a sharp

and equal divide between those who think it is beneficial, and those who think it is detrimental.

The arguments supporting globalization tend to come from an economic stand point, as some

scholars suggest that globalization improves economic opportunities and conditions in

developing countries (Zhang & Zhang, 2006). Further, globalization increases

interconnectedness, and therefore also provides the opportunity for social development. On the

other hand, globalization can facilitate inequality and possibly lead to culture homogenization.

However, the opportunities and capital brought to the developing countries can significantly

improve the quality of life in those regions. While the detriments are certainly severe, some

scholars suggest that they only occur in the initial stages and that globalization is beneficial in

the long term (Bergh & Nilsson, 2014). As globalization occurs, multi-national corporations

expand into developing countries in order to make use of their cheap labour, but they also

provide employment opportunities that did not exist before. This investment can stimulate the

stagnant economies and lead to economic development (Wei & Li, 2002). There are many

examples of countries successfully developing as a result of globalization. While the short term

detriments are severe, it is my opinion that the long term benefits are too great to ignore, and that

globalization is therefore more beneficial that detrimental to the people in developing countries.

Some studies suggest that globalization can increase the incidence of economic inequality

(Zhang & Zhang, 2006; Ghosh & Guven, 2006). Urban centres are exposed to opportunities

while rural areas are neglected. China’s development and urbanization patterns are an excellent
 Downey 2

example of inequality from globalization. The majority of development has happened in the

coastal regions, leaving the rural, inland areas sparsely developed and poor (Ghosh & Guven,

2006). Multinational corporations have outsourced labour to China in order to make use of their

cheap labour. By exploiting the labour market in the rural and suburban areas, the MNC’s have

promoted inequality. Zhang & Zhang (2006) suggest that one of the main arguments against

globalization is that “globalization is widening the gap between the haves and the have-nots”

(109). In simpler terms, the rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer. On the other

hand, contrasting literature suggests that the increase of inequality is actually a result of poor

governance and corruption, rather than globalization itself: “The source of inequality in a

globalized world … could be poor government and non-democracy, not globalization”

(Heshmati, 2003, 6). This suggests that inequality is the result of an entirely different problem,

and not just globalization. While inequality is considered by many to be a negative, I think that

having some people benefitting from the opportunities provided by globalization is far better

than not having opportunities at all. If globalization is not the main cause of worsening

inequality, as suggested by Heshmati, then perhaps globalization is not as bad as some studies

suggest that it is. For this reason, it is my opinion that, while globalization can indeed aggravate

inequality, it can still be a good thing for developing countries.

Another possible detriment of globalization is the homogenization of world cultures. The

proliferation of western ideals and culture could lead to our world becoming culturally

homogenized. People bring their cultural identities and practices with them as they emigrate,

leading to the spread of cultures, and, ultimately, the loss of regional cultural variety (Wood-

Wallace, 2009). Since technology has made travel possible, cultures are no longer rooted in one

area, and can be readily observed and practiced in a multitude of countries. Wood-Wallace
 Downey 3

(2009) says that “globalisation can be reduced to the notion that globalisation disembeds local

forms of culture reconstituting it with diversity.” Essentially, certain cultures are now found in

many different countries, and not just their homeland. Palmer (2004) simplifies this argument by

suggesting that it could be “true that globalization is leading to a homogenized global culture,

one in which life in Brazil approaches being indistinguishable from life in Bavaria” (6). If

cultures are at risk of becoming uniform, then there would be a loss of rich history and regional

values.

However, I do not think that the world will become completely culturally homogenous.

In my opinion, the homogenization of cultures is only true insofar as we look at products and

brands used globally: McDonald’s products are consumed and iPhones and various other Apple

products are produced and purchased nearly everywhere in the world. Wang (2007) believes that

even though products are being utilized globally, they are subject to the cultural norms of various

countries. He suggests that an item might not have the same meaning globally, and therefore

global consumption of products will not lead to cultural homogenization. Further, It has been

suggested that an exposure to an “other” can enhance your sense of self and nationality (Wang,

2007). During the German invasion of the Ukraine, one German soldier has been quoted as

saying that he had “never felt more German” than when he was exposed to the Eastern

Europeans (Liulevicius, 2009, 140). Essentially, exposure to the way of life of other people can

reaffirm the values and norms of one’s own culture. Culture is dynamic and is not only affected

by external influences, but internal factors as well (Wang, 2007). Wang (2007) suggests that this

rapid acceleration of globalization has made people more interested in adhering to their cultural

practices so that they can preserve them (84). What I interpret this to mean is that while western
 Downey 4

culture has certainly impacted other cultures, it does not have the ability to eliminate them

entirely.

One of the benefits of globalization is the possibility of economic growth and economic

development. Globalization provides many economic opportunities for people in developing

countries. Increasing access to steady jobs helps to increase the quality of life in developing

countries. In fact, many countries in Asia have seen rapid economic growth since becoming open

to international trade. China, for example, has developed immensely in recent years, and has seen

the growth of a relatively wealthy middle class (Wei & Li, 2002). While the economic

development in China remains uneven, it is undisputed that the development has improved the

lives of many (Wei, 2002). Wei & Li (2002) discuss the achievements of Hangzhou, and how the

city is representative of the “coastal metropolises that are experiencing dramatic growth and

restructuring” (461). In the late 1980’s, Hangzhou enacted trade policies that allowed it to enter

in the international market, and advance from a stagnant to a booming economy (Wei & Li,

2002). The example of Hangzhou, and China in general, leads me to believe that globalization

and the development of international trade relations can lead to major cities experiencing

economic growth and development, which could be beneficial to the people living in those cities.

Globalization increases interconnectedness and promotes social development due to

proximity (Palmer, 2004). With smaller social distances between countries, societies and cultures

can influence each other. Ideas of gender equality and other social issues can transcend borders

and empower citizens of developing countries (Rendall, 2012). Bringing these ideas to

developing countries can help them to develop socially and become more modernized (Palmer,

2004). While racism, sexism, and other prejudices are still prevalent in our society, they are often

worse in some developing countries. However, on study discusses the empowerment of women
 Downey 5

in the word force in Brazil and Thailand that, as the author suggests, has led to narrowing of the

gap between men and women (Rendall, 2012). Rendall (2012) proposes that globalization has

provided these countries with exposure to a society where women are far more equal than in their

own societies. I think that the more developing countries are exposed to a society where sexism

is frowned upon, the better it will be for women in those societies, and for their social

development in general.

Although globalization does have negative aspects, I believe that the possibilities for

development that are facilitated by globalization outweigh the short term costs of inequality and

cultural homogenization. Globalization provides social and economic opportunities that are

beneficial for the people of developing countries. The detriments are severe, but as Bergh &

Nilsson (2014) suggest, these detriments are only severe in the short term. Eventually, the

benefits will outweigh the detriments, making globalization a positive force of social and

economic development. While it is possible that inequality is facilitated by the increasing of

interconnectedness, it has been suggested that this is mainly due to poor governance and not

globalization. Globalization presents a risk of cultural homogenization, however it is my opinion

that the exposure to an “other” strengthens ones sense of self, and helps to preserve cultural

identity and diversity. The economic opportunities provided by globalization can increase the

quality of life experienced by the citizens, and the social development will help these countries

acheive some of the millennium development goals. Therefore, it is my opinion that, overall,

globalization is beneficial for the people in developing countries.

 Downey 6

References

Bergh, A., & Nilsson, T. (2014). Is Globalization reducing absolute poverty?. World

Development, 62, 42--61.

Ghosh, B., & Guven, H. (2006). Globalization and the Third World. Basingstoke [England]:
Palgrave Macmillan.

Liulevicius, V. (2009). The German myth of the East. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Palmer, T. (2004) Globalization and culture. Potsdam: Liberales Institution der Friedrich-
Naumann-Stiftlung.

Rendall, M (2012). Structural change in developing countries: Has it decreased gender

inequality?. World Development, 45.

Wang, Y. (2007). Globalization enhances cultural identity. Intercultural Communications

Studies. 14(1).

Wei, Y., & Li, W. (2002). Reforms, globalization, and urban growth in China: The case of
Hangzhou. Eurasian geography and economics, 43(6).

Wei, S. (2002). Is globalization good for the poor in China. Finance and Development, 39(3).

Wanwen, C. (2003). Globalization and economic development. The Chinese Economy, 36(1).

Zhang, Z., & Zhang, K. (2006). How does globalization affect regional inequality within a
developing country? Evidence from China. In B. Ghosh & H. Guven, Globalization and the
Third World (1st ed.). Basingstoke [England]: Palgrave Macmillan.

Zhou, Y., & Wei, Y. (2011). Globalization, innovation, and regional development in
China. Environmental. Planning. A, 43(4), 781-785. doi:10.1068/a4418