MODULE 1: Introduction to Contemporary World

LESSON 2: Introduction to the Study of Globalization

Week 2-3

Introduction

This Unit is largely devoted in establishing firmly the concept of

globalization and how it affects your life in the contemporary world. In
this Chapter, the phenomenon and practice associated with the
concept of globalization shall be discussed. This is imperative, to fully
understand better the related concepts, topics and principles
concerning the nature of globalization in the contemporary world. Try to analyze the comic
strip then answer the following guide questions for self-assessment.

1. How close is the world to me?

2. How is our world connected?

“Your shirt is made in Thailand and your shoes were

made in China. The android device you are holding comes
from Japan. You can travel to Moscow and have a Big Mac
there and you can watch American films in a cozy and serene
resort in the Maldives. These are indeed exciting times….”

Learning Outcomes:

1. Analyze the concept of globalization.

2. Differentiate the competing conceptions of globalization.
3. Integrate globalization with the current issues.

Lesson Proper

We can divide the modern history into three main periods i.e. the early modern
period, the late modern period and the contemporary period. The latter includes the span
of historical events starting from 1945. This
period is the most relevant to the present time
and scenario whereas people witnessed the age
of information and technologies. Through the
advent of modern and advanced technologies
nowadays, the world has shrunk.
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This shrinking of the world has taken

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place because of the combination of human

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feats/achievements including the modern transportation, information and communication
technology, advanced transportation and medical innovations. This interconnectedness
of human beings seems to be the common understanding of a phenomenon called
globalization.

But what globalization really is? Does it mean that all countries around the globe are
becoming the same? Does it promote interdependencies among nations or not at all?

What is globalization?

After centuries of technological progress and advances in international

cooperation, the world is more connected than ever because of globalization.
Globalization is a phenomenon used to describe the growing interdependence of the
world’s economies, cultures, and populations, brought about by cross-border trade in
goods and services, technology, and flows of investment, people, and information.

Globalization according to some scholars:

Intensification of worldwide social relations which link distant localities in

such a way that local happenings are shaped by events occurring many miles
away and vice versa. (Giddens)

The compression of the time and space and annihilation of distance. (Harvey)

A process of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and

governments of different nations, a process driven by international trade and
investment and aided by information technology. (Sunny Levin Institute)

A concept that refers both to the compression of the world and the
intensification of consciousness of the world as a whole. (Robertson)

Globalization according to various disciplines:

More interested in determining whether globalization is really a modern

phenomenon. HISTORY

Look into changing patterns of international trade and commerce as well as

the unequal distribution of wealth. ECONOMICS
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Focus more on the impact of the forces of globalization, such as the

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international non-governmental organizations and international

organizations, on the state and vice versa. POLITICS

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You should always remember that the term globalization has several contending
meanings because it varies across different disciplines. However, in the absence of a
generally accepted definition of globalization, it can be seen or understood as either a
process, a condition or an ideology.

Globalization is viewed as a multidimensional set of social

processes that generate and increase “worldwide social
Globalization as a interdependencies and exchanges while at the same time
process fostering in people a growing awareness of deepening
connections between the local and the distant”

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Does it mean that all countries around the globe are becoming the same?
Globalization is not simply homogenization; on the contrary, it enhances cultural
identity. First, People are not mere objects of cultural influences, but subjects who can
reject or integrate culture. Besides, with the development of science and technology,
people are closer than before. The sense of “togetherness” brought with globalization is
not at all in conflict with diversity. In the new era of globalization, people become much
more concerned about the uniqueness and particularity of their own culture.

Globalization promotes interdependencies.

Various countries have built economic partnerships to facilitate these movements
over many centuries through the growing interdependence of the world’s economies,
cultures, and populations, brought about by cross-border trade in goods and services,
technology, and flows of investment, people, and information.

Other important concepts related to Globalization

• Glocalization. This term is used to describe a product or service that is developed
and distributed globally but is also adjusted to accommodate the user or consumer
in a local market.
• Liberalization. This refers to the removal of barriers and restrictions imposed by
national governments to create an open and borderless world economy.
• Internationalization. This refers to activities by entities such as corporations,
states, international organizations, private organizations and even individuals with
reference to national boarders and national governments.
• Universalization. Denotes a process of spreading various objects, practices and
experiences to the different parts of the world. If Western modernity spreads and
destroys local cultures, this variant of universalization is called Westernization,
Americanization or Mcdonaldization.

Theoretical Paradigms associated with Globalization

The above-mentioned approaches are just some of the major theoretical
underpinnings that seek to provide a clear conceptualization of globalization. While it
cannot be denied that the formulation of these theories have resulted in seemingly
endless academic debates centered on the correct way of interpreting globalization, they
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have also helped us in correcting some of the wrong notions and misconceptions about
globalization. It is truly that the concept of globalization is very complicated because it
affects the life of every individual in the society.

e-Learning Materials

• Globalization explained!
• Access your Ubian LMS to download/view the slide presentation under LESSON.

Self-Assessment
1. When did globalization begin?
2. How new is globalization?
3. What are the driving forces or factors of globalization?
4. Can we consider Spanish Colonization in the Philippines as globalization?
Why or why not?
5. What could be the possible future of globalization?
6. How nation-states benefit from globalization?
7. As a student, how globalization benefit you? Cite some instances?

References
Appelbaum, R., & Robinson, W. (n.d.). Critical Globalization Studies. New York.(2015).
Coronacion, D. C., & Calilung, F. C. (2018). Converge: A College Textbook in
Contemporary World. Mandaluyong City: Books Atbp. Publishing Corp.
Steger, M. (2015). Ideologies of Globalization.

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