UNIT-6 GLOBALISATION

CH-1 THE CONCEPT OF GLOBALISATION

What is globalization?
Globalization is the process by which ideas, knowledge, information, goods and services
spread around the world. In business, the term is used in an economic context to describe
integrated economies marked by free trade, the free flow of capital among countries and easy
access to foreign resources, including labor markets, to maximize returns and benefit for the
common good.

Globalization, or globalisation as it is known in some parts of the world, is driven by the

convergence of cultural and economic systems. This convergence promotes -- and in some
cases necessitates -- increased interaction, integration and interdependence among nations

Globalisation as a concept fundamentally deals with flows. These flows could be

of various kinds — ideas moving from one part of the world to another, capital
shunted between two or more places, commodities being traded across borders,
and people moving in search of better livelihoods to different parts of the
world. The crucial element is the ‘worldwide interconnectedness’ that is created
and sustained as a consequence of these constant flows.

INDIA AND GLOBALISATION

Globalisation has occurred in earlier periods in history in different parts of the

world. Flows pertaining to the movement of capital, commodities, ideas and
people go back several centuries in Indian history.
During the colonial period, as a consequence of Britain’s imperial
ambitions, India became an exporter of primary goods and raw materials and a
consumer of finished goods. After independence, because of this experience with
the British, we decided to make things ourselves rather than relying on others.
We also decided not to allow others to export to us so that our own producers
could learn to make things. This ‘protectionism’ generated its own problems.
While some advances were made in certain arenas, critical sectors such as health,
housing and primary education did not receive the attention they deserved.
India had a fairly sluggish rate of economic growth.
In 1991, responding to a financial crisis and to the desire for higher rates
of economic growth, India embarked on a programme of economic reforms
that has sought increasingly to de-regulate various sectors including trade and
foreign investment. While it may be too early to say how good this has been for
India, the ultimate test is not high growth rates as making sure that the benefits
of growth are shared so that everyone is better off.

INDIA AND RESISTANCE TO GLOBALISATION

What has been India’s experience in resisting globalisation? Social movements
play a role in helping people make sense of the world around them and finding
ways to deal with matters that trouble them. Resistance to globalisation in
India has come from different quarters. There have been left wing protests to
economic liberalisation voiced through political parties as well as through
forums like the Indian Social Forum. Trade unions of industrial workforce as
well as those representing farmer interests have organised protests against the
entry of multinationals. The patenting of certain plants like Neem by
American and European firms has also generated considerable opposition.
Resistance to globalisation has also come from the political right. This has
taken the form of objecting particularly to various cultural influences —
ranging from the availability of foreign T.V. channels provided by cable
networks, celebration of Valentine’s Day, and westernisation of the dress tastes of
girl students in schools and colleges.

CH-2 GLOBALISATION AND TRAVEL AND TOURISM

The Impact of Globalization on Tourism

We can assess the impact of globalization on tourism from a number of perspectives. Here, we
will discuss five examples: global mobility and ease of travel; population and demographic
trends; terrorism, safety, and security; increased awareness of new destinations; and poverty.

Global Mobility and Ease of Travel

The advances made in transportation that have enabled global mobility are particularly
significant. Modern aircraft, cruise ships, trains, and other modes of transport allow people to
move quickly and relatively cheaply. Aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner have opened
new routes by creating an aircraft capable of flying “long haul” distances with a smaller
passenger load. Fast trains, road systems, and even city bike rental programs enable people to
move, tour, and explore the world. These changes have allowed more people to travel more
often in less time.Ease of travel has also helped to overcome the barriers of fear, frustration,
and expense.

The ease of travel has also facilitated the rapid global transfer of viruses. While spread owing
to global air travel has occurred in other outbreaks such as SARS in 2003, the COVID-19
pandemic of 2020 illustrates the new challenges faced by the air transportation system. The
willingness for quick action to contain future viruses means that airlines will need to be ready,
willing and able to terminate travel routes upon any notice of health concerns.

Population and Demographic Trends

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2019a), the world
population reached 7.7 billion in 2019 and is projected to exceed 9.7 billion by 2050. The
population continues to increase, but not uniformly across the world. The overall global
population rate of increase is slowing but birth and death rates are vastly different between
developed and developing nations (UNDESA, 2019b). For instance, among developed
countries, there is a growing percentage of people over 65 that will reach 25% by 2050
(UNDESA 2019a). With a smaller percentage engaged in the workforce, there will be
implications on social and health services. Globally, the people under the age of 24 will decline
in every region of the world. Among developing countries, half the global growth between
2019 and 2050 will come from Sub-Saharan Africa. For instance, Nigeria will double its
population to 4 million by 2050 (UNDESA 2019b). The two most populous countries, India and
China will also experience different trajectories; India will surpass China as the most populous
country in the world by 2027 (UNDESA 2019b).

Terrorism, Safety, and Security

Terrorist attacks and political unrest globally have certainly disrupted tourism, but not halted
it. The areas most affected, of course, are those where unrest has occurred and has been the
focus of extensive media attention.

The 2020 global pandemic for COVID-19 resulted in a massive and sudden transformation in
the relationship between safety and travel. Starting in early March, 2020, the Canadian
government moved toward closing the borders and curtailing outbound and inbound travel.
These efforts were to, at first, contain the spread of the virus internationally, evolving toward a
national quarantine to “flatten the curve” of number of people effected. Clearly, the pandemic
has changed how we travel, and how we define safety of travel in a global setting.

While safety and security may not be the driving reasons for tourists selecting a particular
destination, certainly a lack of safety and security often eliminates a location from travellers’
“wish lists.” Safety and security for travellers is becoming more important as countries move to
protect their citizens. Government agencies around the world produce advisories and
warnings for their citizens to stay away from dangerous locations and political unrest.

Other security requirements, such as showing passports and providing fingerprints, have been
implemented for entry into some countries. While all acts of terrorism cannot be stopped, the
tourism industry is attempting to provide as much safety and security as it can.

Increased Awareness of New Destinations

Another influence of globalization on tourism is a greater awareness of destinations and the

range of leisure activities, sites, and cultures to visit around the world. Generating knowledge
of a destination is obviously a key first step in marketing a destination, and this is achieved by
way of travel shows, films, social media, and other forms of communication.

POVERTY
Globalization has contributed to increased demand for goods and services and overall
economic growth, with the result of global poverty having decreased over the years. However,
at the same time, the gap between the richest and poorest has expanded. A significant portion
of the world’s population is simply unable to participate in, or benefit from, tourism. Simply
put, not everyone has the same opportunities to profit. Environmental costs are also unevenly
distributed in the world, with poor countries lacking the resources to adapt to impacts (such as
droughts, increased disease, soil erosion), and shouldering the majority of the repercussions of
phenomena such as global warming.

Impact of Tourism on Globalization

Tourism as a Force for Peace

Peace is an obvious requirement for tourism if the industry is to be robust and sustainable.
However, to date, there is little empirical evidence to support the claim that tourism fosters
peace, however attractive as the idea may be. However, there is a growing body of research on
the relationship between tourism, social justice, and human security, both negative and
positive. Careful planning and a focus on policies supporting community well-being and
sustainability are required.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are important for tourism
organizations to take into account. They help in guiding the evolution of tourism and travel
toward a more positive and hopeful form of tourism as well as enabling a more sustainable,
and peaceful, future.

Tourism as Cultural Homogenizer

Whereas some argue that globalization has a homogenizing effect on cultures, as Western
values are spread through music, fashion, film, and food, rendering one culture
indistinguishable from the next. But tourism cannot be viewed as the only means of
transmitting western values.

Some beliefs and values, such as embracing equality, inclusion, and diversity, or the need to
protect children from harm, should be shared around the world. In the context of tourism and
travel, these values are significant. For instance, companies need to ensure that their human
resource practices are consistent and fair throughout the world.

Tourism as Commodifier

Another possible influence of tourism on globalization is the process of cultural

commodification, which refers to the drive toward putting a monetary value on every aspect of
culture, from buying a sculpture stolen from an ancient temple, to buying endangered objects
such as ivory and coral, or buying a T-shirt that desecrates a symbol or object important to
another culture.

As one of the world’s largest industries, tourism impacts local, regional, and global economies.
While benefit comes to the community in the form of jobs, more often than not the larger share
of the wealth leaks offshore. Community-based tourism, responsible tourism, and social
entrepreneurship all aim to bring greater benefit to local communities.

CH-3 GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

What are Environmental Ethics?

Environmental ethics is a branch of ethical thought that focuses on the relationship
between humans and their natural environment. It is a holistic approach to understanding
and evaluating our moral obligations to protect and preserve the environment.
Environmental ethics seeks to bring together the interests of both humans and the
environment, recognizing that both are interdependent and have intrinsic value.
A variety of ethical theories, including consequentialism, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics,
define environmental ethics. These ethical theories provide a framework for understanding
the moral obligations we have to the environment and how we should act to protect it.
Environmental ethics also draws upon the fields of philosophy, economics, ecology, and
law, providing a comprehensive approach to understanding and evaluating the moral
implications of human actions.
 Types of Environmental Ethics
 Libertarian Extension: Libertarian extension is a type of environmental ethics that
focuses on an individual’s right to do whatever they want with the environment and its
resources. This concept also stresses that an individual should not impose their own values
on others and should instead respect the choices of others.
 Ecological Extension: Ecological Extension is a type of environmental ethics that focuses
on preserving the natural environment and its resources in order to maintain the balance
and health of the ecosystem. This concept stresses the importance of humans working with
nature in order to sustain it for future generations.
 Conservation Ethics: Conservation Ethics is a type of environmental ethics that focuses on
preserving natural resources for future generations by ensuring that current resources are
not depleted or damaged beyond repair. This concept encourages individuals to use natural
resources responsibly and judiciously so there will be enough for future generations.
In short, Libertarian extension promotes an individual’s right to use natural resources,
Ecological Extension encourages humans to work with nature, and Conservation Ethics
emphasizes sustainable use of natural resources. Each of these types of environmental
ethics has its own benefits and should be taken into account when considering how to best
protect the environment.

Importance of Environmental Ethics

 Environmental ethics is essential for protecting the environment, species, and resources.
 It promotes sustainable practices and encourages people to become more aware of the
impact their actions have on the environment.
 It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things and the need to respect them. It
encourages us to think about our place in the world and how we can contribute to
preserving the natural environment.
 Environmental ethics helps to build better relationships with nature, recognizing its
intrinsic value, not just its instrumental value.
 It encourages us to think beyond our immediate needs and consider the long-term
implications of our actions.
 It teaches us responsibility towards our environment, advocating for environmentally
friendly practices that help protect natural resources.
 Environmental ethics also promotes better public policies and laws, which help ensure that
our environment is properly cared for.

Examples of Environmental Ethics
One example of environmental ethics in action is using renewable energy sources.
Renewable energy sources are sources of energy that are naturally replenished and can be
used without depleting natural resources. Examples of renewable energy sources include
solar, wind, and hydropower. Renewable energy sources are seen as an ethical choice, as
they do not cause pollution or deplete finite resources.

Principles of Environmental Ethics

1. Respect for the intrinsic value of nature: Nature should not be treated as a commodity or
resource to be exploited and discarded.
2. Interdependence of species and ecosystems: Humans depend on nature and natural
systems. We must recognize our role in preserving and protecting the environment.
3. Ecological sustainability: We must strive to use resources responsibly and with an eye to
preserving ecosystems and biodiversity.
4. Human responsibility: We are responsible for our own actions and decisions and their
consequences for the environment.
5. Human equity: We must strive for a just world where the rights and needs of humans,
animals, and plants are respected and protected.
6. Precautionary principle: We should take precautions against environmental harm, even
when scientific evidence is inconclusive.
7. Right to know: Individuals have the right to access information about environmental
issues.
8. Right to participate: Citizens have the right to participate in environmental decision-
making processes.

Environmental Ethics and Religion?

Environmental ethics and religion are closely linked, as religious texts often encourage us
to respect the environment and our fellow human beings. Many religions, such as
Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, place value on the natural world and
recognize our responsibility to care for it. In particular, the three Abrahamic religions –
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – share a belief in stewardship of the Earth, with the book
of Genesis proclaiming, “And God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness,
so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and
all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” This suggests
that humans have a special relationship with nature and should care for and protect it.
In Hinduism, there is a concept known as Dharma which relates to the ethical and moral
obligations of each person to their environment. This includes the idea of ahimsa, or non-
violence, which suggests that all living things should be treated with compassion and
respect. Buddhism also encourages us to take an ethical approach to the natural world by
considering how our actions will impact the environment.
Ultimately, regardless of one’s beliefs, understanding and respecting the environment is
vital to living harmoniously on this planet. By incorporating religious teachings about
environmental ethics into our lives, we can help ensure that our relationship with nature is
optimistic.