Theories Globalization

Modernization Theory
 Modernization Theory: This theory posits that developing
countries can achieve economic growth and development
by adopting the same political, economic, and social
structures that developed countries have. This theory
emphasizes the importance of technology, education, and
individual initiative as the key factors to development.
 Modernization Theory - Elements
 Economic development: Modernization theory argues that as
developing countries adopt the economic practices of
developed countries, such as industrialization, they will
become more economically developed and will catch up to
developed countries in terms of their economic growth.
 Technology: The theory suggests that as developing countries
adopt new technologies, such as computers and
telecommunications, they will be able to compete more
effectively in the global economy.
 Modernization Theory - Elements
 Western-style institutions: It argues that the adoption of Western-style
institutions, like democracy and capitalism, is essential for economic
development. It suggests that these institutions provide the framework
for economic growth and development, and that developing countries
need to adopt them to catch up to developed countries.
 Cultural change: It suggests that economic and social modernization
requires cultural change. It argues that as developing countries adopt
Western-style institutions and technologies, they will also adopt Western
cultural values and norms, like individualism and rationality.
 Modernization Theory - Elements
 Global interdependence: Modernization theory emphasizes
the importance of global interdependence in driving
globalization. The theory suggests that as countries
become more economically interdependent, they will
become more closely integrated into the global economy.
 Cultural Imperialism Theory
 Cultural Imperialism Theory: This theory focuses on the
cultural aspects of globalization and argues that the
spread of Western culture and values is a form of
imperialism. It asserts that Western media, advertising,
and popular culture have a homogenizing effect on non-
Western cultures, eroding their traditional values and
identities.
Cultural Imperialism Theory - Elements
 Dominant cultures: Cultural imperialism theory suggests that there are
dominant cultures, often associated with developed countries, that are
spread through the media, advertising, and popular culture.
 Weaker cultures: Theory suggests that there are weaker cultures,
often associated with developing countries, that are threatened by the
spread of dominant cultures.
 Cultural homogenization: Cultural imperialism theory argues that
globalization leads to the loss of cultural diversity and the erosion of
traditional values, as weaker cultures are assimilated into the
dominant culture.
Cultural Imperialism Theory - Elements
 Media and popular culture: The theory emphasizes the role of the media
and popular culture in spreading dominant cultural values and norms.
 Cultural resistance: It also recognizes the possibility of cultural
resistance, where weaker cultures resist the spread of dominant cultural
influences and strive to maintain their own cultural identities.
 Power relations: The theory recognizes that cultural imperialism is
closely linked to power relations, where dominant cultures use their
economic and political power to impose their values and norms on
weaker cultures.
 World System Theory
 This theory argues that globalization is driven by the
capitalist world economy, which is divided into core, semi-
peripheral, and peripheral regions. It suggests that the
global economic system is characterized by unequal
power relationships and exploitation.
 World System Theory - Elements
 Core-periphery structure: The theory suggests that the global
economic system is characterized by a core-periphery
structure, with developed countries (the core) dominating
economic and political power, while developing countries (the
periphery) are relegated to a subordinate position.
 Unequal exchange: World system theory argues that the
global economic system is shaped by the accumulation of
wealth by the core countries at the expense of the periphery,
through a process of unequal exchange and exploitation.
 World System Theory - Elements
 Economic domination: The theory emphasizes the role of
economic power in shaping global economic and cultural relations,
and suggests that developed countries use their economic power
to maintain their dominant position in the global economic system.
 Cultural domination: World system theory also highlights the role
of cultural power in shaping global economic and cultural relations.
Developed countries spread their cultural values and norms
through the media, popular culture, and education, reinforcing
their dominant position in the global economic system.
 World System Theory - Elements
 Power imbalances: The theory recognizes the significant
power imbalances in the globalized world, and emphasizes
the need for greater equity and justice in the global
economic system.
 Resistance: World system theory also recognizes the
potential for resistance by developing countries to the
power imbalances and economic domination perpetuated
by globalization.
 Dependency Theory
 This theory suggests that globalization has led to a
division of the world into a core (developed countries) and
a periphery (developing countries) where the periphery is
dependent on the core for economic growth and
development.
 Dependency Theory - Elements
 Core-periphery structure: The theory suggests that the global
economic system is characterized by a core-periphery
structure, with developed countries (the core) controlling
economic and political power, while developing countries (the
periphery) are relegated to a subordinate position.
 Unequal exchange: Dependency theory argues that the global
economic system is shaped by the accumulation of wealth by
the center at the expense of the periphery, through a process
of unequal exchange and exploitation.
 Dependency Theory - Elements
 Economic domination: The theory emphasizes the role of
economic power in shaping global economic and cultural relations,
and suggests that developed countries use their economic power
to control and exploit the economies of developing countries.
 Cultural domination: Dependency theory also highlights the role of
cultural power in shaping global economic and cultural relations.
Developed countries spread their cultural values and norms
through the media, popular culture, and education, reinforcing
their dominant position in the global economic system.
 Dependency Theory - Elements
 Dependency: It suggests that developing countries are locked into a
cycle of dependency, in which they are unable to break free from
their economic dependence on developed countries.
 Underdevelopment: It argues that developing countries are
perpetually underdeveloped, and underdevelopment is perpetuated
by the economic and cultural domination of developed countries.
 Resistance: It recognizes the potential for resistance to power
imbalances and economic domination perpetuated by globalization,
and suggests that resistance is necessary to break dependency cycle
and promote economic justice.
 Hyperglobalization Theory
 Hyperglobalization Theory: This theory asserts that
globalization has created a single, integrated global
market, leading to a homogenization of culture and the
erosion of national sovereignty.
 Hyperglobalization Theory - Elements
 Economic integration: Hyperglobalization theorists argue that
economic integration is the primary driver of globalization. They
suggest that the world is moving towards a single, integrated global
market, where goods, services, and capital can flow freely across
borders, leading to increased economic growth and development.
 Homogenization of culture: Another element of the Hyperglobalization
Theory is the suggestion that globalization is leading to the
homogenization of culture, with Western cultural values and norms
dominating the world. This process is seen as a threat to local
cultures and identities.
 Hyperglobalization Theory - Elements
 Erosion of national sovereignty: Theorists argue that globalization is
eroding the power of nation-states, as international institutions and
corporations become more powerful. This erosion of national
sovereignty is seen as a threat to democracy and the ability of nations
to control their own destiny.
 Tech advancement: It suggests that tech advancements in
communication and transportation are enabling globalization to occur
at an unprecedented pace. This is seen as both positive and negative
development, with the potential to increase economic growth and
improve quality of life, but also to lead to job displacement and social
disruption.
 Hyperglobalization Theory - Elements
 Capital mobility: Hyperglobalization theorists emphasize
the role of capital mobility in driving globalization. They
suggest that corporations are able to move their
operations and investments across borders with ease,
leading to a global competition for investment and
resources.
 Transformationalist Theory
 Transformationalist Theory: This theory argues that
globalization is not a fixed process but is constantly
changing and evolving. It suggests that globalization can
lead to both positive and negative outcomes, depending
on the actions of different actors.
 Transformationalist Theory - Elements
 Multiple causes of globalization: Theorists suggest that globalization is
not the result of a single cause, but rather a combination of economic,
political, technological, and cultural factors. These factors interact with
each other in complex ways, leading to different outcomes in different
parts of the world.
 Diverse effects of globalization: Theory emphasizes that globalization
can have both positive and negative effects on different aspects of
society, depending on the actions of different actors. It acknowledges
that globalization can lead to economic growth and cultural exchange,
but it can also lead to inequality, social conflict, and environmental
degradation.
 Transformationalist Theory - Elements
 Importance of agency: Theorists emphasize the role of agency
in shaping the outcomes of globalization. They suggest that
individuals, organizations, and governments all have the power
to influence the direction and impact of globalization.
 Fluidity and unpredictability: Theory suggests that globalization
is a fluid and unpredictable process that is constantly evolving.
Globalization is not a fixed process, and the outcomes of
globalization are not predetermined. Instead, they are shaped
by the actions of different actors in different contexts.
Transformationalist Theory - Elements
 Globalization as a transformative process: The
Transformationalist Theory suggests that globalization is a
transformative process that is reshaping the world in
profound ways. It is leading to the emergence of new
social and cultural forms, new political structures, and
new economic systems.
 Convergence Theory
 Convergence Theory: This theory asserts that
globalization is leading to the convergence of economic,
political, and cultural systems across the world, resulting
in a global commonality of values and practices.
 Convergence Theory - Elements
 Convergence of economic systems: Theory suggests that globalization
is leading to a convergence of economic systems across the world.
This is seen as a result of the growth of international trade and
investment, which has led to the adoption of similar economic policies
and practices across different countries.
 Convergence of political systems: The Convergence Theory suggests
that globalization is also leading to a convergence of political systems
across the world. This is seen as a result of the spread of democratic
values and institutions, which have become more common in different
parts of the world.
 Convergence Theory - Elements
 Convergence of cultural systems: The Convergence Theory
suggests that globalization is leading to a convergence of cultural
systems across the world. This is seen as a result of the spread of
global media and communication technologies, which have enabled
people to share cultural practices and ideas across borders.
 Emergence of a global culture: The Convergence Theory suggests
that globalization is leading to the emergence of a global culture,
characterized by a shared set of values and practices that are
common across different parts of the world.
 Convergence Theory - Elements
 Positive outcomes of convergence: The Convergence
Theory suggests that the convergence of economic,
political, and cultural systems can lead to positive
outcomes, such as increased economic growth, greater
political stability, and greater cultural understanding.