GORDON COLLEGE
College of Education, Arts and Sciences
Course Title: The Contemporary World Professor: Dr. Eder E. Magsayo
Course Code: Date of Submission:
Schedule of Class: Student Number
Module 1: An Introduction to Student Name:
Globalization
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
1. Define Globalization
2. Analyze the key drivers in Globalization
3. Identify the dimensions of Globalization;
4. Explain the impacts of Globalization including debates and criticisms of it; and
5. Analyze the future of Globalization.
What is Globalization?
Globalization represents the global integration of international trade, investment,
information technology and cultures. Government policies designed to open economies
domestically and internationally to boost development in poorer countries and raise
standards of living for their people are what drive globalization. However, these policies
have created an international free market that has mainly benefited multinational
corporations in the Western world to the detriment of smaller businesses, cultures and
common people.
The Broader Meaning of Globalization
● Globalization is a term used to describe the changes in societies and the world
economy that are the result of dramatically increased trade and cultural exchange. In
specifically economic contexts, it refers almost exclusively to the effects of trade,
particularly trade liberalization or "free trade".
● It is a common belief that globalization plays a role just at international levels of
trade and commerce, but the fact is that it has played an important role in making our
lives much more comfortable too. The phones, apparels, gadgets or accessories that we
use in our day-to-day life are be available to us through globalization. Knowingly or
unknowingly, we are all under the impact of globalization, and more importantly it has
helped in bringing international peace and justice to mankind.
Key Drivers of Globalization
1. Technology:
o The internet, smartphones, and satellite communication have revolutionized
how people connect, allowing information and ideas to be shared
instantaneously across the globe.
o Advances in transportation, such as air travel and shipping, have made it
easier and cheaper to move goods and people across vast distances.
2. Economic Policies:
o The liberalization of trade policies and the reduction of tariffs and trade
barriers have facilitated international trade.
o The rise of multinational corporations, free trade agreements (e.g., NAFTA,
EU), and economic institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO) have
further propelled global economic integration.
3. Cultural Exchange:
o Cultural globalization refers to the worldwide exchange of ideas, meanings,
and values. The spread of media, entertainment, and social platforms allows
for a global audience to share in cultural products, leading to the
dissemination of trends and cultural practices across borders.
Dimensions of Globalization
1. Economic Globalization:
o Involves the global integration of markets, trade, and finance. It includes the
spread of capitalist economies, global supply chains, and international
financial markets.
o The rise of global cities (e.g., New York, London, Tokyo) as economic hubs and
centers of financial power.
2. Cultural Globalization:
o The global spread of ideas, media, and popular culture. This includes the
worldwide popularity of music, films, fashion, and cuisine.
o The tension between cultural homogenization (global culture) and cultural
heterogenization (local cultures).
3. Political Globalization:
o The growth of international organizations (e.g., United Nations, International
Monetary Fund) that govern global relations and issues like climate change,
human rights, and international law.
o The impact of globalization on national sovereignty and the rise of global
governance.
4. Environmental Globalization:
o The recognition that environmental issues, such as climate change,
deforestation, and pollution, are global problems requiring international
cooperation.
o The impact of globalization on the environment, including the spread of
industrial practices, consumption patterns, and the ecological footprint.
Impacts of Globalization
1. Positive Impacts:
o Economic Growth: Increased trade and investment can lead to economic
development, job creation, and poverty reduction.
o Cultural Exchange: Globalization fosters cultural understanding, diversity,
and innovation by exposing people to new ideas, practices, and perspectives.
o Technological Advancement: The global spread of technology has
accelerated innovation and access to information and education.
2. Negative Impacts:
o Economic Inequality: Globalization can exacerbate economic disparities
between and within countries, leading to a concentration of wealth and power.
o Cultural Erosion: The dominance of global cultures (e.g., Western culture)
may threaten local traditions, languages, and identities.
o Environmental Degradation: Globalization often prioritizes economic
growth over environmental sustainability, contributing to pollution, resource
depletion, and climate change
Debates and Criticisms
Globalization vs. Localization: The debate over whether globalization erodes local
cultures and economies or enhances them through diversity and development.
Globalization and Sovereignty: Concerns about how global governance and
multinational corporations affect national sovereignty and the ability of states to
make independent decisions.
Fairness and Equity: Questions about who benefits from globalization and whether
its benefits are distributed fairly across the globe.
The Future of Globalization
Trends: The rise of digital globalization, shifts in global power dynamics, and the
impact of global challenges like climate change and pandemics.
Challenges: Navigating the complexities of global interdependence while
addressing issues like inequality, environmental sustainability, and cultural
preservation.
Opportunities: Leveraging globalization for sustainable development, global
cooperation, and innovation in tackling shared challenges.
Learning Tasks:
1. How has globalization impacted your daily life? Identify 3 examples of globalization
in your own life/self.
