Social Science and Philosophy
John Ercel Lozada
Professor
Globalization
7. The growing interconnectedness of
Globalization financial markets, such as the
increased use of foreign currency and
Globalization refers to countries' international stock markets.
increasing interconnectedness and 8. The spread of a global consumer
interdependence through exchanging culture, with similar products and
goods, ideas, and cultures. This can brands available in many countries.
be driven by advances in technology 9. The growing influence of international
and communication, as well as trade law and human rights on national
and investment. policies.
The spread of ideas, cultures, and 10. The increasing impact of climate
information, as well as increased change and environmental
economic interdependence and the degradation on a global scale.
growth of international trade and
investment.
The erosion of traditional ways of life Different Philosophical Perspectives on
and increased competition, cultural Globalization
homogenization, widening wealth gap,
increased pressure on natural 1. Neoliberalism: This philosophy
resources, and negative impacts on emphasizes the importance of free
the environment and labor standards. trade, deregulation, and privatization
The growing influence of international as a means to promote economic
organizations, such as the United growth and development.
Nations and the World Trade Neoliberalism views globalization as a
Organization, on global political and positive force that can bring economic
economic affairs. benefits to all countries through
increased trade and investment.
Examples of Globalization 2. Marxism: This philosophy views
1. The growth of international trade in globalization as a tool used by
goods and services. capitalist countries and multinational
2. The rise of multinational corporations corporations to exploit workers and
and the globalization of supply chains. natural resources in developing
3. The increased movement of people countries.
across borders for work, study, and 3. Cosmopolitanism: This philosophy
tourism. views globalization as an opportunity
4. The spread of popular culture, such as to create a more interconnected and
music, movies, and fast food. harmonious global community based
5. The growing importance of on shared values and mutual
international organizations, such as understanding.
the United Nations and the World 4. Nationalism: This philosophy views
Trade Organization. globalization as a threat to national
6. The increasing use of the internet and sovereignty and cultural identity and
social media for communication and calls for countries to prioritize their
information sharing. interests over those of the global
community.
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Lesson 1 – Introduction to Contemporary World and Globalization
Social Science and Philosophy
John Ercel Lozada
Professor
7. Military globalization: This refers to
5. Green Globalization: This philosophy the growing interconnectedness and
views globalization as an opportunity interdependence of countries in the
to promote sustainable development field of defense and security.
and protect the environment through 8. Educational globalization: This
carbon reduction and biodiversity refers to the increasing
conservation policies. internationalization of education,
6. Postcolonialism: This perspective on including the growth of international
globalization critiques how it has been students, the spread of international
used to perpetuate the historical power curricula, and the emergence of cross-
imbalances between the global North border education programs.
and South.
Characteristics of Globalization
Types of Globalization
1. Interconnectedness: Globalization is
1. Economic globalization: This refers characterized by the increasing
to the increasing integration of national interconnectedness and
economies through trade, investment, interdependence of countries,
and the movement of capital. economies, societies, and cultures on
2. Cultural globalization: This refers to a global scale.
the spread of ideas, values, and 2. Mobility: Globalization is
customs across borders, as well as the characterized by the increasing
growth of a global consumer culture. movement of goods, services, people,
3. Political globalization: This refers to information, and capital across
the growing influence of international borders.
organizations and global governance 3. Diversity: Globalization is
on national politics and policy-making. characterized by the variety of
4. Technological globalization: This perspectives, cultures, and
refers to the spread of technology and experiences it brings together.
innovation across borders, as well as 4. Complexity: Globalization is a
the increasing use of technology for complex process that involves multiple
communication and information actors, such as governments,
sharing. businesses, civil society organizations,
5. Environmental globalization: This and individuals, and is shaped by a
refers to the growing impact of variety of factors, such as technology,
environmental issues and concerns on culture, and politics.
a global scale, as well as the 5. Ambiguity: Globalization is
increased cooperation and characterized by its ambiguity and the
coordination needed to address them. fact that it can positively and
6. Social globalization: This refers to negatively affect different aspects of
the increasing movement of people life and different groups of people.
across borders for work, study, and 6. Change: Globalization is a dynamic
tourism, as well as the growth of process constantly changing, and its
transnational communities and effects are continually evolving.
networks.
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Lesson 1 – Introduction to Contemporary World and Globalization
Social Science and Philosophy
John Ercel Lozada
Professor
7. Multidimensional: Globalization is a
In short, industrialization is a process of
multidimensional process seen in
economic development that occurs within a
different aspects of life, such as
country and leads to an increase in
economic, cultural, social, and political.
manufacturing and production. At the same
8. Transnational: Globalization is
time, globalization is a process of
characterized by the emergence of
increasing interconnectedness and
transnational networks and
interdependence between nations on a
communities and the growing
global scale, leading to increased trade and
importance of global actors.
cultural exchange.
9. Contingent: Globalization is a
contingent process shaped by different
actors' political and economic choices
and the social and cultural context in Anti-globalization
which it unfolds. Anti-globalization refers to a movement or
10. Multiscalar: Globalization can be ideology that is critical of the adverse effects
seen as operating on different scales, of globalization and calls for a more localized
from the local to the global, and the and sustainable approach to economic and
effects can vary at different levels. social development. The movement emerged
in the late 1990s and early 2000s in
opposition to the policies of free trade and
Industrialization and Globalization financial liberalization promoted by
international organizations such as the World
Industrialization and globalization are two
Trade Organization (WTO) and the
different but related processes.
International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Industrialization refers to the development
Anti-globalization activists argue that
of advanced manufacturing and production
globalization can lead to several negative
techniques, as well as the growth of industrial
effects, including:
societies characterized by large-scale
production and the use of machinery. It 1. Widening income inequality and
typically leads to urbanization and an poverty, particularly in developing
increase in the standard of living for a countries
country. 2. Environmental degradation and loss of
biodiversity
On the other hand, globalization refers to
3. The exploitation of workers and
countries' increasing interconnectedness and
erosion of labor standards
interdependence through exchanging goods,
4. Loss of cultural identity and traditional
ideas, and cultures. Technological advances,
ways of life
transportation, communication, economic
5. Greater dependence on the global
policies, and trade agreements drive it. It can
economy and vulnerability to global
lead to the spread of ideas, cultures, and
economic downturns.
information, as well as increased economic
interdependence and the growth of
international trade and investment.
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Lesson 1 – Introduction to Contemporary World and Globalization
Social Science and Philosophy
John Ercel Lozada
Professor
The alter-globalization movement also
emphasizes the importance of alternative
Anti-globalization activists advocate for forms of globalization, such as fair trade,
alternative economic and social development community-based development, and the
approaches that prioritize localization, localization of economic and social
sustainability, and social and development. This approach aims to create
environmental justice. This includes fair a more inclusive and equitable form of
trade, community-based development, and globalization that benefits all people and
alternative forms of globalization such as respects workers' rights, communities, and
deglobalization and relocalization. the environment.
Some have criticized the anti-globalization Alter-globalization is often seen as a more
movement as being protectionist and pragmatic and realistic approach than the
hindering the economic growth of anti-globalization movement, as it recognizes
developing countries. Additionally, the move the potential benefits of globalization while
has been criticized for not providing a clear addressing its adverse effects and providing
alternative to the existing financial system apparent alternatives that can be
and for not recognizing the potential benefits implemented.
of globalization.
History of Globalization
Alter-globalization
The history of globalization can be traced
Alter-globalization is a term often used to back to ancient times, with the growth of
describe a more progressive and critical trade and cultural exchange between different
perspective on globalization, unlike the anti- civilizations. However, globalization, as we
globalization movement. Alter-globalization know it today, began to accelerate in the 19th
emphasizes the need to address the century with the advent of new technologies,
adverse effects of globalization while also such as the steam engine and telegraph,
acknowledging the potential benefits of significantly improving transportation and
increased interconnectedness and communication.
interdependence on a global scale.
The first wave of globalization
Alter-globalization activists argue that (1870-1914): During this period, there
globalization can be a positive force for was a significant increase in
economic and social development, but only if international trade and investment,
principles of equity, sustainability, and driven by advances in transportation
social and environmental justice guide it. and communication, as well as the
They advocate for the reform of existing expansion of European colonialism.
international institutions and policies, such as The growth of international trade was
the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the facilitated by reducing tariffs and other
International Monetary Fund (IMF), to make trade barriers, as well as the gold
them more democratic and responsive to the standard, which helped stabilize
needs of developing countries and currencies and promote international
marginalized communities. trade.
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Lesson 1 – Introduction to Contemporary World and Globalization
Social Science and Philosophy
John Ercel Lozada
Professor
The interwar period (1914-1945): The lead to increased access to markets,
outbreak of World War I and the resources, and technologies, as well
subsequent Great Depression led to a as increased productivity and
decline in international trade and efficiency.
investment, as well as the rise of Poverty Reduction: Globalization can
protectionist trade policies and reduce poverty by creating jobs and
economic nationalism. increasing economic opportunities for
The post-World War II period (1945- people in developing countries.
1970): After World War II, globalization Through trade, countries can access
began to pick up again, driven by the new markets and resources, which can
reconstruction of Europe and the help promote economic development.
economic boom of the 1950s and Cultural Exchange: Globalization can
1960s. The Bretton Woods conference promote cultural exchange and
established a fixed exchange rate understanding by bringing people from
system, which helped promote different countries and cultures into
international trade and investment. contact with one another. This can
The neoliberal era (1970-2008): The lead to the spread of ideas, customs,
early 1970s marked a turning point in and values and help to break down
the history of globalization, as the cultural barriers.
Bretton Woods system broke down Political Cooperation: Globalization
and was replaced by a system of facilitates political cooperation and the
floating exchange rates. This was resolution of global issues by
accompanied by a shift towards more encouraging countries' participation in
neoliberal economic policies, international organizations and
characterized by deregulation, agreements.
privatization, and trade and investment Technological
liberalization. Advancements: Globalization
Post-2008 period: The global financial accelerates technological
crisis of 2008 marked a significant advancements and innovation by
setback for globalization, as trade and creating opportunities for countries to
investment flow declined, and many share ideas, technologies, and
countries adopted protectionist trade resources.
policies. However, globalization has Consumer Choice: Globalization
continued to progress, driven by gives consumers more choice and
technological advances and the access to goods and services from
increasing interconnectedness. around the world, which can lead to
increased competition and lower
prices.
Positive Side of Globalization Improved standard
Economic Growth: Globalization can
promote economic growth and
development by increasing trade and
investment among countries. This can
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Lesson 1 – Introduction to Contemporary World and Globalization
Social Science and Philosophy
John Ercel Lozada
Professor
Political and economic power
Negative Side of Globalization
imbalance: Globalization can
Widening income inequality and reinforce the power imbalance
poverty: Globalization can lead to between developed and developing
increased income inequality, countries, as developed countries
particularly in developing countries, as have more resources and greater
the benefits of economic growth may access to global markets.
not be distributed evenly.
Environmental
degradation: Globalization can lead to
increased pollution and resource
consumption due to increased trade
and transportation.
The exploitation of
workers: Globalization can lead to the
erosion of labor standards and the
exploitation of workers in developing
countries as companies seek to
reduce labor costs.
Loss of cultural
identity: Globalization can lead to the
erosion of traditional cultures and loss
of cultural identity due to increased
Western influence.
Dependence on the global
economy: Globalization can make
countries more dependent on the
worldwide economy and vulnerable to
global economic downturns.
Loss of jobs: Globalization can lead
to job losses in developed countries as
companies outsource jobs to
developing countries where labor is
cheaper.
Political instability: Globalization can
lead to political unrest as countries
become more interdependent and
vulnerable to the economic policies of
other countries.
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Lesson 1 – Introduction to Contemporary World and Globalization
