Forces that shaped history: technology and globalization

Forces that shaped history: technology and globalization

            The coming of the digital age can be best described as an era wherein everything seems to occur in an instant. The creation of sophisticated tools and the establishment of highly modernized information platforms have readily reconstructed and redefined the lives of many. Technology has altered the way in which individuals connect and interact. Whether one accepts it or not, nowadays, mankind is governed by high-end machines and devices. However, the effects of technological revolution are not merely felt on the individual level. The changes brought about by technology are instrumental in remodeling the political, social, economic and even cultural foundations of various communities. Globalization, for one, would never materialize if not for technology’s availability. The rise of reliable information and communication gadgets enabled different cities, states and nations to establish strong relationships and build the so-called “global village (Phillips 108),” wherein the limitations of space and time no longer matter. Indeed, the marriage of technology and globalization resulted to a massive force that swept the world.

            According to Giddens and Griffiths, the issue of globalization usually tackles economic-related aspects (50). Globalization often pertains to the unprecedented proliferation of transnational corporations or TNCs to different parts of the world, thus extending their respective scope and reach (Giddens & Griffiths 50). Therefore, with technology at hand, the spread of TNCs occurs in a much faster pace. Due to technology, processing business transactions becomes easier. Business establishments and organizations can manage their respective companies even without leaving the confines of their offices. A single click is enough to transact business and deliver services to other regions. Critically speaking, the existence of the outsource (Rasinghani 260) business model is a concrete manifestation of how globalization and technology operate. In many Asian countries such as India and Philippines, BPO companies are rampant (Moore & Seymour 74). In this manner, corporations are able to reduce their labor costs and host countries, on the other hand, experience a (boost) in their employment.

            In the meantime, in as much as technology impacts the economic domain, it cannot be denied that this also affects the political arena of different states. Moulaert explained that the perceived benefits of globalization are instrumental in modifying economic policies and legislations (24). Moulaert seems to imply that globalization brought forth a new hope for many neo-liberalist believers that strongly adhere to the creation of a free, dynamic and competitive market (24). Thus, in this case, the possession of dependable technologies is readily equated to global competitiveness (Goldman 14). As the nation acquires advanced technological infrastructures, they gain more strength in terms of ensuring their positions within the global economic ladder. Therefore, in order to sustain such growth, it is imperative to formulate laws and policies that would encourage such development. The “eEurope” project for one, overtly presents how Europe responds to globalization and rapid technological change (Columbus 10). “eEurope” generally aims to capitalize on the perceived benefits of “knowledge economy (Columbus 10). Programs that are focused on research and development are launched (Columbus 10). Likewise, building strong communication and information networks is also supported by eEurope (Columbus 10).

            Likewise, technology also produces effects within the social and cultural realms. Since globalization connotes connectivity and “interdependence (Giddens & Griffiths 50),” the sharing of both social and cultural values becomes inevitable. However, this situation has been often regarded as a sign of cultural imperialism (Schech & Haggis 202). This is most especially true as for the case of developing regions such as Africa (Sachs 284) and Latin America (Sinclair 23). The problem with technology is that it becomes a transmitter of western thoughts and perspectives that may affect one’s perception of culture and identity. The proliferation of western ideas and opinion; as well as the constant exposure to these subjects may ultimately deprive individuals from exploring their historical roots as viewers associate or identify themselves to western thoughts and ideals. Needless to say, this aspect posits a great challenge to many communities that readily aspire to preserve their culture and heritage.

Works Cited

Columbus, Frank. European Economic and Political Issues. New York: Nova Publishers Inc,     2002

Giddens, Anthony and Simon Griffiths. Sociology. Cambridge: Polity Press, 2006

Goldman, Steven. Science, Technology and Social Progress. New Jersey: Associated      University Press, 1989

Moore, Simon  and Mike Seymour. Global Technology and Corporate Crisis. Oxon:       Routledge, 2005

Moulaert, Frank. Globalization and Integrated Area Development in European Cities.    Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000

Phillips, Donald. Germany and the Transnational Building Blocks for Post-National       Community. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Inc., 2000

Rasinghani, Mahesh. Global Information Technology Management in the Digital Economy.       Pennsylvania: IGI Global, 2008

Sachs, Wolfgang. The Development Dictionary. New York: Zed Books, Ltd., 1992

Schech, Susanne and Jane Haggis. Culture and Development. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers      Ltd., 2000

Sinclair, John. Latin American Television. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999