The Pros and Cons of Globalisation

‘Write a critical discussion of the pros and cons of globalisation using a variety of examples from the unit and extra curricular reading. ’ Globalisation is a modern term used to describe various levels of social, economical, political, technological, cultural and ecological change, which have increased the levels of interdependence, integration and connectivity of the world. This assignment will focus on the elaboration of multiple aspects of globalisation, in order to produce an academic discussion.

It is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of globalisation to acquire a more definitive view on how this progressive state of global transformation affects societies across the world. The phenomenon of globalisation is one which has posed many areas of debate over recent decades. Whilst some believe that the effects of globalisation are positive, others believe that they are harmful. Ideologically, a process where the entire world is unified and able to operate as a single society seems utterly positive.

Whilst many individuals claim that globalisation assists in international integration of culture and productivity, as well as economically improving developing countries, there are some disadvantages which cannot be overlooked. From an anti-globalisation perspective, some of the most fundamental economical disadvantages are linked to the changes which occurred after the industrial revolution. Specifically in an economical context, globalisation is refered almost exclusively to the changing effects of global trade; particularly trade liberalisation.

According to the IMF, globalisation is defined as “the growing economic interdependence of countries worldwide through increasing volume and variety of cross-border transactions in goods and services, freer international capital flows, and more rapid and widespread diffusion of technology” (IMF, World Economic Outlook 1997). Although many individuals believe that globalisation has provided a dramatic increase of productivity and life standards of societies, it could be argued that these positive effects have not expanded across the entire globe. As a result of the increased level of productivity, the global population has ndergone a rapid rise in recent years. This, in turn, leads to an increased need of consumer product. Additionally, with the expansion of technology, the increasing number of machinery and systems which have been invented in developed countries are assisting in supporting a higher standard of living – across the globe. However, there are also a considerably high number of adverse sociological affects. Not only does globalisation increase the level of individual requirement, which is certainly problematic for those facing financial difficulties, but it also contributes to the increase of poverty.

After the industrial revolution, the expansion of industry gravitated some of the more affluent countries. Countries with a progressively developing industrial setting became especially powerful. However, coupled with the various on-going technological changes which globalisation was causing, many industrial workers all over the world were subject to unemployment. Manpower became less efficient as machinery began to excel in the expansion of consumer product production. From a pro-globalisation perspective, globalisation is a highly beneficial spread of democracy and capitalism.

Individuals whom consider the effects of globalisation to be mainly positive capitalise on the idea of globalisation leading to a higher economical prosperity and increase of worldwide opportunity. From the standpoint of those who believe globalisation is a positive state of change, it is clear that the idea of a “global-village” seems more attainable. When compared to past decades, there is a far stronger sense of connectivity between nations. The positive aspects of globalisation run alongside the idea of national interdependence and improved forms of global communication.

As technology advanced through the decades, it began to improve the simplicity of worldwide communication. Due to the increased usage of the internet and global media organisations, cross-nation communication is effortless. However, from an anti-globalisation perspective, it could be argued that the effects of globalisation lead directly to a decline of cultural diversity. For example, many individuals believe that Western ideals are falsely established by the media as being universal, overriding local traditions.

This idea of cultural-declination is commonly referred to as “cultural imperialism”. It is also increasingly possible that various cultures are somewhat fading away. The cultures of countries that possess more economic power are more dominant than others. This is predominantly due to the wealthier countries being able to produce more consumer products which can affect other cultures. According to Ikerd, although the global community is increasing, more individuals have become ignorant in regards to social, ethtical and moral values which are various in defining groups (2002).

This idea certainly suggests that globalisation has the capability of damaging small cultures which are at risk of becoming extinct. There are also positive reasons why globalisation could foster diversity. For example, higher levels of social interaction on, on a global basis, will result in varying cultures integrating in particular places and practise. Additionally, cultural flows occur differently in different spheres, thus suggesting that cultures may originate in different places across the world.

These positive aspects of globalisation are progressively occurring, due to the technological advancements and increase in global travel and tourism. Another significant effect of globalisation is the increased difficulty of competition. The key economical initiative with globalisation is to develop the level of trade flow between countries. With this issue of global enterprises being in constant competition with both national and international competitors, the businesses are required to be in a more rigorous and competitive atmosphere in order to maintain continuity and development.

However, undeveloped countries choose to use foreign capital to improve their progress, which disposes a considerable level of equality, as well as economic stability. Ultimately, globalisation strives to positively influence cross-cultural contacts to grow, enabling cultural diffusion to take place. It aims to strengthen and progress the world into a state of global civilisation by simplifying contact between different parts of the world, allowing an increasing possibility of personal social exchange and mutual understanding.

Globalisation has a vivid influence on the economic state of the world, by referring to the flow of people, free trade, capital and technology across borders. Despite these positive attributes of globalisation, there still remains a significant amount of problematic issues which have arisen due to the effects which it has had on the world. The negative aspects of globalisation have a highly substantial impact on societies worldwide, including unemployment, social degeneration and difficulty in competition.

However, globalisation is a progressive state of transformation which continues to alter the standard of living, on a global basis. References: Ritzer, G & Zeynep, A (2010). Readings in Globalization : Key Concepts and Major Debates. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell. Sparks, C (2007). Globalization, Development and the Mass Media . London: SAGE. IMF. (1997). World Economic Outlook. Available: http://www. imf. org/external/pubs/ft/weo/weo1097/weocon97. HTM. Last accessed 20th January 2012.