Globalization - TCW (GE103)

Summary

This lecture delves into the multifaceted nature of globalization, highlighting its economic, social, and cultural impacts. The speaker discusses how globalization occurs at various levels, affects people differently, and brings both benefits and challenges. Examples like vaccine distribution, K-pop, and financial markets are used to illustrate its reach and complexities. The lecture also introduces Arjun Appadurai's concept of 'scapes,' which categorize different types of globalization, including ethnoscape, technoscape, and mediascape. By the end, the audience is encouraged to understand globalization as a dynamic and interdisciplinary phenomenon shaping the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Globalization is a complex phenomenon that operates on multiple levels, affecting both developed and developing countries differently.
• 😀 The uneven process of globalization means it impacts people differently, such as the contrast between the tech-savviness of a teenager and the adaptation challenges of an elderly person.
• 😀 Globalization plays a major role in economic integration, creating global markets and facilitating trade across borders, as seen in platforms like Lazada and Shopee.
• 😀 Anti-globalization movements have emerged in response to the inequalities created by global trade agreements, such as the Zapatista uprising and protests against the WTO.
• 😀 Globalization is not just an economic process, but a multidisciplinary concept that touches upon politics, religion, media, education, and communication.
• 😀 Manfred Steger defines globalization as the expansion and intensification of social relations and consciousness across time and space, making connections more tightly knit and global.
• 😀 Examples of expansion and intensification of globalization include mobile banking as an intensification of traditional banking and ABS-CBN expanding its reach via online platforms.
• 😀 Time and space are perceived differently due to globalization, which brings the world closer through technology like video conferencing and affordable travel options.
• 😀 Globalism, which promotes the integration of global markets for spreading democracy and freedom, is distinct from globalization, which focuses on the interconnectedness of societies.
• 😀 Arjun Appadurai identifies five 'scapes' of globalization: ethnoscape (movement of people), technoscape (circulation of goods and technology), mediascape (flow of culture), financescape (circulation of money), and ideoscape (movement of political ideas).

Q & A

What is globalization, and why is it important to study?

Globalization refers to the process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries through the exchange of goods, services, information, and culture. It is important to study because it shapes economies, societies, and political landscapes across the world, affecting individuals, businesses, and governments alike.

How does globalization occur on multiple levels?

Globalization occurs on multiple levels by affecting countries differently based on their development. For example, countries with greater resources and capacities, like the U.S., are able to roll out vaccinations faster than developing countries, like the Philippines, due to disparities in production and distribution capabilities.

What does it mean for globalization to be an uneven process?

Globalization is uneven because it impacts different people in varying ways. For example, younger people may adapt more easily to new technologies compared to older generations, and certain cultural phenomena, like K-pop, may be more familiar to fans who have never been to Korea than to those who have.

What is the economic perspective on globalization?

From an economic perspective, globalization involves the integration of global markets and free trade. It has been ongoing for centuries, from the Silk Road to the present day with platforms like Lazada and Shopee. However, it also faces resistance from anti-globalization movements, such as protests against trade agreements or privatization policies.

What are some examples of anti-globalization movements?

Examples of anti-globalization movements include the Zapatista uprising in Mexico, the French rail workers' protests, and the Battle of Seattle in 1999, which disrupted the World Trade Organization conference. These movements highlight resistance to the negative economic or social effects of globalization.

How is globalization viewed from a multidisciplinary approach?

Globalization is a multidisciplinary concept that spans beyond economics. It can be analyzed through politics, religion, media, education, and communication. This interdisciplinary approach is particularly important in understanding its multifaceted impacts on global societies.

How does Manfred Steger define globalization?

Manfred Steger defines globalization as the expansion and intensification of social relations and consciousness across real time and world space. Expansion refers to the creation of new social networks and the multiplication of existing ones, while intensification means making these networks more closely knit and expanding their reach.

Can you explain the difference between expansion and intensification in globalization?

Expansion refers to the growth of global connections, such as the spread of traditional banking to online banking. Intensification refers to the deepening of these connections, like how online banking accelerates and enhances traditional banking services by providing more immediate access.

What is the difference between globalization and globalism?

Globalization refers to the process of increasing global interconnectedness, while globalism is the belief that global integration of markets benefits everyone by spreading freedom and democracy. Globalism is often viewed as a political ideology advocating for a globalized world.

What are Arjun Appadurai's 'scapes,' and how do they relate to globalization?

Arjun Appadurai's 'scapes' are different dimensions of globalization that intersect in various ways. These include ethnoscape (movement of people), technoscape (movement of technology), mediascape (movement of culture), financescape (movement of money), and ideoscape (movement of political ideas). These concepts help to analyze how globalization operates across various sectors.