defining globalisation Flashcards
Globalisation
Refers to a process in which groups of people become increasingly connected on a global scale due to developments in communication and transportation. (General)
An ongoing process that involves interconnected changes in the economic, cultural, social and political spheres of society. (Sociology)
Mertens and D’Haenens - defining globalisation
Some define globalisation as a positive process when it could actually lead to marginalisation. E.g. there is a digital divide faced by the digital underclass.
Our world in data - defining globalisation
Globalisation is often described in a way that suggests it is happening everywhere, at the same time when this is not the case. E.g. people from less developed countries cannot access digital communication.
Mohammadi - defining globalisation
Some argue that globalisation is leading to ‘cultural homogenisation’ but this does not always occur e.g. cultural defence (protecting culture by not dropping norms, values and traditions).
Giddens - defining globalisation
Some suggest that globalisation is an economic OR political OR cultural process, when actually it combines all three. E.g. Giddens heavily focuses on spread of culture.
Lesaca - defining globalisation
Other sociologists suggest globalisation will result in postmodern characteristics such as individualism and choice, when actually some groups resist this. E.g. some extremist religious groups resist western, liberal ideas, such as ISIS.
Fukuyama - defining globalisation
Focuses on the influence of the US and fails to discuss European social democracy - increasingly globalised world. (From a political view)
Friedman - defining globalisation
Globalisation has an American face – Mickey Mouse, Big Macs, Coke, Pepsi, IBM, Apple, Windows, Intel Pentium, Cisco etc. Globalisation is actually ‘Westernisation, or more narrowly ‘Americanisation”. (From an economic view)
Spybey - defining globalisation
Sees globalisation as a chance for the exchange of practices between countries - Meaning it is a 2 way process. (From an economic view)
Giddens - defining globalisation
Discusses ‘reverse colonisation’ where in fact Western cultures are not dominating less powerful groups, but in fact the reverse of this is occurring such as ‘Mexicanisation’ of California, where food, dress and music has become a key part of the Californian lifestyle. This can be known as ‘Glocalisation’ where local cultures assert their own culture whilst resisting Western norms and values. (From a cultural view)
