Globalisation Flashcards
What is Globalisation?
What is the definition of globalisation?
AThe process by which the world becomes increasingly interconnected through the expansion of trade, communication, culture, and migration.
What is Globalisation?
What are the key features of globalisation?
• Increased interconnectedness – Countries are more linked than ever.
• Time-space compression – Advances in technology make communication and travel faster.
• Economic globalisation – Growth of global markets and multinational corporations.
• Cultural globalisation – Spread of ideas, media, and cultural influences across borders.
• Political globalisation – Rise of international organisations like the UN, EU, and WTO.
Theories of Globalisation
Hyperglobalists
What do hyperglobalists believe about globalisation?
• See globalisation as a positive force for economic growth and cultural exchange.
• Believe nation-states are becoming less important due to international organisations.
• Argue that globalisation promotes democracy, free markets, and human rights.
Theories of Globalisation
Hyperglobalists
What is a criticism of the hyperglobalist view?
It assumes globalisation benefits everyone equally, ignoring inequality.
Theories of Globalisation
Sceptics
What do sceptics argue about globalisation?
• Believe globalisation is exaggerated and controlled by wealthy countries.
• Argue that economic power remains concentrated in the West (USA, EU).
• View globalisation as a form of neo-colonialism, where rich countries exploit poorer ones.
Theories of Globalisation
Sceptics
What is a criticism of the sceptic view?
It underestimates the impact of cultural and technological globalisation.
Transformationalists
Q: What do transformationalists believe about globalisation?
A:
• Argue globalisation is complex and unpredictable.
• Say it reshapes societies and economies, but nation-states still have power.
• Believe globalisation can be resisted or adapted, rather than being entirely positive or negative.
Theories of Globalisation
Transformationalists
What is a criticism of the transformationalist view?
It does not fully explain how some countries benefit more than others.
Economic Globalisation
How has globalisation affected the economy?
• Growth of multinational corporations (MNCs) – Companies operate in multiple countries.
• Global supply chains – Production and services spread across the world.
• Increase in free trade – Reduction of barriers like tariffs and import taxes.
• Expansion of consumer culture – Western brands like McDonald’s, Apple, and Nike dominate.
Economic Globalisation
What are the positive impacts of economic globalisation?
• Job creation in developing countries.
• Cheaper goods due to global competition.
• Increased investment in poorer nations.
Economic Globalisation
What are the negative impacts of economic globalisation?
• Exploitation of workers – Poor working conditions in sweatshops.
• Environmental damage – Increased pollution and resource depletion.
• Economic inequality – Rich countries benefit more than poor ones.
Cultural Globalisation
How has globalisation affected culture?
• Westernisation/Americanisation – Spread of Western culture worldwide.
• Hybrid cultures – Mixing of different cultural influences (e.g., Bollywood).
• Global media – Companies like Netflix and Disney create a shared global culture.
Cultural Globalisation
What are the positive effects of cultural globalisation?
• Increased awareness of different cultures.
• More cultural exchange – Music, fashion, and food spread globally.
• Greater tolerance and diversity.
Cultural Globalisation
What are the negative effects of cultural globalisation?
• Cultural homogenisation – Loss of traditional cultures.
• Dominance of Western culture – Local traditions are replaced.
• Language loss – English is becoming the dominant language.
Political Globalisation
How has globalisation influenced politics?
• Rise of international organisations – UN, WTO, EU, IMF influence global decisions.
• Erosion of national sovereignty – Governments have less control over laws and policies.
• Growth of global social movements – Protests for climate change, human rights, etc.
Political Globalisation
What are the positive impacts of political globalisation?
• Greater international cooperation on issues like climate change.
• Spread of democracy – More countries adopt democratic systems.
Political Globalisation
What are the negative impacts of political globalisation?
• Loss of national independence – Countries must follow international laws.
• Rise of nationalist movements – Backlash against globalisation (e.g., Brexit, Trump’s “America First”).
Globalisation and Crime
How has globalisation affected crime?
• Rise in cybercrime – Hacking, fraud, identity theft.
• Growth of transnational crime – Drug trafficking, human smuggling.
• Increased terrorism – Extremist groups use the internet for recruitment.
Globalisation and Crime
What do sociologists say about global crime?
• Castells (1998): There is now a global criminal economy, worth over £1 trillion.
• Taylor (1997): Globalisation has created more inequality, leading to more crime.
• Hobbs & Dunningham: Crime is now “glocal” – local gangs work with international networks.
Globalisation and Education
How has globalisation affected education?
• More international students – Universities recruit globally.
• Standardisation of education – Countries adopt similar curriculums.
• Rise of online learning – More people access education worldwide.
Globalisation and Education
What are the negative impacts of globalisation on education?
• Western dominance – Education systems focus on Western ideas.
• Privatisation – Education becomes a business rather than a public service.
Globalisation and Work
How has globalisation affected work and employment?
• Increase in outsourcing – Companies move jobs to cheaper countries.
• Rise of precarious work – Gig economy, zero-hour contracts.
• More migration for work – People move abroad for better opportunities.
Globalisation and Work
What are the negative impacts of globalisation on work?
• Job insecurity – Workers can be easily replaced.
• Exploitation – Poor wages and conditions in developing countries.
Globalisation and Identity
How has globalisation affected identity?
• Hybrid identities – People mix different cultural influences.
• Loss of local traditions – People adopt global lifestyles.
• Increase in consumerism – People define themselves by what they buy.
Globalisation and Identity
What do sociologists say about globalisation and identity?
• Giddens (1991): Globalisation allows people to shape their own identities.
• Bauman (2000): Globalisation creates uncertainty – people struggle to find stable identities.
Criticisms of Globalisation
What are the main criticisms of globalisation?
• Exaggerated impact – Some argue nation-states still hold power.
• Increases inequality – Rich countries benefit more than poor ones.
• Destroys local cultures – Western culture dominates others.
• Exploits workers – Cheap labour in developing countries.
