GLOBALIZATION

Historical Precedents

Definition

    Worldwide Integration through Interplay of 4 Trends
   
        Movement of Capital and Goods
        Expansion of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
        Dissemination of Information
        Movement of Large Numbers of People

Results

    More Compressed and Interconnected World
    Contact between Differing Cultures and Values

Is Globalization Really that Bad?

    Per Capita GDP of the Top 25% of the World’s Population = 600% Increase
    Per Capita GDP of the Bottom 25% = 300% increase

But, UN Human Development Index Shows

    Higher Absolute Income (middle class)
    Improved Health
    Greater Literacy
    Government that Respects Human Rights

So, What is the Problem?

    Western Powers Unwilling to Acknowledge Adverse Economic and Cultural Consequences

        Capitalism, Democracy, and Technology

            Perpetuate Economic Inequality
    
                Exploitation of the Labor Force

        Intensify Long-standing Problems

            Political Hegemony and Resentment

        Consumerism, Competition, and Individualism Endanger Traditional Collectivistic Cultures
            
            Undermines Links between People
                
                Common Interests
                Shared Resources
                Mutual Obligation and Respect

Communities Undermined in 3 Ways

    Nations Weakened
        
        Pursuit of Private Wealth
        Homogenization of Experience

    Civil Society at Risk
        
        Clan Ties and Volunteerism Enfeebled
        Capacity for Self-regulation Diminished

    Challenge to Democracy
    
        Equality and Consensus Threaten Cultural Identity
        Long-standing Intergroup Conflict Enflamed

Backlash by Those Brutalized, Abandoned, and Homogenized

DISCUSSION:

➢    What are your thoughts about the various strategies to implement a global value system that promotes individual development within a social context?

➢    What are some benefits of individualism and liabilities of collectivism?