Taking Off Module 1: Defining Globalization: Gen. Ed. 1: Contemporary World (Sir Ed's Classes, IAU)
Taking Off Module 1: Defining Globalization: Gen. Ed. 1: Contemporary World (Sir Ed's Classes, IAU)
Taking Off Module 1: Defining Globalization: Gen. Ed. 1: Contemporary World (Sir Ed's Classes, IAU)
TAKING OFF
Module 1: DEFINING GLOBALIZATION
Human beings have encountered many changes over the last century especially in their
social relationships and social structures. Of these changes, one can say that globalization is a
very important change, if not the most important. The reality and omnipresence (omni=all) of
globalization makes us see ourselves part of the “global age”, and as the world is getting
smaller, we can say we are no longer living in some isolated tribe, community, or nation, but in
a “global village.”
Aside from this, globalization encompasses a multitude of processes that involves the
economy, political systems, and culture. Social structures therefore are directly affected by
globalization. (I will insert a discussion of the 4 elements of social structures and the 5 enduring
social institutions and their interaction using the Durkheimian and Marxist models of social
analysis).
Over the years, globalization has gained many connotations pertaining to progress,
development, and integration.
Positively, the Swedish journalist Thomas Larsson viewed globalization as the process of
world shrinkage, of distances getting shorter, things moving closer.
Negatively, some view globalization as occurring through with regression (cite
Philippines free trade with US after WWII), colonialism, and destabilization.
Metaphors of Globalization
In order for us to better understand the concept of globalization, we will use metaphors
(use to describe somebody or something of a word or phrase that is not meant literally but
by means of a clear comparison expresses something about somebody or something).
Metaphors make use of one term to help us better understand another term.
Liquidity and solidity are in constant interaction. However, liquidity is the one increasing
and proliferating today. Therefore, the metaphor that could best describe globalization is
Fluidity. (Insert how the opening of Suez Canal made the flow of information and ideas became
faster during the times of Rizal).
2. Flows – are movement of people, things, places, and information brought by the
growing “porosity” of global limitations. (The flow of the different foreign fast food
lanes, and cuisines, how can we be affected by global financial crisis, poor illegal
migrants, the virtual flow of censored materials in the internet are only few example of
how the phenomena happening in one nation can affect the entire globe. The flow of
people, things, places, and information made national borders porous.
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a) broad and inclusive definitions
and b) narrow and exclusive definitions of globalization?
2. What do you think is the importance of defining globalization?
3. Do you agree with the idea that the contemporary world is characterized by high
liquidity? Why or why not?
4. Give at least 5 aspects of your experience or of your family that are directly affected or
connected to globalization. Explain each briefly.