Culture & Globalization

7D

examine benefits and challenges of globalization, including connectivity, standard of living, pandemics, and the loss of local culture using SAR and analysis chart.

Do Now:

Explain what cultural divergence and culture convergence mean. 

However, globalization can also have downsides. Sometimes, jobs in one country might move to another country where it's cheaper to make things. This can leave people without jobs. Also, big companies from other countries can become very powerful, which can hurt smaller businesses.

Globalization means that people and countries are more connected than ever before. We can share our ideas, food, and music with people all over the world. This is great because we can learn about different cultures and traditions.

However, sometimes this can lead to problems. For example, if everyone starts to like the same things, like American movies or music, then we might lose some of our special traditions. This is called cultural homogenization. It's like everyone wearing the same clothes or eating the same food.

Another problem is that sometimes one culture, like Western culture, can become more powerful than others. This can influence how people in other countries think and act. This is called cultural imperialism. It's like a big country telling a smaller country what to do.

Technology today brings us together faster than ever before. The internet and phones make the world feel smaller! We can talk to people far away and buy things from all over. But, not everyone has these things, which can cause problems. Some people might feel left behind and that can lead to unrest. Sometimes bad people use the internet to do wrong things like lie, cheat and steal. New technologies continue to improve our productivity. Even so, as technology changes fast, sometimes people can lose their jobs.

As countries become more and more connected through globalization big companies and international groups are working together and influencing what happens in the world.

Sometimes, this makes it hard for countries to make their own decisions. Big companies and groups can have a big say in how things are run, even in other countries. This can lead to arguments about who should be in charge, the countries or these big groups.

Globalization also helps ideas and ways of thinking spread around the world. This can be good, like spreading ideas about peace and equality of opportunity. But sometimes, it can lead to bad things too, like spreading hate and violence.

Globalization means that the world is becoming more connected. This means that people, goods, and ideas are moving around the world more easily than ever before. While this can be a good thing, it also has some downsides for our planet.

One problem is that it can lead to pollution. When we buy things from faraway places, they often have to travel long distances, which uses a lot of fuel and pollutes the air. Also, many factories that make these goods are located in places with fewer rules about pollution, so they can harm the environment more.

Another problem is that it can hurt forests. As people need more and more land to grow food and build homes, forests are often cut down. This can lead to climate change, as trees help clean the air and slow down global warming.

So, while globalization can bring many good things, like new products and ideas, it's important to be careful about how we do it. We need to find ways to make sure that it doesn't harm the environment. By working together and making smart choices, we can enjoy the benefits of globalization while protecting our planet.

1. In your own words, what is the difference between globalism and globalization?

2. Think about the ways globalism was practiced in ancient civilizations like Ur and Babylon. How did these civilizations experience globalism in the areas of economics, culture, technology, politics, and the environment?

3. How did the first wave of globalization during the Age of Discovery lead to conflict?

4. How did globalization develop in the period after World War II? 

5. Review the positions of those in favor of globalization as well as those of its critics. In light of the current condition of globalization, which arguments do you believe are becoming reality: those of the proponents, the critics, or both? Explain your answer. 

Map Comparison GROUP Activity

Directions: In your group, review the Briefing sections and examine the Pre-1986 Automobile Globalism and Post-1986 Automobile Globalization maps. Use the text and maps to answer the questions below. The year 1986 was a pivotal point in world trade and international relations. Many leading countries decided to reduce trade barriers to allow a greater movement of goods and services. As you will see in the second map, this allowed for deeply interconnected trade relations between countries. 

Briefing: Pre-1986 Map 

On the map below, we have Detroit, Michigan, the car manufacturing capital of the world. In 1966, “the Big Three” automakers (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler) controlled nearly 90 percent of the world’s market. Nearly all the production was done in or around Detroit. Most of the parts and labor came from the United States. These cars were sold around the world. As foreign car makers became more successful, some foreign governments protected their auto companies by imposing tariffs on all foreign cars, raising the price higher than those of the cars produced in their country. Oftentimes the United States did the same. Tariffs are good for the companies and their workers, but bad for the customer who pays a higher price for a foreign car.

Briefing: Post-1986 Map 

On the map below, we see the auto industry after trade barriers were lowered or eliminated. Auto manufacturers moved plants and assembly lines to foreign countries. Here we see an example of just one American manufacturer. The car is designed in Detroit and the car’s parts are manufactured in several different countries. These countries are selected for a number of reasons: less expensive labor, better technology, easier access to large markets, tax advantages, etc. Cars are assembled in any one of these countries, including the United States, and shipped to nearby markets. 

1. Using information from the reading and your own understanding, explain the general differences between the two maps. 

2. How might this example of globalization (automobile production) be replicated with other products? Provide an example for one of the following: smartphones, clothing, movies, furniture, or books. 

3. Using the post-1986 map as an example and thinking of any of the products mentioned in question 2, explain the economic, cultural, technological, political, or ecological connections between countries. 

Analyzing the Pros and Cons of Globalization 

Directions: In this activity, you will examine the positives and negatives of globalization as it affects the economic, technological, cultural, political, and environmental aspects of the United States. After you have selected or been assigned one of the five topic areas, review the pros and cons of your topic and then answer the questions below.

Economic Effects of Globalization 

Positive 

Producers, workers, and consumers benefit from globalization. Businesses are free to locate where production costs are lowest for labor, property, and raw materials (usually in developing countries). People are hired and that country’s standard of living is increased. With more income in these countries, more markets open up for producers. Business profits go up. For workers, the increase in jobs means more choices and (hopefully) better working conditions and pay. The increase in pay creates more demand for goods and more people are hired. For the consumer, brick-and-mortar and internet stores are full of merchandise from all over the world, sold at lower prices. 

Negative 

While globalization has greatly benefited multinational corporations, it has hurt small and mid-size companies. They cannot compete with massive and powerful multinational corporations. The large corporations can often dictate government policy. They can force local governments to ban labor unions that would help improve working conditions and increase workers’ pay. Immigrants who travel to work in foreign countries often do not have equal rights and are treated as second-class citizens. Companies seeking lower labor costs abandon factories and move to other foreign countries, leaving people out of work. This creates fear among workers, who are afraid of losing their jobs. Consumers are at a disadvantage because goods produced can be of poor quality. 

Technological Effects of Globalization 

Positive 

Through globalization, information and technology are spread more easily. The technological improvements and the different ways people receive information allow for more interactions between countries and individuals. Greater access to information and technology levels the playing field, giving all people the same tools and increasing jobs and production. With improved transportation methods and technology, people can theoretically work anywhere in the world. 

Negative 

The globalization of technology poses a threat to people’s privacy all over the world. Nearly all online companies gather personal information on customers and users. This information is categorized and sold to the highest bidder. Companies use the data to target advertising to potential customers. Individuals’ locations can be tracked in real-time. This creates security concerns. Additionally, foreign countries can use individuals’ personal data to target political advertising and publish fake news to sway voters. 

Cultural Effects of Globalization

Positive 

Globalization provides people with greater access through different means: easier travel to distant locations, real-time communication through the internet, and exposure to different cultures. As countries increase their interactions with one another, they become more understanding and accepting of others. Oppressive leaders’ poor treatment of their people is exposed and challenged from within and outside the country. This has been a catalyst for improving human rights in those countries. 

Negative 

Globalization has reduced cultural diversity. Hi-tech countries produce most of the information, which is slanted towards their values and standards. This can reduce cultural diversity and create a loss of identity for some countries, as dominant cultures push their values on others. In some countries, the population feels the increase in immigrants will threaten their jobs and negatively affect their way of life. Some countries have experienced a backlash against immigrants and foreigners. In other countries more authoritarian leaders have arisen who promise more control and solutions for the country’s problems caused by globalization. 

Political Effects of Globalization 

Positive 

Globalization and free trade agreements have increased access to products and information about Western and democratic ideas. People see how successful democracies are and aspire towards that form of government. In 2016, no less than 68 percent of the world's countries—home to 62.2 percent of the world’s population—had some form of democracy. Open trade creates an environment that increases tolerance and improves relations. Globalization reduces the chances of war between countries because of the interaction and investments made between them. More can be gained through profitable trade relations than aggression. 

Negative 

Free trade agreements like NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement) and TPP (the TransPacific Partnership) have cost jobs and increased trade deficits. This is especially true in developed countries like the United States. Some governments fear the international agreements they have signed have caused them to lose control over their people and their economies. As a result, these governments have become more authoritarian and have reduced human rights. 

Environmental Effects of Globalization 

Positive 

Globalization has made countries more aware of their shared interests. Countries have a greater incentive to improve environmental conditions as they become aware of common environmental problems. Hundreds of countries have joined together to address climate change and pollution concerns. Countries find ways to help solve each other’s environmental challenges. 

Negative 

Global agreements to protect the environment have reduced some countries’ autonomy. Many countries understand the benefits of a collective effort reduce pollution and protect the environment. However, some leaders are skeptical of the science behind climate change and feel that pollution controls stifle economic progress. This is evident in developing countries trying to industrialize, as well as developed countries such as the United States. These countries worry that a pro-environmental agenda would hurt certain industries such as coal and petroleum. They also worry that some countries would not reduce pollution and not pay the expense. This would place countries imposing environmental controls at a disadvantage. 

1. Create a list of the arguments (pro and con) that you agree with and provide explanations for the reasons why you agree. 

2. In a written essay, choose and defend one of the following statements: “Globalization is good for the U.S. economy and should be maintained and expanded,” or “Globalization is bad for the U.S. economy and should be curtailed or eliminated.”