What it is
Put simply, globalisation is the process of connecting countries through trade, technology, culture, and movement. It allows businesses to sell goods and services internationally, lets people travel for work or leisure, and shares ideas, popular culture, and consumer trends around the world. Increased migration is another important effect of globalisation.
Under globalisation, the gap between wealthy nations and poorer countries remains huge. Multinational companies profit the most, while poorer communities face negative impacts like low wages, poor working conditions, job insecurity, and environmental pollution.
In recent years, these inequalities have created strong political reactions in many countries. Many people feel ignored by global leaders and wealthy elites. As a result, they decide to support local political leaders (often "populist") who promise to protect local jobs, national borders, traditional values, and local identity.
Personal stories
Linh’s story: Linh is 24 years old and works in an electronics factory in Vietnam making smartphone parts for a global technology brand. She works 10-hour shifts on an assembly line, but her wages are so low that she can barely afford a small room near the factory. Recently, the multinational company threatened to move production to another country with even lower labor costs, leaving Linh and her coworkers facing wage cuts and longer working hours.
Carlos’s story: Carlos is 31 years old and a coffee farmer from Guatemala. For generations, his family grew local coffee crops, but cheap coffee produced by large global corporations has forced local market prices down. Now he can no longer support his family. Facing financial ruin, Carlos has made the difficult decision to migrate to the United States, leaving his home and family behind to search for better-paid work.
Economic inequality and exploitation: Globalisation allows multinational companies to shift production overseas and seek cheap labour around the world. Factories are often moved to countries in the Global South with low wages and weak worker protections. In these factories, workers face long hours in unsafe conditions to make products for export to developed nations. Meanwhile, global wealth becomes increasingly concentrated in the hands of large transnational corporations and rich nations.
Cultural loss and global dominance: As global media, brands from the Global North, and popular culture spread everywhere, local cultures and languages risk disappearing. One example is how global fast-food chains are changing traditional diets in many Global South countries. In addition, local businesses often cannot compete with massive international companies, making local economies and labour markets unstable.
Environmental injustice: Global trade causes heavy environmental impacts through transport pollution, factory waste, and natural resource extraction. The poorest communities suffer the worst impacts of climate change, pollution, and deforestation, even though they contribute the least to global pollution.
Migration and human rights: Globalisation encourages the rapid movement of goods, money, and information. However, human migration is heavily restricted. Millions of migrants leave their home countries to escape poverty, violence, or climate disasters caused by global economic pressures. When they arrive in new countries, they often face discrimination, low pay, and a lack of basic legal protections.
Local actions: Social justice movements are working to address the negative impacts of globalisation. Local communities promote fair trade practices, protect their own cultures, and fight for workers' rights. For example, fair-trade coffee and chocolate networks ensure that small farmers in developing countries receive fair prices for their crops.
Local groups in cities and towns encourage people to buy locally grown food, support ethical clothing brands, and recycle and reuse resources. For instance, community farmers' markets help support local agriculture, while local "repair cafés" help reduce waste by fixing old clothes and electronics instead of throwing them away.
(1) Terminology: グローバル化と国際化の違いとは？
(2) Education: アフリカの教室から見える教育の原点、グローバル化・多様性の日常から考える
(3) General overview: BBC. (2026). What is globalisation? https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zx9gjfr#z6krqyc
(4) Economics: National Geographic. (no date). Effects of Economic Globalization. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/effects-economic-globalization/
(5) Public opinion: Pew Research Center. (8 March 2023). How Young Adults Want Their Country To Engage With the World. https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2023/03/08/how-young-adults-want-their-country-to-engage-with-the-world/
(1) Study guide: Mr V Englisch und Sport. (17 May 2022). Globalization - an overview - Englisch Abitur, Oberstufe - Abiturthemen. (16 minutes 22 seconds). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkiyLqzIUzw
(2) Economic commentary: Bloombergs Original. (9 November 2023). Why Some Countries Are Thriving Amid Globalization's Decline. (7 minutes 51 seconds). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttaaMw8wAy0
(3) Documentary: DW Documentary. (6 January 2023). Globalization: Winners and losers in world trade. (42 minutes 25 seconds). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoZiTCz_wYA
What do you find interesting, surprising, or worrying about Globalisation issues?
What specific issue do you want to research further regarding Globalisation? Why?
What focus do you want to take in your inquiry:
Individual: Personal experiences and perspectives
Local: Situations and issues in a local community, town, or city
Organisational: Actions taken by local or regional organisations
Systemic: Law, policy, human rights, or international frameworks
Combined: A mixture of multiple angles
4. Write down your initial research questions and your next steps.