Blog assignment 1 – What is Globalization? (jihye Um)

1.     Summary

"What is globalization?" Not only this article, but few books give an exact definition of globalization when someone asks what it is. In the article Roland Robertson and Kathleen E. White say, There is a strong governance structure, global citizenship, human rights, immigration and many other themes in globalization. Globalization is not a unit but a complex mix of factors. Therefore, countless scholars approach the concept of globalization in a pluralistic way.

Velho said globalization is an object, perspective and horizon. Object access involves thinking about globalization as a process. The world is not monolithic, it is very complex and pluralistic.  Say, the Velho paradigm explains that the world is complex and multidisciplinary and that the world is understood to be in a direction of movement. Research on globalization is still ongoing.

So when did the concept of globalization start? The concept of globalization began to be actively used after the 1970s. There are many views on the origin of globalization as a 'history phenomenon.' The normally discussed globalization took place after World War II. Historically, globalization has progressed simultaneously and in conjunction with each other at three levels of economy, politics and culture since World War II.

First, at the economic level, globalization means the expansion of trade, investment, and communication will increase interdependence among countries and strengthen multilateral coordination and cooperation on a global scale. This trend toward globalization of the economy has recently been more prominent, with the launch of the WTO to advocate full liberalization of the world trade and the activities of the MNCs.

The emergence of transnational organizations and institutions is also an important aspect of globalization. The size and importance of transnational organizations, formed to deal with problems that cannot be solved within the existing national framework, have increased. Organizations such as the United Nations, GATT, and IMF are examples.

Cultural globalization should also be noted. Movies, television programs, and pop music are now sold in the global market for people around the world. The global framework of production, distribution and consumption of these cultures has played a role in spreading the modern culture and lifestyle globally, while creating negative consequences for deepening cultural dependence in developed countries.

Among the globalization of this culture is the trend toward Americanization. Hollywood movies and pop music, as well as American pop culture and lifestyles such as McDonald's, Disneyland and Starbucks, are increasingly influential in any country today. This globalized cultural restructuring is further accelerating the globalization trend in that it has a greater impact on everyday cultural life and consciousness than any Western policy and technology.

2.     Interesting point

Globalization is the concept of understanding recent global social changes. The globalization, which has been in full swing in Korean society since the 1997 financial crisis, has been under double-faced. On the other hand, if the emphasis is on the positive acceptance of globalization, some argue that it should either accept or reject it.

Looking back, globalization is a two-sided process with both positive and negative aspects. Globalization is a crisis that strengthens global inequality and at the same time is a new opportunity to improve economic and cultural life. What's important is that globalization is increasingly affecting Korean society. Therefore, a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of globalization needs to be sought and more proactive and multidisciplinary.

3.     Discussion

Globalization in culture can be characterized by Americanization. Since the liberation of Korea, the influence of American values and lifestyles has increased, especially since the 1990s. Of course, while the importance of nationalism and ethnic culture was emphasized in the process of countering American lifestyles, Western culture represented by American culture still wields overwhelming influence.

If globalization spreads, small countries can lose their cultural identity by embracing the culture of the great powers. How should the nation handle this?