Blog assignment 1 - What is Globalization? (Dayoung Kim)

1)  summary

Globalization is a concept that includes a variety of detailed topics such as global citizenship, human rights, immigration and migration. While globalization is a frequently used concept, it is essentially a controversial one. Many books and articles talking about globalization do not clearly define globalization.

The scholar Velho explained that globalization is the object, perspective and horizon. This is to think of globalization as a process, and to continue focusing on a specific object in an objective way. In fact, the use of the term “globalization” expanded worldwide, although it did not begin until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Interest in globalization began centuries ago, based on discussions in religious studies, sociology, and anthropology in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Another scholar, Ritzer, who coined the term “McDonaldization.” McDonaldization was inspired by the spread of fast food restaurant principles, and in extension American culture, around the world, and illustrates the relatively recent homogenization of global culture. Many companies such as McDonald's, Starbucks, and Nike are trying to spread their products and consumption around the world. However, it is also important for them to adjust their brand to fit their local culture. There are three main aspects of globalization: economics, politics, and culture, which are important because they are closely related.

Ultimately, we can describe globalization with three fundamental points. First, it enhances regional connectivity and increases global consciousness. Second, globalization has a specific form with all its meanings and purposes. Third, globalization consists of four main aspects of human life: culture, society, politics, and economy.

2) Interesting point

I thought I could clearly define the concept of globalization, but it was interesting that it was essentially a controversial concept. 

3) Discussion

For many, globalization is a new opportunity to improve economic and cultural life, but not everyone may benefit. There are also problems that economic inequality can escalate and culture can become uniform. So how do we solve the problem of globalization and how do we accept globalization?