1st Blog Assignment: What Is Globalization?

First Blog Assignment 

What Is Globalization? 

(by R. Robertson and Kathleen E. White)

1) Summary of content

The essay "What Is Globalization?", written by Roland Robertson and Kathleen E. White, discusses various aspects of Globalization. The authors primarly highlight criticisms of Globalization from various sociologists.

First paragraph (Introduction):

There are many different views as on how Globalization defines. 

The first view is represented by Velho, who is describing Globalization as an "object, a perspective and a horizon" (p.1). This results in individuals sharing the same understanding on aspects regarding the global world. 

The term "Globalization" itself started to be widely used after the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989 which was also the time when communism collapsed.

During the late 1990s, a critical view regarding bad side effects of the Globalization such as inequality between different nations took over. Antiglobalization movements formed and protested against it.

That's why it's not only crucial to see Globalization as increasing global connectivity between countries but also consciousness of one another.

Second paragraph (The parameters of the general process of Globalization):

Another important aspect is that Globalization results in civilizational conflicts, mainly because of people having significant differences in conceptions of the nature and human life. This can be seen in the 9/11 incident in 2001 when Islamic groups attacked the World Trade Centre. However, the reason these conflicts happen, is not only because of cultural differences but also lies in the problem of scarce resources such as oil and water.

Third paragraph (The dimensions of Globalization):

There are three major dimensions of Globalization: the economic, the political and the cultural.

The sociologist Ritzer sheds light on a possible fourth one which is the social dimension. It is often neglected by others but plays a huge role in understanding Globalization.

It is necessary to point out that these four dimensions are equally important.

Fourth paragraph (The form of Globalization):

Wallerstein stresses in his work that the world will become a singular system in the future. This could have happened several times in the past, for example through the expansion of Soviet Communist Party or German Fascism. 

From Wallerstein's point of view the current global society was produced by the expansion of capitalism. But the overall process of Globalization should be seen in a multifaceted way.

In addition, Globalization is generally recognized as a macroscopic process. That being said, Robertson and White consider the inputs of individuals as crucial aspect for the development of a global society.

After the end of the Cold War, the world moved towards an international system with the rise of Europe, East Asia and expanding strength of China.

This is followed by new environmental issues and increasing problematization of humanity. Human rights evolved in multiple categories such as expanding rights for children.

Sixth paragraph (Glocalization):

Glocalization concerns the relationship between the global and the local. There's a lot of tension which can be solved in seeing those both groups not as being opposites but rather "as being different side of the same coin" (p.7). Furthermore, Globalization can both be seen as an ongoing or self-limiting process which depends on the observers personal opinion.

Seventh paragraph (Globalization and Global History):

The world is currently living in the global age. Therefore, history gets greatly affected by this enhanced sense of globality. Analysts express their concern towards the relationship between Globalization and history. One of the main problem lies in the "contentious rewriting of histories of ethnic groups, nation-states and regions in order that the members of such entities may have an ‘authentic identity’" (p.8).

Eighth paragraph (Conclusion):

In conclusion, Globalization consists of global connectivity + consciousness and was mainly formed by the founding of United Nations organization which focuses on nation-states, world politics, individuals and humankind. In addition, there are four different dimensions: the cultural, the social, the political and the economic.

The authors lastly point out that the question "What Is Globalization?" can't be possibly answered but it unarguably brings negative characteristics such as injustice and exploitation with it.

2) Interesting aspect

Generally, I really enjoyed reading the essay and learning about different aspects of Globalization. Though the main question "What Is Globalization?" couldn't be answered in the end.

Personally, I found Ritzer's concept of the "McDonaldization" the most interesting. He is mostly concerned with "the spread of America to much of the rest of the world of certain social and economic practices that have been spread not simply by the McDonald’s Corporation, but by such others as Nike, Starbucks, the Gap, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and so on." (p.3-4).

Fast food chains like McDonald's and Burger King often adapt their menus to local cultures, that is also known as glocalization. But unfortunately, local and global elements are often blended together and lead to a cultural Homogenization. This potentially results in a loss of cultural diversity, monoculture and economic inequality.

Furthermore, these multinational corporations own the market dominance and displace small local businesses which is why they increasingly need help from the government and volunteers to keep their business running. 

Ritzer's theory dates back to the year 2000. Since then, however, I think a lot has changed that goes against his view of America's takeover of the global market. Nowadays, people have created new counter trends that emphasize buying local products and support small businesses.

The criticism of big corporations has become more popular in the last few years because of various reasons, for example the increased awareness of the social and economic impact of consumer choices and the prominence of climate change.

3) Discussion

I would like to go into more detail about Ritzer's theory which I have already mentioned in the second paragraph "Interesting aspect".

My questions would be the following: What has changed in recent years? Is his "McDonaldization" theory still transferable to the present or is it outdated?

In my opinion, American fast food chains in particular have a great influence on other countries. I noticed this especially with "Starbucks" in South Korea. Almost on every street corner there is a branch of this café. 

I would like to draw a comparison between Germany (my home country) and South Korea in terms of assortment. Both countries have basically the same range of coffee, but South Korea has a larger selection of teas, such as matcha and Germany has more pastries, such as pretzels and gingerbread. So it can't be seen completely homogeneously, as Ritzer described it in his theory.

Are there any other American fast food chains that are known worldwide? How does the assortment differ? Are there any other negative effects regarding  the increased amount of multinational companies across the world? Can you think of non-American companies which are known worldwide?