Social globalization points out informational flow and culture exchanges between inhabitants of different nations. Arguments in favour of this subject, explains how globalization enhances cosmopolitan togetherness, promotes mixed identity and widens the scope of knowledge. However, a likely outcome is certain to only benefit the privileged class; therefore it exerts a little influence in enhancement of human capacities.
Over the years the growth and expansion of globalization has been consistent and steady. Sociologist’s perspective of globalization is that it is a continuous process that incorporates changes that are connected in culture, economic, social and political dimensions in a given society. A clear understanding of globalization would not be possible if economic and political dimensions are not incorporated (Lidskog, 2015, pg. 339).
Analysing social and cultural spheres independently would amount to overlooking political power, conflict and inequality that equally affect them. A sociologist who separates cultural globalization from their study of political, economic relation limits their awareness of conflicts, and inequalities and thus becomes blinded to the overall picture.
Economic globalization comprises of globalization of production, markets, technology, organization regimes, labour, finance, institutions and corporations. Since trans- national trade globalization has been increasing. The increase has been contributed by communication and technology advances trading framework on tariffs and other trade agreements including World Trade Organization that compelled countries to do away with barriers to trade and opening up capital accounts (Brown, 2017, 164). The rise in economic operations has gotten support by economies that have already developed by linking up with the majority of the world especially using Direct Foreign Investment, cutting down on business operation costs and eliminating barriers to trade. Economic growth has increased due to globalization and also increased income in the developing countries and urging the developed countries to prices on goods and services. The balance of power has been altered between developing and developed nations thus affecting each affected country’s culture. The act of production of goods shifting location creates jobs across borders which require workers from developed nations to shift careers.
Sociology of globalization traces its roots in history since it started prior to the age of information technology, earlier in capitalism development in the institutions, and industrialism. A big change in globalization was realized over the years, hence forming a basis of today’s forms of globalization. At the same time it is less recognized that the basis for the current globalization started long before the current period. During the time when western countries and particularly Europe were behind, other countries or other regions of the world participated in the long distance trade, expansion and religion, but these were not real globalization (Robertson, 2017, pg. 342).
Cultural globalization is identified as transformation of values, notions and understanding in the world over with an aim of reinforcing social ties. The steps involves, cultures that have a common existence get absorbed through international travel, internet services, famous culture media, internet, and popular media culture. The exchange of commodities has been intensified by the process and colonization which is often known to carry meaning in culture throughout the world. The many cultures that go round helps people to take part in social relations that goes beyond the nations territories. Importance of cultural globalization is that it forms shared ideas and beliefs that people peg their personal as well as cultural identity thus causing increased interactions among different cultures and populations. The trend of conveying ideas and cultures around the world occurs every day through electronic commerce, international trade, wireless communication, and popular culture. Cultural globalization has a lot to do with cultural exchanges and in retrospect, local cultures responses to global cultures. Social globalization interacts with culture, and its identity is interesting, important, and full of good prospects (Evrard, 2017, pg. 78).
Political globalization refers to worldwide growth of political system in complexity and size. Traditionally, politics have always been undertaken by national policy systems. National governments have always been responsible for maintaining economic welfare and security for their citizens, and also protecting human rights and the borders within the environment.
Politics takes a position beyond the national level by embracing systems that leverage political collaborations such as World Bank, Intergovernmental Institutions and European Union. The Initiatives taken by civil societies globally by formation of partnerships with organizations beyond the borders using communication systems which directly influences international organizations as an alternative to working through the states governments (Rupert, 2016,pg, 210).
Globalization plays a role in influencing our institutions and by extension our daily lives. While it is widely evident that money, people, goods and services crosses borders it defines the characteristic of the current world society and humans remain unsettled. Theories that explain the effects of globalization argue that, it is an ever present compelling influence in global trade through cross border investments and technological innovations that spur efficiency in production. Globalization leads countries to high prosperity despite replacing jobs and reducing the wages of unskilled workers. The benefits can be widely spread if the labour markets respond to change in demand and supply.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Brown, N. and Rappert, B., 2017. Contested futures: A sociology of prospective techno-science. Routledge.
Evrard, A.Y., 2017. Modernity at Large: Cultural Dimensions of Globalisation. Macat Library.
Lidskog, R., Mol, A.P. and Oosterveer, P., 2015. Towards a global environmental sociology? Legacies, trends and future directions. Current Sociology, 63(3), pp.339-368.
Robertson, S., 2017. A class act: Changing teachers work, the state, and globalisation. Routledge.
Rupert, M. and Smith, H. eds., 2016. Historical materialism and globalisation: Essays on continuity and change. Routledge.
