The History of Globalization
• For some people, this global phenomenon is inherent to human nature. Because of
this, some say globalization begun about 60,000 years ago, at the beginning of
human history.
• Throughout time, human societies’ exchanging trade has been growing. Since the
old times, different civilizations have developed commercial trade routes and
experienced cultural exchanges. And as well, the migratory phenomenon has also
been contributing to these population exchanges.
• Especially nowadays, since traveling became quicker, more comfortable, and more
affordable.
• This phenomenon has continued throughout history, notably through military
conquests and exploration expeditions. But it wasn’t until technological advances in
transportation and communication that globalization speeded up. It was particularly
after the second half of the 20th century that world trades accelerated in such a
dimension and speed that the term “globalization” started to be commonly used.
The Concept of Globalization
• Globalization is the free movement of goods, services and people across the
world in a seamless and integrated manner.
Or
• Globalization refers to worldwide interconnectedness based on
interdependence. It is a multidimensional concept having political, economic,
cultural manifestations. It is the process of exchange of ideas, capital,
commodities and people.
• The impact of globalization is very uneven. It affects some societies more than
other, and some parts of the societies more than others.
• It is also important to note that globalization is not a new phenomenon-ithas
been there in all times in the history.
What are the Causes of Globalization?
• Globalization is a historical
phenomenon.
Technology
• However those who stress on
contemporary globalization
point out that the scale and
speed of contemporary
Interdependence Communication
globalization makes it unique.
• Major factors responsible for
this are:
Causes of Globalization
• The speed of these flows has
augmented. • Printing technology
• Technology remains as critical • Mass media and Electronic media
element
• Stock market exchanges
• The invention of the telegraph,
the telephone, and the microchip • Money market
• Internet and World Wide Web • Modern education, professional
degrees
• The development of high speed
transporting system
Political Consequences:
• Negative:
• Positive:
• Globalization results in erosion of
• Globalization does not always state’s capacity. That is the ability of
reduce state’s capacity the government to do what it can do.
• It has indeed increased state’s • The welfare state is now giving way to
capacity with increased technology a more minimalist state that performs
at the disposal of state to collect only the core functions of maintaining
information about the citizens. law and order and the security of
nation
• With enhanced technology and • It is the market that becomes the prime
communication the state is able to determinant of economic and social
rule better. priorities
• Thus the state becomes more • The increase role of the MNCs reduces
powerful than before as a result of the capacities of government to take
globalization. decision on their own.
Economic Consequences-Positive
• It has resulted in greater economic growth and well being
for a larger section of population.
• Greater trade among countries allow each economy to do
what it can do best.
• It has resulted in greater job opportunities, increased
standard of living and higher growth rate in the countries
• Advocates of economic globalization argue it is inevitable
and it is not right to resist the march of history.
Economic Consequences-
Negative
• It benefits only a small section of population
while impoverishing those who were
dependent on the government for jobs and
welfare.
• They have emphasized the need to ensure
institutional safeguards or creating “social
safety nets” to minimize the negative effects of
globalization.
• They have called for a halt to forced economic
globalization for its results would lead to
economic ruin to the weaker countries. Some
economist describes it as neo-colonization of
the world.
Cultural Consequences- Negative
• Cultural Homogenization-
• Globalization leads to the rise of uniform culture. Thus is called
cultural homogenization. This uniform culture happens to be the
western or American culture.
• This is closely linked with the soft power hegemony. That is, the
culture of a politically and economically dominant society leaves its
imprint on a less powerful society and the world begins to look more
like the dominant power wishes to be.
• Some call it the “McDonaldisation” of the world with cultures seeking
to buy into the dominant American dream.
• This is dangerous not only for the poor countries but also for the whole
humanity, for it leads to the shrinking of the rich cultural heritage.
Cultural Consequences- Positive
• Cultural Heterognisation-
• All cultures accept outside influences.
These outside influences enlarge our
choices and modify our cultures.
• These leads to adding more varieties and
the emergence of fusion culture. Thus
blue jean goes well with khadi kurta.
• Thus it makes each culture becoming more
different and distinctive. This is called
cultural Heterognisation.
India and Globalization:
• Colonial period- India was an exporter of primary goods and
raw material and a consumer of finished goods.
• After independence- we decided not to allow others to export
to us so that our own producers get protection. This is called
protectionism. As a result of this India had a very sluggish rate
of economic development.
• After 1991- Responding to economic crisis and a desire for
higher rate of economic development, the government
deregulated various sectors including trade and foreign
investment.
Resistance to Globalization
• Those on the left argue that the contemporary globalization is making the rich richer and
poor poorer. Weakening of the state leads to a reduction in the capacity of the state to
protect the interest of its poor.
• Critics of the right are worried culturally. They feel that the traditional culture will be
harmed and people will lose their age old values and ways.
• Many anti globalization movements are not opposed to the idea of globalization per se as
much as they are opposed to a particular programme of globalization.
• In 1999, at the WTO ministerial meeting, there were widespread protest at Seattle
alleging unfair economic practices by the powerful states.
• The World Social Forum (WSF) is a global platform which bring together a wide
coalition composed of human right activist, environmentalists’, labour, youth and
women activists opposed to neo liberal globalization.
India and Resistance to Globalization
• Left Wing:
• Protests have come up from forum like
Indian Social Forum.
• Trade Union and Farmer Unions have
organized protest against the entry of the
multinationals.
• The patenting of certain plants like Neem by
the Americans and European films have also
generated considerable opposition.
India and Resistance to Globalization
• Right Wing
• They have objected particularly to
various cultural influences-ranging
from the availability of foreign TV
channels to celebration of
Valentines’ Day and westernization
of the dress taste of girl students in
schools and colleges.