“What Is Globalization?”/Sangmin Choe

 1)

We are used to the word globalization. Now people can communicate and interact with people around the world beyond space constraints with the development of digital media. They watch music videos of Korean artists on YouTube, an American platform, and communicate with people around the world through comments. Starbucks sells products that highlight the characteristics of Korea. We could travel freely anywhere by plane and the train if we have the passport before the Covid 19 disaster appeared. The development of transportation, the development of digital technology, has facilitated globalization.

Then can we define the meaning of globalization as simple as we are used to? Not really. Depending on which continent you live in, which country you live in, what level of economy you are in, and what relationship you have with others, you can define the meaning of globalization differently. While it can be perceived as negative trend for someone living in Korea because he/she thinks the tradition of Korea is contaminated because of globalization, it can be considered a positive phenomenon for someone living in Kenya because it creates a new job. One interesting thing is that people have a variety of ideas about globalization, whether positive, negative or neutral, which is one of the global trends in itself. In other words it is globalization that has various ideas about globalization. Just as the anti-globalization movement took place in each country in the past, paradoxically, the anti-globalization movement was a global trend.

According to Roland Robertson and Kathleen E. White (What is globalization), globalization consists of two features. One is global connectivity and the other is global consciousness. There is a tendency for global consciousness to be ignored compared to global connectivity, but this should be considered equal. At this time, global consciousness is not a uniform imperial mindset, but a shared sense among people all over the world. And the United Nations has formed a particular form of globalization, focusing on Nation-states; world polities; individuals; and humankind. And it is said that globalization is a concept that cannot be clearly defined, and its meaning can vary with spatial and temporal changes.

Globalization can be distinguished in three dimensions, divided into political, cultural and economic dimensions. Globalization has been used as an ideological tool and abused for power. This is the political dimension of globalization. Looking at globalization from a cultural dimension, the examples are that the same symbols and norms of behavior around the world, and the use of goods and services from certain countries worldwide. For example, the world's most well known symbol of men and women, or products and services such as Nike, Starbucks, and McDonald's, are loved by people all over the world.

There was also a term called "McDonaldization," which means cultural domination with the spread goods of global companies. Globalization at the cultural level is the easiest to spot. The emergence of multinational corporations is one of the economic dimensions of globalization. At this time, the concept of Glocalization emerges from the business side, which means transforming services and products to suit local characteristics when a multinational company enters the local market. A case in point is McDonald's bulgogi burger sold only in Korea. It developed a hamburger that tastes like bulgogi, a Korean food. As such, cultural and economic dimensions have very many mutual influences.

2)

Anything can be characterized by comparison. A swan is not visible among swans, but a swan is easily seen between black swans. With the flow of globalization, cultural differences are revealed, and it was interesting that this leads to the phenomenon of glocalization. I've never seriously thought about globalization. This is because globalization was natural for me, a millennial generation, just as the digital generation naturally takes laptops and smartphones as their daily lives. I've also use Apple smartphones and Mac, and have used Starbucks services. Although it is hard now due to Corona, I have traveled around the world with passports. But globalization continues even in the Covid 19 situation. Because in defining not only the meaning of physical distance but also in defining one's identity, globalization in consuming goods and services has melted deep into us. It was good to think about the meaning of globalization through this class.

It was also interesting that globalization had a complex meaning depending on the situation and context. It was interesting that globalization depends on context and situation because it does not exist as an object but is an ideological meaning. The meaning of globalization of our parents' generation and that of our children's generation will certainly be different. And the meaning of globalization between people living in the United States and those living in Korea will be different. Of course, the meaning of globalization between people living in North Korea and those living in Finland will also be different. I felt that we should be able to move forward in a higher sense by discussing and developing without being sticked the meaning of globalization that we think of each other.

I am interested in branding and marketing. Glocalization is an important part of global marketing. In order to be successful in glocalization, we need to be able to understand culture. We should be able to understand culture with respect and find and reflect what we need. I think communication skills are essential to truly understand culture. It is often incomprehensible to outsiders because they see it from a culture-based way of thinking. In this case, close communication with locals will help them understand the reasons and nature of such behavior and culture. And the right time is also important. In the past, Wal-Mart, a global retailer, failed in South Korea. However, Costco's Yangjae is said to be the number one sales store in the world. As such, I think that we need to have a good understanding, communication, and timing to succeed in Glocalization.

I think one of the other implications of globalization is that we have to solve the problems that the world is experiencing together. Just as the Covid 19 must be overcame through cooperation between nations. The problem of a nation is no longer just its own. It's a problem for all of us. It means that the boundaries of the problem between countries have been removed. The problems of hunger, refugees, women's rights and environmental pollution around the world have become universal, not just those of a particular country. I believe that we can overcome the crisis and create a better world together through cooperation between countries and individuals, although increasingly difficult and difficult problems arise. Including the Covid 19 situation, of course. I hope that Covid 19 patients and those who suffered damage from all over the world will cheer up.

3)

Recently, I read a book called Factfulness. I didn't finish reading it, but I read that the quality of life of people around the world has improved a lot. The world is better than we think, and it is said that people are getting medical benefits and women are getting education more.(of course, both have exceptions) I think this phenomenon stems from globalization. Many people would still be unfortunate if they insisted on being isolated.

However, there are more and more National Preferentialism leaders around the world. Some presidents say migrants take jobs from their local people and increase social costs. But was there any utility created by various immigrants? And some presidents declare a trade war insisting they lose money for trading with the world. Huawei, a Chinese company, is under U.S. sanctions. But is America's damage really true? Facts may change when considering trade and finance as a whole. What are the benefits and costs of globalization?

Slowbalization is a compound word of "slow" and "globalization," which means slowing globalization because of the spread of domestic priority and protectionism. I hope we can think about the pros and cons of slowbalizaiton together. Also, after the Covid 19 era, globalization will be different from now on. At present, the business industry of offshoring has developed in search of cheap labor wages. How will the model of the globalized business change after the Covid 19 things?

South Korea also had a big debate on whether to accept migrants. Many people rejected it. The mixing of many races and many cultures together is one of the trends of globalization. When I was young, I was also educated that Korea was a homogeneous nation. But does a homogeneous nation and people actually exist? Also, how will you define the concept of ethnicity? Ethnicity is also an abstract concept. Based on ethnicity, the country and ethnic community often forces patriotism and sacrifices. Imperialistic thinking also began with extreme ethnicity. Of course, a certain degree of patriotism evokes a net function in society. I think we should reconsider the meaning of ethnicity and patriotism in the era of globalization.

And what are the marginalized groups in the age of globalization? And what can we do for them? I hope we can think about and practice together based on anthropological thinking.