R1) What is Globalization? / Juhee Kim

Summary

In this reading, the author ask and answer questions about “What is globalization?” 

Globalization is not comprehended by a single context. This is because there are numerous deviations in various contexts, including society, politics, and economy, and this cannot be ignored.  

Bellho (1997) argues that the globalization process is different in the community for scholars and observers, and the world from a global perspective. 

The concept of globalization in the early 2000s was described as a dichotomous concept. Because policies were mainly formulated by wealthy countries, they became capitalist societies, and important sociological factors were ignored among them. 

Behind the creation of the theory of globalization was a simple observation that the world was becoming more and more unified. However, social science played a role in adding uniqueness to the world bound by unity. In addition, social interaction and communication played a pivotal role in the globalization process. 

The author argues that although the main dimension of globalization can be defined as culture, society, politics and economy, communication must be included when referring to the social dimension. A representative example is the Polish peasantry case, which connected Thomas and Znanierki's Europe and America by communication between migrants and the migrants they left behind. 

The process of globalization can be summarized as such. 

• First, and most importantly, there is what can, for simplicity's sake, be called the international-systemic effect. 
• Second, there is the concept of humanity. 
• Third, there is another component which we have called (the totality of) independent self. 
• Finally, there is the procipal 'container' of human beings for man centrries, namily the Nation-state. 

Interesting Point

It is a debate about having to include nation-states in the process of globalization. 

In this reading, the participants in the debate are divided into pros and cons and enthusiastically discussed. 

In the affirmative's view, globalization is a process that has been challenged by a nation-states. In the opposition's view, the national anthem claims to be quickly undermined, especially by economic power. The author also argues that in favor of it, a nation-states should actually be included in globalization. Individual actions, broadly local cultures, are excluded from the whole culture because it directly leads to being ostracized and discriminated against in the whole culture. The most important thing is that it is necessary to deal globally with regional situations. Thus the true sociological or anthropological question becomes to examine how the relationship between local and global is actually carried out. 

Discussion

Is it desirable to view the unethical culture, customs and traditions of nation-states from a different cultural standpoint?