What is globalization? Characteristics, advantages and disadvantages

You've probably heard the word "globalization" numerous times.. Many of those occasions, perhaps on trips. That is, getting to know other cultures and other countries.

Especially if you belong to the 'X' generation (people born between the 60s and up to the early 80s) or the millennial generation (born between the 1980s and the year 2000), it is very likely that you relate the concept of globalization to "unification of cultures and ideas ".

Here we will see where the word comes from, when and in which regions this phenomenon began to originate, and the pros and cons of this very dynamic process.

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What is globalization?

The concept of globalization today is closely associated with seeing the world and that they are increasingly appreciated similar things in all countries: catenas d restaurants, clothing brands, technology companies, languages, etc. It could be said that globalization is associated with socio-cultural aspects, although it is true that globalization is a slightly more complex concept. In essence,

contemplates the fact of communication and relationship between the different countries, either at a cultural or social level

The concept of globalization refers to a process at the economic, technological, political, cultural and social level on a global scale. In this process, there is growing communication between the different countries of the world, favoring the market unions, cultural unions, social unions, through a set of social transformations and policies.

In this process, each society and each culture is understood as something "global". This process is a dynamic change that is carried out by society itself, accompanied by a series of cultural modifications and also in the legal field (change of laws, approval of decrees ...) that are consistent with these changes.

When did this worldwide process begin?

It is known that globalization originated in western civilization (western countries) and that little by little and throughout the second half of the 20th century as well as the beginning of the 21st century, it has spread around the world.

The concept began to be used to refer to changes of an economic nature and basically characterized by the integration of local and small economies into a more global economy and big scale.

In this more large-scale economy, production and the characteristics of taking companies are decided to another level, with multinational companies playing a fundamental role. All this accompanied by the need for a consumer society.

As we have already mentioned, over the years this concept has spread to more cultural and social spheres.

Advantages and disadvantages of globalization

Like any dynamic process that has a clear impact on the policies of the countries and the inhabitants of These, there are movements that oppose this process, as well as other social sectors that support it and defend.

Next, we will mention some of these pros and cons of globalization that have been postulated by experts on the subject of globalization.

1. Pros

Certain political aspects state that high levels of political and economic freedoms have been important in the developed world and have resulted in high levels of material wealth.

Furthermore, the free trade characteristic of the globalization process has impacted on increased economic prosperity and job opportunities in geographical terms. Thus, there is higher production, lower prices, more jobs, and a better standard of living, especially for people living in developing countries.

It has also been said that communication and agreements between countries reduce income inequality.

In more political areas, the presence of democracy and equality before the law has increased Furthermore, women's rights have advanced, putting universal suffrage as a turning point, from which women could now vote.

On the other hand, and at the health and social level, life expectancy has greatly increased, due to these communications between countries in medical and technological areas. In addition, there is less and less difference between the life expectancy of developing countries and developed countries.

Regarding access to electricity, radios, telephones, cars, even basic aspects such as access to drinking water or education, there is less and less inequality.

At the cultural level, there is a gain in terms of information exchange. Shared knowledge enriches everyone, also facilitating coexistence between different cultures.

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2. Cons

Regarding negative aspects of globalization, they are mainly attributed to cultural homogeneity, loss of identity and economic inequality. That is, societies are increasingly similar to each other, with the same cultural tastes, fashions, etc.

Regarding culture, it happens that minority languages ​​are at greater risk of disappearance or, at least, of loss of influence in their territories.

Finally, in terms of the economic aspect, one of the most important aspects of globalization would be the fact that many national companies go to countries where production costs are lower. This fact makes the jobs of the initial country disappear, so this has an impact on an increase in unemployment and a cheaper workforce.

This has caused inequalities to grow, and thus, small national companies and professionals The self-employed have seen their income jeopardized and consequently workers in general have lost capacity acquisitive.

A massive influence in all countries

It is evident that societies evolve, develop, and with this inevitably the world moves in a slightly common direction.

At a more social level, globalization has given value to the fact of respecting the local within a global context. On a human level, the globalization process can be positive to feel in a world of more of all, more common and to gain respect and tolerance towards other people belonging to other societies or cultures.

During 2016, UNESCO supported the cause for various countries to design flags in favor of peace. These designs would be carried out by relevant artists and graphic designers from each country.

The idea was born due to the difficulty of consensus on a single flag, since symbols, concepts of peace and even colors have different meanings in different cultures. And this was one of the most emotional consequences of globalization.

Bibliographic references:

• Barea, M. and Billón, M. (2002): Globalization and the new economy. Madrid: Editions Meeting.
• ECLAC (2002): Globalization and development. Santiago de Chile: ECLAC.
• Guillochon, B. (2003): Globalization: a future for all? Paris: Larousse.