Globalization is all the economic, political and social dynamics that lead to greater interdependence between States and to a more flexible relationship, with the aim of achieving a greater and more efficient commercial and technological exchange, which in turn has a profound impact. in socio-cultural processes.
Like any historical process, globalization has a series of advantages and disadvantages that are linked to a series of factors that seem to be disconnected from each other, but are actually linked.
The union of the States to create economic blocs, massive migrations, the development of technology and its accessibility are just some of the aspects to consider to gauge the impact of globalization in the world, both from the positive and negative aspects.
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Index
Advantages of globalization
Globalization has generated greater openness in economic, social, technological and cultural terms that has brought benefits to States and their citizens, such as:
Greater and more efficient economic exchange
The circulation and exchange of products and services around the world have stimulated new economic and commercial policies that standardize many previously complicated processes.
This has resulted in a greater variety in the commercial offer, which encourages consumption and stimulates the economy.
See also Foreign trade and international trade .
Technological exchange
Before globalization, emerging economies and underdeveloped countries could take a long time to access cutting-edge technologies. This implied a delay in production terms, further deepening the gap with developed countries.
Globalization has allowed greater and easier access to technological resources that have a positive impact not only on the economy but also in other areas, such as the education or health systems of countries in disadvantaged conditions.
This, in sum, stimulates development, inventiveness and innovation, which contributes to progress.
See also:
Cultural diversity
Globalization has generated new waves of migration and displacement of citizens for multiple reasons (political, social, labor). This has generated a greater openness towards cultural manifestations that were previously unknown, as well as a greater understanding and respect for diversity.
This exchange is often expressed in a multiculturalism that is now seen as a daily social phenomenon, especially in large cities.
Greater linguistic richness
Multiculturalism and access to foreign technologies and content has had a profound impact on the language and the ways we communicate.
Nowadays it is very common to use foreign words or expressions, as well as to have a second language (generally, English), which expands the personal, academic and professional possibilities of the new generations.
Greater scope of Human Rights
Most of the countries of the world are subscribed to international conventions or treaties inherent to respect for Human Rights, either through their main promoter, the United Nations, or similar organizations.
See also Human Rights and individual guarantees.
Global communication
Today, thanks to the development of the web and the rapid evolution of telecommunications (favored precisely by the commercial advantages that globalization offers), it is possible to communicate instantly and efficiently from practically anywhere in the world.
In addition, the globalization of markets has generated a greater interest in news and current events in world terms, since what happens in one point of the planet can have positive or negative repercussions on the economy or international relations.
See also Advantages and disadvantages of the internet.
Stimulus to tourism
The expansion of maritime, air and land routes stimulated by globalization has boosted tourism in recent decades.
In addition, easy access to information about the chosen destination, and the possibility of handling money digitally contribute to the expansion of this phenomenon.
Tourism, in turn, becomes a way of supporting local economies and promoting cultural exchange.
Disadvantages of globalization
The creation of commercial alliances between nations and the massive displacement of the population that has driven globalization has also brought with it some negative aspects that have a direct impact on the lives of citizens.
Increase in interventionist practices
The fact that countries are linked to each other by international agreements or conventions increases the chances that they will respect the agreements, but it also exposes them to sanctions or interventionist practices.
This can endanger the sovereignty of countries, in addition to exposing their citizens to the consequences of such practices.
Disappearance of local culture and national identity
In an increasingly multicultural world, the loss of the notion of identity becomes palpable, giving way to transculturation.
Although cultural diversity is not a negative fact in itself, it is the invisibility and even disappearance of cultural manifestations and practices that are part of the identity of a nation.
In this sense, the tendency is that those expressions belonging to minority ethnic cultures or groups tend to disappear, being replaced or displaced by a dominant culture, which is generally of foreign origin.
What is even more worrying is that this phenomenon is being exploited by radical political expressions that, far from generating well-being, contribute to generating political and social division.
See also Difference between acculturation and transculturation.
Increase in the inequality gap
Globalization brought with it the expansion of capitalism, which promotes a free market economy and a minimum level of interventionism by the state.
This has resulted in the concentration of capital in global business conglomerates, to the detriment of local small and medium-sized companies and contributing to increasing unemployment levels in the world.
In addition, the labor practices stimulated by capitalism on many occasions have generated a precariousness of working conditions and with it, a decline in the quality of life of the productive population.
Lower cost of labor due to technological development
The use of technology for industrial purposes has contributed significantly to increasing the production of various items throughout the world, which drives economic development. However, the use of technology on a large scale, especially in agriculture, has led to a decline in the quantity and quality of local labor.
Environmental degradation on a global scale
The disproportionate increase in the production of goods and consumption, generates a series of problems that affect the environment. From the use of chemicals in the textile industry to the inconveniences generated by the amount of plastic and technological waste, to name a few, without counting on deforestation for the exploitation of wood or soil.
On the other hand, the increase in tourism to places that were previously little known has caused serious and in some cases irreparable damage to many ecosystems.
Main characteristics of globalization
- Privatization of State companies , especially those dedicated to the administration of public services.
- Process industrialization , which helps mass production and lowers costs.
- Standardization of processes and norms so that products and services are functional in multiple countries.
- Increase in consumption , driven by higher production of goods.
- Formation of commercial alliances between countries to form commercial blocs (European Union, Mercosur).
- Precariousness of unskilled labor .
- Faster and more efficient communication , which influences large-scale economic decision making.
- Emergence of new work models (remote jobs).
