If a sociologist had proposed ten years ago to write a book about globalization, nowadays - it would’ve been a dull of apprehension!!!
What is actually globalization???
By globalization, we usually mean the process whereby societies, communities and individuals are increasingly interconnected around the world. Social processes in one part of the world impact on those in other parts.
Globalization can be equated with the collapse of so-called communism and the establishment of free markets on a truly international scale. Establishment of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the extent the European Union (EU) indicates the growth of new markets – the expansion of a world economy.
Equally, the growth of globalization can be seen in other terms than economic ones: growth of the United Nations (UN) as a “peace keeping” force, and the European Court of Human Rights, may serve as examples of modern international politics.
The cultural implications of globalization are of particular interest. Globalization is sometimes portrayed as a process in which the individual is helpless; a process through which the multi-national cultural conglomerates dominate popular culture across the world. We can see the cultural homogenization as the same fast-food, the same cola advertisements, the same fashions, the same satellite television shows and the same popular music proliferate around the world. The global reach of MTV- the Music Television is a very good illustration of the cultural homogenization.
We can see that the cultural choices we make - always have global consequences, in buying a new pair of trainers, for example. What means all this is that we depend on globalized systems, far removed from our own local control. We have no other choice than to trust the “expert systems” on which we depend.
The central idea of the process of globalization is: new international division of labour. This idea was developed by a group of scientists to explain the movement of corporations to the “third world”, because for capitalists the third world represents a source of cheap labour.
For many years there has been a debate about the best policy for a country to follow to industrialize itself successfully. Therefore, the developing countries should follow the lead that is given by the developed nations.
But, the next question is: whether the term “third world” is sill useful owing to the growing diversity of countries covered by it?!?
The emergence of the Newly Industrialized Countries has led to the end of the “Third Worldism” as an ideology - independent from the rest of the world!!!
While the newly industrialized countries enjoyed growth, many other parts of the globe haven’t benefited at all!!!
Liberal thinkers have argued that the main reason for the economic success of the newly industrializing countries lies in their adoption of the free market policies, applying consistent trade liberalization etc…
As well as the process of accelerated economic growth in the newly industrializing countries, appears to be associated with the expansion of the public sector and the role of the state. It hasn’t been “free enterprise” neither multinational capital which has led the process, but it was the deliberation and the persistent efforts of governments.
This shows up that the state control had overcome the market!!!
Globalization is not simply a phenomenon beloved of liberal thinkers, but it is about the world that is more and more integrated and that nationalism is no longer a suitable political response.
We all witness the rapid social changes.
Every new level of development causes new, more rapid and more frequent changes. At the beginning of history the changes were slower, long lasting and the vice versa… when we come to the modern society – the changes are more rapid and more frequent.
I will now illustrate the next example by Charles Walker about social acceleration:
“If the 240 000 years of human society development we compare with the time of one hour, man spent 55 minutes in the Paleolithic Age (Old Stone Age). 5 minutes ago started the Neolithic Age (New Stone Age). Then man started to grow plants, domesticate animals, he learned to use an arrow and bow; 3.5 minutes ago man started to make copper; 2.5 minutes ago he started to pour copper; 2 minutes ago man started to produce iron; 15 seconds ago he began publishing books, only 5 seconds ago the Industrial revolution started, 3 seconds ago man started to use electricity; and the period since he use cars, the TV, atomic energy – can be measured in the parts of a second.”
Warning speed isn’t it???
It’s a fact that society and social phenomena are constantly changing and they are in constant movement. But can we possibly follow them with their incredible speed!?!
Who can tell!!!
However, with regards to globalization it can only be said that: The world is just a small place that pulls you from every direction!!!
For those of us who want fulfillment out of life - Macedonia has a lot to offer!!!
So… till the next time – stay liberal – you live only once!!!
About the author:
Ana is 27; Born in Strumica, Macedonia (South-East Europe).She graduated Sociology on “St.Chyril and Methodius” University in Skopje -2004, and since then she is working for the Liberal-Democratic Party in her hometown.
She is involved in NGO’s as well! She likes to sing opera; her nick name during the childhood was Mozart!!! In the free time she is: swimming, running, traveling, meeting new people!!! You can contact Ana to aklepova@yahoo.com on English, Croatian, Bulgarian, Spanish and German!!!
About the organization:
LiDeM– Liberal-Democratic Youth of Macedonia is the youth organization of the Liberal Democratic Party of Macedonia with about 2650 members- young people from 18 to 30 years old. The target group is: graduate and post-graduate students, young professionals, young entrepreneurs etc. From its 10 years existence till now, LiDeM is organizing a lot of seminars and other activities in Macedonia and out of the country in cooperation with other Liberal-Democratic Youths from all over the world. The slogan is: Be Young, Be Cool, Be LiDeM!