Globalisation
Class XII
Political science
Part-A
Globalisation provides new dimensions for wider markets, the possibility of producing and marketing a larger range of goods, increasing chances for attracting capitals and access to high technologies. Globalisation is a multi-dimensional concept having political, economic and cultural manifestations.
Meaning of Globalisation
Globalisation refers to the flow of ideas, moving from one part of the world to another, capital shunted (moved) between two or more places commodities being traded across borders and people moving in search of livelihoods to different parts of the world. It leads to worldwide interconnectedness that is created and sustained as an outcome of these constant flows.
It is multi-dimensional in nature which consists of political, economic and cultural manifestations. The impact of globalisation is uneven as it is not based on general conclusions within different societies. Every society is impacted in a different manner like some societies are impacted more than others.
Causes of Globalisation
Globalisation is not caused by any single factor, technology remains an indispensable element. It is the most prominent cause of globalisation. Invention of printing, microchips, telephone and internet has revolutionised communication between different parts of the world.
When printing initially came into being it laid the basis for the creation of nationalism. So also today we should expect that technology will affect the way we think of our personal but also our collective lives.
With the help of the technological inventions the ability of ideas, capital, commodities and people to move more easily from one part of the world to another. The pace of these flows may vary. For example, the movement of capital and commodities will most likely be quicker and wider than the movement of peoples across different parts of the world.
Globalisation, has not emerged merely because of the availability of improved communications. Interconnectedness is an important aspect for people in different parts of the world to recognise these interconnections with the rest of the world.
Currently, we are aware of the fact that events taking place in one part of the world could have an impact on another part of the world. For example, the Bird flu or tsunami is not confined to any particular nation. It does not respect national boundaries. Similarly, when major economic events take place, their impact is felt outside their immediate local, national or regional environment at the global level.
Manifestations of Globalisation
The manifestations of globalisation include the spatial industries across borders, the spread of financial markets. reorganisation of production, the interpenetration of
countries, massive transfers of population-mainly within the diffusion of identical consumer goods to distant the South as well as from the South and the East to the West and an emerging worldwide (though not universal) preference for democracy."
Globalisation consists of political, economic and cultural manifestations that are discussed below
Political Manifestations
One of the debates that has arisen as a result of current globalisation processes refer to its continued political
impact. Some of the discussions related to it are given below Globalisation results in decline of state capacity as the ability of the government to perform tasks gets reduced.
Globalisation has impacted the way the state functions and set international standards that have to be adhered to in order to keep up with the wave of economic growth through assistance from organisations such as the World Bank and IMF.
The old 'welfare state' is now giving way to the political philosophy of minimum interference in which state performs certain core functions such as maintenance of law and order and the security of its citizens.
Sometimes, welfare functions directed at economic and social well-being are withdrawn by the state due to globalisation.
Market becomes a prime determinant to settle down social and economic priorities in place of welfare.
The increased role of multinational companies all over the world leads to a reduction in the capacity of governments to take decisions on their own.
Economic Manifestations
While not everything about the economic aspects of globalisation is known, the factor determines a substantial
part of content and direction of current globalisation debates are given below
Globalisation involves greater economic flows among various countries of the world.
It has enhanced trade in commodities among different countries of the world.
Economic globalisation draws our attention to the role of international institutions like IMF and WTO in determining economic policies across the world. Yet, globalisation must not be viewed in such narrow terms.
Economic globalisation involves many actors other than these international institutions.
A much broader way of understanding of economic globalisation requires us to look at the distribution of economic gains i.e. who gets the most from globalisation and who gets less, indeed who loses from it.
Greater economic flows among different countries of the world are usually promoted through economic globalisation. Some of this is voluntary and some forced by international institutions and powerful countries. This flow or exchange can take various forms i.e. commodities, capital, people and ideas.
The restrictions on the imports and movements of capital have also been reduced which facilitates free flow of trade. It means that investors in the rich countries can invest their money in countries other than their own including developing countries.
It has also led to the flow of ideas across national boundaries like the spread of internet and computer-related services.
Globalisation hasn't led to increase in the movement of people especially in the developed countries which guarded their borders with visa policies to ensure the job security of their own citizens.
Cultural Manifestations
Cultural manifestations refers to the impact of globalisation in what we eat, wear, drink and think. The cultural effect of globalisation poses a threat to different cultures in the world other than Western culture. The cultural manifestations of globalisation consist of two concepts. These are
(i) Cultural Homogenisation
It is an important aspect of cultural globalisation. It refers to the rise of uniform culture or different cultural practices into one common culture. Although, rise of a uniform culture is not the emergence of a global culture that means imposition of Western culture on the rest of the world.
For example, the popularity of American culture like McDonalds, Blue Jeans and Hollywood movies has been dominant across the globe. Thus, the culture of the politically and economically dominant society leaves its imprint on a less powerful society and the world begins to look more like the dominant power wishes it to be. This is dangerous for humanity as it leads to the shrinking of the rich cultural heritage of the entire globe.
But cultural manifestations of globalisation are not always negative in nature as sometimes external culture influences simply enlarge our choices and sometimes they modify our culture without posing any real challenge. For example, burger is not a substitute for a masala dosa therefore, does not pose any real challenge. It is simply added on to our food choices. Blue jeans, on the other hand, can go well with a homespun khadi kurta. Here the outcome of outside influence is a new combination that is unique a khadi kurta worn over jeans.
(ii) Cultural Heterogenisation
Cultural homogenisation is an aspect of Globalisation which also generates an opposite effect. The process leads to each culture becoming more different and distinctive in nature. This phenomenon is defined as cultural heterogenisation.
Debates on Globalisation: Economic and Political
Economic Aspects
1. Economic globalisation has led to different opinions across the world. Advocates of social justice are concerned about the state withdrawal from certain aspects which only benefits a small section of the population.
2. On the other hand, people who are dependent on the government for jobs and welfare e.g. education, health, sanitation etc. aren't assured of these benefits. These advocates held that institutional safeguards must be ensured to minimise the negative effects of globalisation on the economically weaker sections.
3. Many movements felt that institutional safeguards or 'social safety nets' are insufficient all over the world. They although held that forced economic globalisation should be discontinued as it will ruin the weaker countries economically. Some economists have described economic globalisation as re-colonisation of the world.
4. The advocates in favour of economic globalisation states that it generates greater economic growth and well-being for large section.
Political Aspects
Some scholars believed that globalisation is now a forceful process that is unlikely to be reversed. Developing countries and their ability to influence prevailing world trends is rather limited in approach.
The challenge for these countries and regions is therefore to find their own responses to the overall trends of globalisation.
In spite of differences between Western and the other countries of the world, there are convincing arguments that call each region of the world to be involved in a broad and deep debate on the behaviour of present globalising world and to design a strategy on how to cope up with the challenges of globalisation.
Some scholars held that government in developing countries need to establish rules that include openness, transparency and credibility in government action as well as absence of bureaucratic interference, discretionary regulations and corruption.
Introduction of these mechanisms will help in efficient functioning of market forces. This would also reduce the perception of risk and thereby help to attract investments.
India and Globalisation
Globalisation has occurred in different parts of the world at different times in history. Flows of wealth, commodities, ideas and people can be traced back several countries in Indian history.
During the colonial period, as a consequence of Britain's imperial ambitions, India became an exporter of primary goods and raw materials and a consumer of finished goods. After independence, because of this experience with the British, we decided to make things ourselves rather than relying on others. We also decided not to allow others to export to us so that our own producers could learn to make things.
This protectionism generated its own problems. While some advances were made in certain arenas, critical sectors such as health, housing and primary education did not receive the attention they deserved. India had a fairly sluggish rate of economic growth.
Globalisation has affected India economically, socially and culturally. India removed restrictions on imports of goods after adopting New Economic Policy in 1991; which also boosted the investors to invest in India. Foreign Direct Investment has increased the production of goods and services and it has also enhanced foreign exchange reserves.
The European and USA culture spreaded in India after adoption of globalisation which bring about changes in food habits and dressing style.
Families are converting from joint to nuclear
Information technology and space technology have been enhanced after globalisation.
India have been also participating in trade and commerce with other nations. India plays a leadership role at many other places.
However, in India resistance to globalisation has come from various quaters like Trade Unions of industrial work force and through social movements.
While it is too early to assess how beneficial this has been for India, the final test is ensuring that the advantages of progress are shared so that everyone benefits.
Resistance to Globalisation
1. Critics of globalisation make a variety of arguments. Those on the left argue that contemporary globalisation represents a particular phase of global capitalism that makes the rich and the poor poorer.
2. Politically, critics of globalisation also fear the weaking of the state.
3.They want a return to self-reliance and protectionism at least in sure regions of the financial system.
4.Movements (Anti globalisation) too participate in global network, allying with those who feel like them in other countries.
5. At the WTO ministerial meeting there were widespread protests at seattle alleging unfair trading practices by the economically powerful states. It was argued, the interests of the developing world were not given sufficent importance in the evolving global economic system.
6. WSF is a global platform bringing together human rights activists, enviromentalists, labour youth and women activitists opposed to neo liberal globalisation.
India and Resistance to Globalisation
1. Resistance to globalisation in Indian has come from different quaters.
2. Political parties as well as Indian social forums, have expressed objection to economic liberalisation.
3.Resistance to globalisation also come from the political rights taking the shape of objecting specifically to various cultural impacts ranging from the availability of foreign T.V channels offer by cable, birthday celebration of Valetine's Day and westernisation of the get dressed.