What is globalization? Characteristics, advantages and disadvantages

A summary of what it means to live in a world based on globalization.

You have probably heard the word "globalization" on numerous occasions.. Many of those occasions, perhaps while traveling. That is, getting to know other cultures and other countries.

Especially if you belong to generation 'X' (people born between the 1960s and the early 1980s) or millennial generation (born between the 1980s and the year 2000), it is very likely that you relate the concept of globalization with "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 dynamic process.

What is globalization?

The concept of globalization today is very much associated with seeing the world and the fact that more and more similar things are appreciated in all countries: 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, it refers to the fact of communication and relationship between different countries, either culturally or socially.whether at a cultural or social level.

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

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 sphere (change of laws, approval of decrees, etc.). (change of laws, approval of decrees...) that go hand in hand 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, globalization century and the beginning of the 21st century, it has been spreading around the world.

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

In this more large-scale economy, production and the characteristics of running businesses are decided at a different level.The multinational companies play a fundamental role. All this accompanied by the need for a consumer society.

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

Advantages and disadvantages of globalization

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

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

1. Pros

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

In addition, the free trade that is characteristic of the globalization process has impacted an increase in economic prosperity and job opportunities in terms of geography. in geographic terms. Thus, there is increased production, lower prices, more jobs, and higher living standards, especially for people living in developing countries.

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

In more political areas, the presence of democracy and equality before the law has increased and women's rights have been and women's rights have also advanced, with universal suffrage as a turning point, since when women have been able to vote.

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

In terms of access to electricity, radios, telephones, automobiles, even basic aspects such as access to drinking water or education, there is less and less inequality.

On a cultural level, there is a gain in terms of information exchange. Shared knowledge enriches everyone.It also facilitates the coexistence of different cultures.

2. Cons

As for the negative aspects of globalization, they are mainly attributed to cultural homogeneity, loss of identity and economic inequality.. In other words, societies are becoming more and more similar to each other, with the same cultural tastes, fashions, etc.

In terms of culture, minority languages are at greater risk of disappearing or, at least, of losing influence in their territories.

Finally, on the economic side, one of the most important aspects of globalization would be the fact that many domestic companies are moving to countries where production costs are lower. many domestic companies are moving to countries where production costs are lower.. This fact makes the jobs of the initial country disappear, so this leads to an increase in unemployment and a reduction in the cost of labor.

This has led to growing inequalities, and thus, small national companies and self-employed professionals have seen their incomes endangered and consequently workers in general have lost purchasing power.

A massive influence in all countries

Clearly, societies are evolving and developing, and the world is inevitably moving in a slightly common direction.

On a more social level, globalization has given value to respecting the local in a global context.. On a human level, the process of globalization can be positive to feel in a more common world, 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 out of the difficulty of consensus on a single flag, as symbols, concepts of peace and even colors have different meanings in different cultures. And this was one of the most emotional consequences of globalization.

Bibliographical references:

• Barea, M. and Billón, M. (2002): Globalización y nueva economía. Madrid: Encuentro Ediciones.
• ECLAC (2002): Globalización y desarrollo. Santiago de Chile: CEPAL.
• Guillochon, B. (2003): La globalización: ¿un futuro para todos? Paris: Larousse.