1. What is globalization? Different views
· Jan A. Scholte (2000): Globalization. A critical introduction.
· David Held (et al.): Global Transformations (1999)
- What is globalization? How should it be conceptualized?
- Does contemporary globalization represent a novel condition?
Note: all sociological concepts are used loosely and vaguely (class, culture, society, development etc.)
- Is globalization only about the economic?
Five ways to conceive globalization
Scholte (2000):
1) Globalization as internationalization
2) Globalization as liberalization
3) Globalization as universalization
4) Globalization as westernization or
modernization
5) Globalization as deterritorialization
- There are siginificant differences in the views on globalization
Different views on Globalization:
Held et al. (1999)
1) Hyperglobalizers: the ideology of “globalism”
(both supporters and critics)
2) Sceptics: globalization is a exaggerated
phenomenon
3) Transformationalists: globalization exists, but
it is replete with contradictions
Held (et al.):
Globalization is “a process (or set of processes), which embodies a transformation in the spatial organization of social relations and transactions – assessed in terms of their extensity. Intensity, velocity and impact – generating transcontinental or interregional flows and networks of activity, interaction and the exercise of power”
- The concept of Globalization implies:
1) Extensity of global networks
2) Intensity of global interconnectedness
3) Velocity of global flows
4) Impact propensity of global interconnectedness
How to approach globalization:
1) Globalization is a process or set of processes
2) Globalization embodies processes of structuration and stratification
3) Few areas of social life escape the reach of processes of globalization
4) Globalization is aterritorial
5) Globalization is about stretching of power relations
2. Historical forms of globalization
- Globalization is not a totally novel phenomenon, it has deep historical roots
- The continuities and discontinuities of different forms of globalization in history
Held (et al.):
Four phases of globalization:
1)Premodern globalization
- political and military empires, world
religions
2)Early modern globalization (circa 1500-1850)
- the spread of European empire and forming
of European modernity
3)Modern Globalization (circa 1850-1945)
- western economic power and cultural
influence exploded, the rise industrialism, the
rise of new infrastructure: new transport, new
information technologies etc.
4)Contemporary globalization (since 1945)
- globalization in all types of social and
economic activities, explosion of global flows
and networks.
3. Contemporary globalization
- What is new in contemporary globalization?
- Scholte: globalization has “accelerated”
Held (et al.):
Examples of the fundamental (and historically unparalleled) features of contemporary globalization:
- spatio-temporal: global flows, interactions and networks
- organizational: institutionalization and organization of world-wide social, political and economic power
- conjunctural: the unique confluence of globalizing influences
- reflexivity: worldwide consciousness of global interconnectedness
- contestation: growing awarness has also encouraged its contestation
- regionalization: dissolution of empires and regionalization of world economic, political and military relations
What causes contemporary globalization?
Four causal dynamics of globalization (Scholte):
1) The spread of rationalism as a dominant
knowledge framework
2) Certain turns in capitalist development
3) Technological innovations in communications
and data processing; and
4) The construction of enabling regulatory
frameworks