Globalization Is A Good Thing

Globalization is defined as the increasingly interconnected and interdependent nature of communication systems, economies, cultures and politics of contemporary societies. The world has never been closer than it is today. Through the avenues of Internet, electronic communication, mass media and international businesses, the world seems to be getting smaller and different cultures closer every single day. Opinions on this phenomenon of a “global culture” differ vastly. Some view this interconnectivity as a positive, inspiring testament to human cooperation and goodwill. Others view this as an attack on international culture and an attempt to Westernize other countries. So which is it? Is a global culture a good or a bad thing?

Globalization is extremely beneficial for the global economy. Explains Michael Spence, Asian countries have been steadily modernizing and thus raising their standard of living.

Fostering the human capital in these countries has allowed them to create the  infrastructure, technology and education systems needed for economic expansion. Spence says these principles which started with Japan and are now catching on in more Asian nations, most notably in India, South America and even Africa and will continue to do so for the next 50 years or so.

Globalization has helped these countries to grow and advance in many different ways: economically, technologically, academically, etc. Economically, it is necessary for nations to mix their markets together because most nations operate interdependently. The bankruptcy of one nation would severely affect the economic situation of another. However, do these economic benefits outweigh the cultural costs?

This homogeneity of nations has caused the question tobe posed: would a single global culture result in a better world? In the poll, 73% of voters said no. Some rationalized that culture is a tradition and should be preserved. Others rationalized that lack of diversity would result in absolute chaos – a world akin to a dystopian science fiction novel. However, the 27% in favor of a global culture had one prominent argument in favor of globalization: it would make things much easier. Can ease and efficiency really justify the eradication of diverse cultures? Most would say no. However, does having a McDonald’s down the road really matter that much?

Ultimately, I believe that globalization is inescapable. Nations have become so interconnected that the loss of one would drastically affect the functionality of another. I believe that the interdependence of nations has improved the quality of life and economic stability of countries. Rather than actively resist the influence of global culture, perhaps we should instead embrace it. The preservation of diverse culture is, of course, extremely important. However, the concept of a world united under certain values has its share of benefits as well.