How do you understand the Contemporary world?
Through the years, humans have made tremendous achievements in technological advances such as mobile phones, and airplanes thus leading to the growth in transport and networks of communication. Such huge technological strides have made it easier for the exchange of information and goods easily and quickly between people and countries through globalization. Globalization in the contemporary world can, therefore, be defined as the widening and the speeding up of interconnectedness globally in all the spheres of modern social life. These encompass information technology, worldwide interaction, international trade, and investment and cultures among people across various countries.
Globalization is a multidimensional complex phenomenon that covers the various technological, political, social, and economic aspects of the modern world. Globalization has technically led to the advancements in the information technology sector leading to the flow of information across nations hence increasing awareness among the population. This phenomenon has also boosted the economy of various countries by making the exchange of goods and services across borders less complicated. The political activities of various countries have now been shifted to a worldwide level through interstate organizations such as the United Nations. These institutions have in turn served their right purpose by reducing international tensions and limiting the probability of occurrence of large-scale conflict by promoting human rights. It is, therefore, impractical to refute the existence of globalization in the modern world.
However, it is critical to realize that globalization does not solely stem from technological advancements but also choices of policy. The policies instituted by the various governments have been put in place to maximize the benefits of globalization while minimizing the risks associated with it. For instance, rather than tapping the abundant unskilled labor, governments have put in place the resources to ensure that the citizens are equipped with the relevant skills through education before proceeding to produce whatever is useful to the benefit of the economy.
Are you in favor of globalization? Why?
Owing to the massive technological strides and international cooperation made through the centuries, the world is now more linked than before. Through the years, countries have built economic partnerships that have facilitated the increasing interdependence of the economies of the world, information, and people to simplify these movements. As such, neighborhoods have become clustered based on common and political interests rather than the communal humanity resulting in groups being further apart than ever before. Despite being politically charged, the numerous impacts of globalization are intricate and detailed and can benefit society as a whole while harming certain groups.
Globalization benefits the wealthy while disadvantaging the poor. In certain countries, value-added tax and tariffs over 25% exist due to border restrictions making it harder to achieve the benefits of globalization. This makes it easier for individuals with money to invest and those with power to dictate policy reap substantial rewards while those living from paychecks to paychecks unable to acquire their necessities hence suppressing their ability to pursue better options. In countries like India and China, for instance, the increasing urban-rural divide has been linked to globalization. The economical inequalities have led to financial instability in these countries hence the social and political tensions.
Due to the simplification of global travel, globalization would encourage the transfer of diseases between countries. Despite the policies and regulations put in place to control the spread of infectious diseases, globalization, and the modern modes of transport have made people more vulnerable to these illnesses. The outcome of globalization is even more evident and profound at this time when the world has been stricken by coronavirus. Inter-state travels have been the major cause of the spread of the coronavirus owing to the movements by people to places where exposures were previously minimal. Countries have, however, imposed border regulations and have as a result hurt the economy by limiting the movement of people and goods.
Is globalization really necessary? Why?
In the modern world, globalization encompasses a wide range of economic, political, and cultural changes. Despite having disadvantages, it’s numerous advantages in technology, politically and the economy cannot be ignored. Throughout human history, people have been traveling to and from countries hence contributing to the culture of others. However, throughout the years of globalization where prevalent trade with other countries was widespread, the essence of these countries never changed. The ideologies, views, social life, and the economy of these countries never changed. The societies that existed then had everything they needed to survive and globalization just enhanced but did not detract it. This ancient phenomenon is on a dramatic rise and has unprecedented dire effects on contemporary society. Even with all these advancements that have been achieved materially and intellectually, the modern world is still torn apart on the necessity of globalization.
Before globalization in the contemporary world, countries were self-sufficient proving that globalization is not a major factor for prosperity. However, this is no longer the case after the degrees of globalization witnessed in the contemporary world. Globalization has become rooted in the modern world that multiple countries would find it hard to survive without it. Nevertheless, the damaging results that globalization perpetuates cannot be overlooked. While it erodes the sovereignty of third world countries, it benefits the developed countries.
The social effects of globalization like homogeneity are also advantageous globally. Globalization encourages homogeneity in beliefs, stereotypes, policies, and ideologies by ensuring that nations conform and aspire to reach certain standards. Although it can be argued as a destroyer of uniqueness by eradicating the beliefs and culture that binds people together, it’s developmental nature that modernizes nations cannot be passed over. This phenomenon, therefore, has benefits and consequences in equal measure and its necessity cannot be wholly determined. From the evidence presented, one can easily deduce that globalization is critical to the survival of humanity in the contemporary world.
If you were a leader of a developed country, would you be in favor of globalization or not? Why?
In the developing world, globalization through trade has led to massive technological progress and the economic growth made. As per the statistics by the World Bank, trade has been key in reducing the number of households living under the poverty line since 1990. These advancements are impressive but cannot be termed as permanent should the developed countries close their borders and global markets from the poorest countries in the world. As such, globalization flourishes in developed countries and it would be impractical for the leaders of these countries not to put in policies and regulations that are not in favor of globalization.
Numerous studies have been conducted to study the relationship between globalization and the economy in developed countries. One of the studies, for instance, focused on 7 developed counties and the findings illustrated that in the 1990s, the real incomes and outputs in these developed nations grew four times faster than the inward-looking economies output. Such studies, therefore, demonstrate that these countries globalized and grew hence the reduction in the poverty levels.
In these developed countries, measures have been put in place to ensure that the forces of globalization do not turn into conflict. This is through the formulation of measures and policies that ensure that these forces are conducted in open environments under clear rules. In most countries, for instance, petroleum reserves are on the verge of depletion. Globalization has, in turn, made it easier for countries to meet their constant demand for energy. If globalization is repressed, an energy crisis would likely occur hence the need to get right the domestic and international policies that make trade easier. This analysis demonstrates the effects of globalization on developed countries and it would, therefore, be impractical for the leader of a developed country to ignore the benefits that globalization would likely complement to their economy.
What is your take on Globalization in Education?
In the contemporary world, globalization is a multifaceted phenomenon with widespread effects hence the numerous controversial connotations. While some may term it as a cause of societal ills, others find it to be an appealing and benevolent force that has brought about economic successes globally. However, what cannot be ignored is the opportunities that globalization has created for sharing knowledge and social values across different cultures. Education is a major concern in the modern world and globalization has played a major role in the revolution of education through the years. The world economy is growing competitive day by day and not only does it require individuals with traditional knowledge but also those capable of acquiring new skills presented to them. The public can, therefore, only benefit from globalization if the governments can assign adequate resources to education and come up with an institutional framework that ensures widespread admittance and opportunity.
Education gaps are wider in developing and developed countries with industrialized countries having a constant problem of low skills and illiteracy. While inequality in access to education may deteriorate the economic distribution and lead to unequal wages, those lacking skills in industrialized countries may be disadvantaged in the competitive worldwide market. Previous studies show that countries that have reaped substantially from globalization have invested in training systems and education. These countries developed a national qualifications framework that was key in their participation in the global economy by facilitating lifelong learning and guiding individuals to the careers of their choices. Through national programs initiated by the government, it has been able to recognize and upgrade the skills of workers in the informal economy while training workers without formal education to accommodate them.
What is multiculturalism to you? Why?
Throughout human history, cultural diversity has been present. In the Ottoman Empire, for instance, the Muslims were the majority group but there existed Jews, pagans, and Christians among other religious groups. In the modern world, patterns of cultural diversity can still be observed with numerous societies having individuals with diverse religious affiliations and races and even linguistic backgrounds. Multiculturism can, therefore, be defined as the existence and acceptance of numerous cultures perceived to be politically relevant where cultures refer to the religious, cultural, and racial groups.
Other than this, multiculturalism in the 21st century has been used to refer to the specific type of policies that are aimed at defending cultural diversity. In this respect, these policies demand that minority groups residing within a leading political culture receive a special byline due to their differences. These policies vary widely ranging from policies that promote the maintenance of cultural diversity to policies and ideologies that advocate for equality within the diverse cultures in these societies. Other policies instituted advocate that certain religious and ethnic groups be addressed by leaders as well-defined by these cultural groups. Through the policies and strategies instituted by the government, two distinct and varying strategies have emerged. While interculturalism focuses on the interaction between diverse cultures, another policy focuses on diversity and the uniqueness within cultures that can sometimes result in competition between cultures leading to ethnic conflict.
However, multiculturism stands as an obstacle to liberal democracy. Liberal democracy demands that all individuals be treated equally and fairly under the law by shunning from the political, cultural, and economic positions held within the society. Even though liberal democracy urges for equality of citizens, it tends to not acknowledge the inequality within citizens in society. It is vital to realize that diverse cultures can still reside collectively while maintaining their specific identities.
If you were looking for a community to live in, would you live in a diversified community or a pure community? Why?
The topic of cultural diversity is still one of the hot debates in the world despite many experts advising in positive terms its benefits to society. While certain individuals can describe the experience of living within diversified communities as fulfilling and enlightening, others may cite the mistrust existing in such societies. However, the programs and events organized in these communities to foster a deeper understanding of individual origin while exploring and appreciating other cultures cannot be refuted. One such instance is campuses and colleges across a country. Colleges and campuses attract students from a wide range of backgrounds involving diverse religious, cultural, and other factors.
Diversity makes the citizens of a country better by helping them understand each other well. When individuals interact in their day-to-day activities, they consider the perspective and ideas of others and are equipped to become better and participate evocatively in society. A study conducted using data from the Gallup World Poll in 2012 aimed at investigating whether individuals from diverse countries had helped strangers in the past. Through priming as a psychological method, the study found out that individuals that lived in diverse communities had expanded their identities and they were, therefore, more ready to help a stranger. Although the findings of this study do not demonstrate definitively the positive effects of diversity, it offers an encouraging view into the positivity relayed into these communities by diversity.
Regardless of the positive benefits that diversity may have on communities, American political scientist Robert Putnam firmly believes that diversity leads to mistrust within communities mainly associated with individuals living in racially mixed communities and those with income disparities of high degrees. While ethnic origins and religious beliefs do not significantly affect trust, the study illustrated evidence that diversity indeed creates mistrust in society.