What is globalization— Jo YeSeul 조예슬

 

1. Summary

Before studying globalization in class, I mainly understood it as an economic process that expands trade and markets across national borders. However, through the readings, I realized that globalization is a much broader and more complex concept. It includes not only economic factors but also cultural, social, political, and even individual dimensions. Because of this complexity, globalization does not have a single fixed definition.

Robertson and White describe globalization as an essentially contested concept, meaning that it is continuously redefined. Rather than focusing on one meaning, globalization can be understood through its core characteristic of connection. Advances in transportation, communication, and digital technology have strengthened connections between people and societies, leading individuals to perceive the world as a shared space rather than separate nations. In this sense, globalization is a dynamic process shaped by human interaction and everyday practices.

2. New and Interesting Points

One point I found particularly interesting is the idea that globalization consists of both connectivity and global consciousness. Connectivity refers to visible networks such as trade, media, and migration, while global consciousness describes an internal awareness of being connected to the wider world. This perspective helped me understand globalization not only as a macro-level phenomenon but also as something that operates on the level of individuals.

I was also surprised to learn that globalization does not always lead to cultural homogenization. Through the concept of glocalization, I realized that global and local elements often coexist. For example, global brands adapting their products to local tastes show that globalization can reinforce diversity rather than eliminate it. This challenged my earlier assumption that globalization mainly spreads the culture of dominant countries.

3. Concerns and Discussion Questions

Despite its positive aspects, I question whether globalization always benefits everyone equally. While globalization aims to promote cooperation and prosperity, it cannot guarantee well-being for all individuals. Since people live in different social and economic conditions, some are inevitably marginalized in the process, even though individuals are considered the core of globalization.

Additionally, recent trends such as rising nationalism and anti-immigration movements raise concerns about the future of globalization. This leads me to wonder whether globalization is a stable and irreversible process. I would also like to ask whether the concept of globalization has been too heavily shaped by Western perspectives, and if rethinking it from non-Western or decolonial viewpoints could provide a more balanced understanding.


I used AI only when I had difficulties with translation and for minor sentence refinement. The analysis, structure, and content of this blog post are based on my own understanding of the course materials.

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