George Ritzer - Globalization

Some scholars have noted that in spite of greater liquidity and ever-more flows of various types, flows do not necessarily go everywhere. Even when they do, they affect different places with varying degrees of intensity. Using another metaphor, it could be argued that globalization “hops” from one locale to another, rather than flowing evenly through all locales. While globalization flows more easily through the developed world, it bypasses many locales in the less developed world.

Disputes exist regarding the future development and expansion of globalization. Some view globalization as an inexorable process. But with a growing backlash to globalization today, and the effects of COVID-19, fewer see it as inevitable. Here, it is important to distinguish between globalization from above and globalization from below. Globalization from above is a process that is created and controlled by centralized and powerful actors, such as wealthy elites or MNCs (especially in the North). Globalization from below, which involves marginalized groups and social movements that struggle to make globalization benefit more people and for global processes to be more democratic, can serve to make the process less inevitable.

A difference of opinion exists between globaphiliacs and globaphobics. Globaphiliacs emphasize the positive aspects of globalization. They argue that globalization leads to great economic growth and a contingent spread of democratization and civil society. Globaphiliacs tend to deemphasize its negative aspects, particularly the people who have not been beneficiaries of the process. The globaphobics’ critiques of globalization are diverse, emerging not only from left and liberal quarters, but also from the conservative right. These critics emphasize the negative impact of globalization on the less well-off portions of the world’s population, or fear the threat to national culture and identity. Some scholars adopt a middle ground in these debates.

Large groups of people feel disadvantaged by various aspects of globalization. Some are of the opinion that globalization is an inexorable process. Others argue that not only can the process be slowed down, it can be stopped completely. Another view is that the problems existing in globalization are being addressed by major players as well as International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs). However, many activists feel that much more needs to be done to deal with the most problematic aspects of globalization.

1 Is the current era unique in terms of globalization? What factors contribute to or detract from this uniqueness?

2 In what ways is globalization a homogenizing process?

3 Define globalization from below. Is it capable of offering adequate resistance to the pressures created by globalization from above?

4 Discuss the different drivers of globalization. Are materialist factors more influential than ideational factors?

5 Is globalization an inexorable process? Should it be?

6 Does globalization lead to a “flat world”? Discuss.

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