The Effects of Globalization in Developing Countries - Term Paper Example

? Effects of Globalization Various scholars and thinkers defined the concept of Globalizationin varied perspectives giving a thorough reflection of different schools of thought and interpretations. In the most generalized manner, globalization is referred to as a force or a factor that brings about gradual or a drastic change. This change might both disturb the uniformity of the ongoing circumstances of a society and take the people living there completely off guard or the people might be welcoming to the change and be contentedly adaptable. Thus, the result is the replacement of the things previously going on with the new precisely, modern ones (Mobley & Weldon, pp.146). Moreover, the term and the accompanying concept also connote that it is a disruption in a convenient equilibrium that is prominent and notable to the observers and people who are vulnerable to the change. Globalization changes can be cultural, geographical or technological depending upon which way of life it influences (Lall, pp. 3-7). For example, cultural attire can be conveniently replaced by international branded jeans as part of the result of globalization. On the other hand, factors such as global warming, spread of chronic diseases are some of the examples of geographic aspect of globalization; this is not relevant to the culture but is indeed a part of change. The measure of impact that globalization brings about is majorly determined by the media. The intensity of influence that it might have on the common depends upon the attentiveness of the media over the matter (Mobley & Weldon, pp. 146). Since, common people look over to the fourth pillar of the society, which is the media; they perceive the intensity of change in the same way as depicted and their responses are thus, shaped by what they see, and hear regardless of what might be the actual scenario. As part of giving a thorough explanation of what globalization is all about, one may consider some historic example to clarify the points presented in the paper. As part of technological globalization, the adoption of different time zones (Mobley & Weldon, pp. 148) is the simplest example to know how globalization is an integral part of everybody’s lives whether one wants to be a part of it or not. Moreover, any country an individual belongs to, h/she would always have an identity card or a proof showing their birthplace and/or residence. This, as well, is a pat of globalization valid for both developing and developed countries (Lee & Vivarelli, pp. 4-6). Let the paper consider one more definition of the term explained in a distinct and specified note. There are scholars and thinkers who say that globalization is the name of an extensive process when people from far and wide with no commonalities get a way to be connected to one another whether it being a physical way or a virtual one. Thus, in much simpler form, when people distanced by space and time yet feel connected and associated to each other; this is a depiction of globalization. In this connotation, one can surely say that distances between people do not influence or bar them in being affiliated to one another and whatever they do, can be more specifically defined as deterritorialized. Thus, these links gradually become a source to share and exchange information and ideas, sharing of ideas make them adopt some according to their comprehension and outreach ad also to develop common grounds with the links that they have. It is always said that globalization has certain specific characteristics like diffusion or the dispersion of ideas, culture, stances and school of thought; interdependence that assumes the position of relating and depending upon the ones whom one connects with who are far by time and space; and consciousness which makes people reasonable adaptable to the newer environment (Lechner, pp. 15). When one says, think globally, one actually means that one needs to consider the whole world as one place without dividing it into regions and territories. It should be taken as a one whole thing or object. This is, actually, the basic concept of globalization. Thus, according to the definition presented above, globalization reduces the borders that inhabitants of different countries have in between each other (Lechner, pp. 16). This also refers to a gradual compression and under sizing of the world in which we live. On the contrary, globalization has always been famous about its impact over the economy. Its part in the business jargon and the way a business flourishes is a matter of inspiration. Nevertheless, it has not been long that the concept has found its way over the general social lives of the common people to put its influence on a daily basis increasing gradually but drastically, as the current happenings witness. Under this particular perspective, the idea is defined as any process or patter of interaction between people that takes a form of a flow with sequence-wise changes among the people inspired because of the interaction and connectivity (Taylor, Schechter & Wolfosn, pp. 2-3). Talking about the positive aspects of globalization over the worldly affairs and specifically over the developing countries, one can surely say that globalization is beneficial in the scenario that it has ease the medium of communication of one country with the other. A developing country has to have an easy link with the rest of the world in order to be connected and in order to improve its conditions via other’s assistance. The improvement in the mode of communication is one way to make that happen. Furthermore, this very aspect is again beneficial for increasing trade and thus a stimulating factor in the growth of the developing countries (Andersen & Babinard, pp. 10-12). Trade, as commonly known, brings foreign capitals in the country that helps in increasing the economic stability of the developing nations. The importing of products benefits the fellow citizens of the developing countries to utilize newer technologies and other products that are not available to them by their local markets being less efficient. This also makes the lifestyle of the people living in the developing countries better and they aspire for betterment living a healthy life. It also costs less for the developing countries to import internationally made products and bring them in the localized market then to get all the raw materials and start producing the same products locally. This also increases business revenues in the developing nations. For example, the making of Volkswagen cars in Venezuela is a much smart choice on part of the businesses to expand and equally for the country to grow itself economically. The same example is also valid for Nike shoes to work in Vietnam to increase the sales and in turn expand the country’s financial assets (Taylor, Schechter & Wolfson, pp.3-4). This has only been possible through globalization that makes countries closer and gives them the opportunity to learn and grow with the help of other already grown countries. Globalization has given the developing countries access to different educational programs and fields hat have not been accessible to the developing countries before. It makes the out-of-reach things to be more accessible and proving to be advantageous for the people and the country on broader perspective. In addition, the higher education, after the expansion and popularity of globalization, has become more common within the younger generations of the developing countries increasing their literacy level as those of South Asia and some other African countries too. The priority list in the development of different aspects of the developing countries by their governments has also been revised since globalization has got its effect felt. Along with this, health circumstances gradually get improved with globalization reaching out to far and wide areas. Improvement in health facilities comes with getting inspiration from developed countries with better and improved machines used to facilitate the healing conditions of patients. Developing countries get into linkage with the developed countries and get ideas to improve conditions by themselves. Besides, the exchange of paramedic staffs including doctors, nurses and other relevant experts, have increased the understanding of people living in the developing countries over the health conditions and increasing health concerns. The trainings and orientation of these people are greatly beneficial in bringing about development, which is possible through globalization. Furthermore, globalization is increasingly helping the developed countries to invest upon businesses in developing countries. It is both ways beneficial; since it gives expansion to the business of the developed countries and on the other hand, increases opportunities for the people of developing countries in all the aspects (Benyon & Dunkerley, pp. 179). However, since developing countries are always in a form of a competition with each other; they compete as to grow drastically and come out of the label of being developing and get developed (Kiggundu, pp. 13-14). During this competitive phase, there are many countries like some South Asian countries, which are truly developing themselves as part of the globalization picture. They are competing with each other and desire to win and be the first one to come out of the very tag of developing world. Definitely, the other tag is in itself an achievement, thus, they strive and make consistent efforts. These efforts prove to be quite fruitful for these countries in many aspects of individuals’ lives. The political field of the developing countries get the most benefit out of the globalization processes. When the diplomats of different countries meet each other they negotiate about possible future potential links with different countries and bring about solutions to increase the productivity and development of the developing countries. The exchange of advices that occur between the government personnel and diplomats help in maintaining good relations between the countries and with these growing relations increase the possibilities of increased trade which further deepens the chances of growth (Kiggundu, pp. 15-16). Moreover, increasing globalization has resulted in increased global institutions and organizations, which are set for the assistance of the countries in need on different aspects of improvement (Kiggundu, pp. 15). For example, the UNO and its many divisions work to give a uniform and singular platform to different countries and also play the role of a mediator between the countries, which are developed and the countries, which are not so that they may assist each other in every efficient way they can and are capable of. This institutionalization of different divisions is quite fruitful for the whole world to raise concerns over worldwide issues on one platform which is accessible to everyone living at any part of the world. One of the many negative aspects of globalization pertaining to the developing countries is the brain drain that happens every day of every year from the developing to the developed countries as immigrants. Well-educated people always aspire to move to better places with more opportunities, which are developed so that they can grab modern facilities that could not be made achievable living in their developing homelands. This is part of globalization that educated people view their prosperous future in developed countries and always try moving and settling there; a direct disadvantage to those counties where bran drain occurs when they are not left with people who can work for the betterment of that place. The reason of leaving the developing countries for the developed ones not merely lies in the fact to study abroad but also for better employment chances and better job offers (Mobley & Weldon, pp.157). Furthermore, developing countries usually strive to get their media and precisely their culture to be popular. However, the influence of popular culture from the Hollywood is overwhelmingly intense that it fascinates the aspiring generation and thus, its adoption is merely a work of days that an overall change in the music, dress sense, food, and media can be seen. This way, such developing countries lose their real identity in becoming part of globalization (Rama, pp. 3-7). Developed countries always play a role of iconic places for aspiring people in the developing countries to look up to. Doing so gets their desires to reach to that optimum position, elevated. This desire makes the constantly adaptable people be a part of the change process in an instantaneous manner. While, there is always a contemporary lobby existing in developing countries mostly involving younger generation who are there to judge the success rates of people who change and adapt something form abroad; specially developed countries. Apart from this, since globalization also means technological advancements, it indirectly gives way to more environmental hazards that are difficult to handle on part of the developing countries. The developed countries already have state-of-the-art machineries to get rid of the dump but when the same comes to the developing nations; they might enjoy the ease of technologies but they are unable to tackle the environmental issues. These issues give birth to new diseases, which become tough to make solutions for, by the developing countries. In addition, the increasing crime, corruption, and juvenile delinquency are some of the negative sides of globalization. Media of the developed countries, which are conveniently accessible to people living in the developing nations, are playing a major role in stimulating all these attitudes. People get fascinated from whatever they see on international media and try following the traits considering them contemporary and famous that would make them popular among their social circles. Moreover, this globalizing media also gives people ways of cheating others in order to do different kinds of frauds. Since, in the develo0ping countries, the educational level and employment rate are lower, they have more leisure time and less work time. Thus, once they get involved in such things, they make big mafias and their activities get widespread which are greatly devastating for their country in the long run (Kiggundu, pp. 9-10). On the contrary, since the people in the developing countries look up to the developed people, they try adopting every aspect of their culture as part of globalization, without considering which are beneficial for them and which are actually harmful according to their living conditions. Their ability in critically assessing the new changes is low and in the efforts to be modernized and improved, they become adaptable towards everything without proper filtration. One of the most negative sides of globalization could be that it has all the power to make developing countries poorer and push them in a worse scenario. This could happen because developed countries are already on a fast track and their development increases with every second that passes by. They speed up their improvement process and thus, the developing countries do not analytically judge this and they try to adaptable to every change. During the whole process, there are certain changes that may not be applicable to them but in the effort to be modernized, they adopt that and instead of improving, they might clear their way to go otherwise. It is usually said that the contemporary globalization has a complete association with the two extremes. These extremes can be perfectly depicts by the explanation that the wealthy nations with technology oriented dimensions that are also precisely developed continue to grow and prosper as stated below (Schmukler, pp. 1-5). This is because they have played smart for a longer period and they continue to do so. However, the naive developing nations at times continue to come down because of their lack of knowledge and understanding. The examples could be taken as the assets, political power, and authority over the world, finance and social gains of the developed states continue to rise. Since they are the best players in the world market, the same of the developing nations continue to go down since they merely know the aspiring part and their decision-making capacities hold back, usually. Moreover, harmful among all, globalization has given way to the spread of the weapons of mass destruction (Kiggundu, pp. 17-18), which are readily adopted by the developing countries. The social contexts of the people living in the developing countries are surrounded by increasing frustration and lack of opportunities, which are the results of different aspect discussed above. Thus, amid this frustration, when people get something, which is a tool of killing the frustration, they use it for purposes that are degradable rather than for anything healthy and positive. Other than that, globalization has all the authority to deepen the social inequality that might be present in the social structure of a developing country (Kohl, pp. 112). This happens when one part of a developing country is more readily adaptable to a potential change than the other part that might be more conservative and skeptical than being adaptable and welcoming to the change. This widens the gaps between people living in the same geographical location and thus, the social system of a country is prone to be disrupted (Dunkerley & Benyon, pp. 279). Talking about the increasing gaps between the people in the developing countries, one might also suggest that due to globalization, everyone is striving to learn new skills and ideas to put to work so that their efficiency gets a growth and it influences their employment aspect in a good way. This makes people compete each other and usually contradict each other increasing more disputes and disagreements than coalition and healthy relations (Kohl, pp.113). Thus, the differentiation and demarcation between the skilled and the unskilled workers is increasing manifolds every day. Thus, this increase creates way to various innumerable disputes that might include crime and delinquency as mentioned above. Every aspect is inter-linked and thus, when globalization affects a country negatively, there is always a chance that every negative aspect becomes a part of that country’s line of progress (Goldberg and Pavcnik, pp. 41-42). Thus, whatever manner one take to describe the concept of globalization, one ought to believe that anything that brings about positivity to a group of people is prone to bring negative consequences as well. Globalization is both, positive and negative for the developing countries as discussed in the whole paper. Works Cited Andersen, Pinstrup & Babinard, Julie. “Globalization and Human Nutrition: Opportunities and Risks for the Poor in Developing Countries”. African Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences. Volume 1, Number 1. 2001. Pp. 9-19. Dunkerley, David & Benyon, John. Globalization: A Reader. Routledge. 2000. Goldberg, Pinelopi K. & Pavcnik, Nina. “Distributional Effects of Globalization in Developing Countries”. Journal of Economic Literature. Volume XLV. 2007, pp. 39-82. Kiggundu, Moses N. Managing Globalization in Developing Countries and Transition Economies. Greenwood Publishing Group. 2002. Kohl, Richard. Globalization, Poverty and Inequality. OECD. 2003. Lall, Sanjaya. “The Employment Impact of Globalization in Developing Countries”. QEH Working Paper Series. n.d. pp. 1-22. Lechner, Frank, J. Globalization: The Making of World Society. Wiley-Blackwell. 2009. Lee, Eddy & Vivarelli, Marco. “The Social Impact of Globalization in the Developing Countries”. CSGR Working Paper. 2006. Pp.1-29. Mobley, William H. & Weldon, Elizabeth. Advances in Global Leadership. Elsevier Ltd. 2006.q Rama, Martin. “Globalization and Workers in Developing Countries”. Development Research Group, The World Bank. 2001, pp. 1-55 Schmukler, Sergio L. “Financial Globalization: Gain and Pain for Developing Countries”. Senior Economist, Development Research Group, World Bank. 2003. Pp. 1-61. Taylor, William W., Schechter, Michael G. & Wolfson, Lois G. Globalization: Effects on Fisheries Resources. Cambridge University Press. 2007. Read More