The Contribution of Globalization in Transforming the Modern State - Essay Example

Social Development The abolition of social and political barriers has led to economic interconnection among countries. Societal demands influence socio economic policies that influence human development. The concept of economic and social development of a country depends on globalization. It is arguable that with the recent technological advancements, globalization will occur. Through different definitions have been assigned to globalization through the diverse research from scholars, Coyle (2000:62) defines it as the development of uniform policies by countries in order to promote international relationship. Sharing of ideas across the globe is a common trend that shapes the economic, political, and social systems in a country. The social or political systems adopted in ancient states are quite different from the systems that modern states use. Sociologists attribute political development and social growth to globalization. Globalization has defined human development in social and political spectrum. Largely, the society would embrace the most modern changes because of its ability to borrow and learn from other states. This paper explores the contribution of globalization in transforming the modern state. Globalization takes different forms depending on time. Modern and pre modern globalization take different historical forms. For instance, modern globalization refers to the present day socio-economic policies adopted by the society. Pre modern globalization transformed the states towards the following areas empire building, military expansion, migratory movements and religious or cultural expansionism (Weiss, 2003:103). On the other hand, modern globalization transformed the society in the following areas military expansion, political and economic expansion. The primary focus of modern globalization in transformation of the society lies in the area of economic development. Global structures define the trading systems adopted by different states or nations. In most cases, power and capital would influence societal life. The rise and fall of theories of social development show the extent f human development in political and social life. Politics determine social integration and relationship that exist between states (Cudworth, Hall, & McGovern, 2007:98). Market forces usually depend on the political goodwill and social integration for its growth. From scholarly view, cultural change in the society owes its root from globalization. Fabrication of societal norms to meet human needs has led to growth in many areas of human life. It is significant to note that integration of modern of modern technology has transformed human life. Globalization has led to development of uniform policies in global markets. Development of uniform policies influences political and social life of the society. For examples, policies that define trade between two countries influence social conditions in those countries. When policies are uniform, people are able to exchange ideas, technology, and social policies, which would in turn influence social growth. Trade and international policies are inseparable. Identification of common need in the society has led to transformation of the society from a low-income society to high-income society. The adoption of Keynesian theories of management in financial management has influenced the financial patterns adopted by many banks and financial institutions. According to Amoore (2005:58), Global financial system favored financial interest over government planning or productive manufacturing. Thus, it opened ways for accessing credit facilities. Acquisition of financial assistance influences the economic development of a state. The power to initiate social development lies on the ability of a state to acquire financial assistance when necessary. Argument against capitalistic approach to financial administration indicates that the gap between the rich and the poor has widened. This follows the theory of survival for the fittest as argued by Charles Darwin. Amoore further states that global political economy faces the influence of capitalism. Largely, transformations witnessed in modern states are a clear show of sound financial policies that caters for global development (Sørenson, 2004:121). The financial policies dictate the prices of products in the market. Opening of market opportunities between countries provide a chance for the less developed state to develop. Largely, the less developed states found away of exchanging their products with the developed countries. Globalization has an influence on the economic growth of states. The capitalist system has transformed the society by changing the labor market trends in the society (Weiss, 2003:120). Labor created value that led to accumulation of wealth by respective states. Labor engineers the production process thereby providing an avenue for economic growth. Trends adopted in the pre modern era are quite different from modern trends in the labor market. Laborers have freedom, are able to move and make choices depending on the need of the society, and thus are able to market their skills contrary to the pre modern era. Economists argue that the freedom that workers enjoy in the era come from capitalist society. Capitalism has transformed the society by providing an opportunity for the workers to earn according the effort they employ. This has led to social inequality because the rich work harder to accumulate more wealth at the expense of the poor. Notably, strides made by most states in terms of economic development hang on globalization. Gamble (2000: 64) argues that setting domestic market prices of products depend on the international prices of similar products. Easy access of products in the market promotes low prices in the market. The modern society is able to acquire products easily compared to pre modern society. This development is vital to economic progress of people. Economic status of a country would influence the lifestyle of people within the society. Cheap avenues, which promoted exchange products, provided an opportunity for states to grow and develop policies, which would open growth at the grassroots level. Trade in modern era differs from trade conducted in pre modern time. Modern era provided an opportunity for traders to expand their markets thus providing an opportunity to developing countries to develop (Dicken, 2003:265). The resources that a state earns from trade leaders to the economic power of that state. In most cases, trade provides income that the state uses to feed and cater for the needs of its people. Globalization has played a great role in transforming the political systems of the states. Reaching for a political system that would provide the needs of the society has been the focus of most governments in the modern era. Politics would influence policies devised and adopted by the society. Notably, modern politics tend to transform the international relationship between states. Most policies touching on the political system of the society focus on poverty alleviation and stability of the nation. Stability of a state would influence the growth rate of the state. Globalization is responsible in transforming the political system on many states. The pre modern political system focused on authoritative political systems thus making it difficult for people in the society to develop. Modern era embraced democracy, which transfers power from government system to the people (Sørenson, 2004:189). This system influence policies adopted in the society since democratic process cater for opinion got from different sides of the devoid. Globalization has enhanced sharing of information through attempts, which aim at making the information accessible and transparent. The society has witnessed an increase in professional and transnational elite cultures, initiation of transnational political movements and alliances, initiation of epistemic transnational societies, borrowing of Diasporas cultures and an increase on complications associated to formation of individual governments. The influence of the above systems in the society includes improving avenues for acquisition of education. Scraping of policies, which defined boundaries in communication, is another stride that the society has made through globalization. Information control by the authority influences social movements. A society that has strict rules would not be able to disseminate information from one source to the other. The society boosts of political freedom because of globalization. The freedom to form political lobby groups enhances the quest for freedom and human rights. The pre modern globalization dictated rights of individual based on political system of the time (Rosenberg, 2000:148). The government had a lot of power compared in the pre modern era compared to the modern era where the society has a voice in making decisions. Another area where globalization has transformed is the international laws. International laws confer power to different governments to enter in relationships with other governments. The international law is crucial in monitoring international associations among countries. Military power without international law would lead to war among countries. The law provides a guideline to countries to work within stipulated policies, which in turn influence the socio economic development of these countries. Sound policies developed in the society have contributed to social growth. Many countries use their military power to protect their borders and foster peace in the world. Issues touching on the economic growth of the society would influence the military interest of that state. For instance, the focus of many states in strengthening their military power aim at provides protection to citizens and property of the nation. According to Gamble (2000: 87), globalization has transformed that states by breaking territorial boundaries of political space or economic interest. According to Hay, Lister and Marsh, (2006:123), globalization organizes power, which may political, military, or economical to constructive use by their subject. It is important to note that the power in a nation has an influence on the life of the subjects. For example, the war between America and Iraq had economic impact to both the Iraqis and the people in the United States. Largely, globalization works towards denationalization of power in order to promote interest of transnational, trans-regional, or transcontinental interests. Globalization promotes transformation of social structures in the society. Some people borrow cultural practices or norms which the see due to international relationships that exist among countries. The use of technology by man has contributed a lot in building social structures. For instance, modern information technology provides a means which society can share cultural or social aspect with other communities. In many cases, man likes borrowing cultural practices that would social development. Some cultural practices in the pre modern era were retrogressive and did not promote social development in the society. Globalization has promoted sharing of cultural practices among different communities, thus leading to human social development (Touraine, 2000: 149). Respect of cultural or human right is another contribution that globalization has done in the society. Adopting of cultural practices that affect both genders has influenced the social progress of different levels of government. For instances, globalization has led to equality in the community thus provide equal opportunity to different gender to perform similar duties. In pre modern era, gender inclination defined the role of an individual in the society. Allocation of jobs in the community relied on the gender biasness. This promoted inequality by shortchanging some genders. Fairer distribution of job opportunity or respect to gender sensitivity in the community is a great stride that the society has made in cultivating social development. This attribute has unlocked potentiality of different individuals by giving them equal opportunities to excel in the fields such education and careers. The fight against poverty is a universal fight that needs contribution from both rich and poor nations. International collaboration between poor countries and rich countries to stump poverty owes its root from globalization (Sholte, 2005:98). Many countries focus on social policies, which would influence the life of the poor. Religious practices in the pre modern time differ with the religious practices in modern time. Modern religious practices focus on social growth of human race. In conclusion, globalization has contributed to societal transformation in the following areas: political, social, and military power. Significantly, the political inclination of a country influences the growth and development of that country. Globalization has thus influenced political system of many countries since it focuses on alleviation of territorial boundaries, which hamper growth. Further, globalization has transformed the military power of states by focusing on economic gains of that result from waging military power. Social transformation has led to adoption of social policies, which influences lives of people in the community (Weiss, 2003:15). Globalization has thus transformed the societal needs by focusing on areas of economic, political, and social development. Bibliography Amoore, L. (ed.), 2005, The Global Resistance Reader, London: Routledge Coyle, D., 2000, Governing the World Economy Polity, Boston: Wiley-Blackwell Cudworth, E., Hall, T. and McGovern, J., 2007, The Modern State: theories and ideologies. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. Dicken, P., 2003, Global Shift, California: Sage. Gamble, A., 2000, Politics and Fate Bristol: Polity Press. Hay, C., Lister, M. and Marsh, D., 2006, The State: Theories and Issues, Basingstoke: Palgrave. Rosenberg, J., 2000, The Follies of Globalisation Theory, New York: Verso Sholte, J. A., 2005, Globalization: a critical introduction Polity, New York: Palgrave Macmillan. Sørenson, G., 2004, The Transformation of the State: Beyond the Myth of Retreat, Basingstoke: Palgrave. Touraine, A., 2000, Can We Live Together? equality and difference, Bristol : Polity Press Weiss, L., 2003, States in the Global Economy: Bringing Domestic Institutions Back In. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Modern state refers to the present day status of the society. Read More