Globalization effect's on the value of the citizenship - Essay Example

Globalization Effect's On the Value of the Citizenship The process of globalization is progressively reshaping social relationships almost all over the world. The pace of development is so rapid that even the most trained experts are unable to regulate, monitor and control its impacts properly. Apart from promoting the hegemony of corporations, risking jobs and communities, exploiting cheap labor, raising environmental concerns and undermining social stability, globalization is also diminishing the value of citizenship rapidly.

The neo-liberal ideology of globalization is actively asserting the assumption that “humans and the planet will be better off if the global market is left unfettered by ethical, moral, social, or environmental considerations.” (Ritchie, 1996). Many analysts argue that transnational citizens are becoming victims to political vagueness and they are not considered actively functional members of particular society. The foundation of citizenship in a nation-state lies on unified cultural aspects rather than transnational and multiple experiences.

The ideas of transnational citizenships will probably result in promotion of inequalities among people on a global scale. Growing migratory practices will reframe nationalism creating a state of confusion and provoke discrimination against transnational citizens. Huge alien citizenship will also increase burden on capacity and resources of nation-states enormously. The rights of immigrants are being compromised forming unconstructive relationships between immigrants and the state. This also deprives transnational citizens to claim their basic rights and support from the state creating further complexities and instability in governance practices.

Sometimes, cross-border citizenship has the ability to surpass national citizenship. For instance, European citizenship allows citizens’ free movement across borders, the right to vote in country of residence, can access member country’s diplomatic and consular services, and the right to petition in the parliament. Thus, in this case transnational citizens are facilitated to create impact from another state. Uncontrolled involuntary immigrations can result in loosening of countries’ strong economic and geo-political ties.

It also poses threats to the current situation of global security. Over the past few years, discrimination among citizens on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion and language has lead to public violence and political instability. Minorities are being forced by rapid pace of globalization to reassert their cultural identities. Apart from all gains through globalization, increase in cultural diversity has seriously threatened the value of citizenship. For this reason, Huntington rightly predicts that "the next world war, if there is one, will be a war between civilizations" (1993: 39).

Western circles are actively promoting values that are liberal in character as universal values. However, this concept is provoking aggressive reactions, especially in younger generation in context of human rights and indigenous values. The role of internet in influencing value of citizenship cannot be denied. The participation of various multi-ethnic groups in controversial debates without control is promoting the discriminatory neo-liberal approach. Internet facility is being negatively used by governments, citizens and non-governmental organizations implementing huge global impacts.

It has also widened the gap between citizens on basis of relative classes. The rising conflict between elite and working classes is challenging the influence of publicly dominant spheres. Globalization surely creates opportunities only if it can hold a long term balance between citizens of different origins. The true value of citizenship will probably prevail if neo-liberal ideology of globalization treats all people as citizens rather than customers. References Lerche III, Charles O. (1998).

The conflicts of globalization. International Journal of Peace Studies, 3 (1). Huntington, Samuel P. (1993). The clash of civilizations?. Foreign Affairs, 72 (3), 22-49. Ritchie, Mark. (1996). Globalization vs. Globalism: Giving internationalism a bad name. International Forum on Globalization, Conference.