One thing that I’m sure most people studying globalisation will agree with is that there are far to many varying definitions on what globalisation actually is.
Theorist, Martin Albrow wrote that ‘Globalisation refers to all those processes by which the people of the world are incorporated into a single world society, global society’ (Rantanen 2005, p. 7).
To me, this definition is rather dystopic and inaccurate as it considers globalisation to be a singular dominant discourse to rule the world. This definition also omits several key factors that have contributed to the rise of globalisation; chief among which being the roles of the media, mass communication and the advancement in technology.
As improvements in computer hardware, software, and telecommunications were developed in the early 1990’s we acquired access to new ways of gaining and sharing information. Not to mention the massive economic potential that came with it.
The establishment of the internet changed the way in which people communicated yet again. A world’s worth of knowledge (and some rubbish) literally became at the end of ones fingertips and could be accessed almost completely instantaneously.
In my opinion however, media is not the major driving force behind globalisation. At its absolute roots, I believe globalisation is about human desires. Nayan Chanda from the Yale Centre for the Study of Globalisation suggests that ‘globalisation stems...from a basic human urge to seek a better, more fulfilling life’ (Chanda, 2007, p. 8). Desire for greater products and desire for profit. The desire to spread religious beliefs, desire to travel and seek out new experiences in new lands. Globalisation is a result of our human desires to which the media cater perfectly.
I found this video to be semi-interesting. Quality isn’t great though.
However, Nayan Chanda’s book is super-interesting.
References
Albrow, M 1990, in Rantanen, T 2005, The media and globalization, Sage, London, pp. 1–18.
Chanda, N 2007, Bound Together: how traders, preachers, adventurers, and warriors shaped globalisation, retrieved 19 July, <http://site.ebrary.com.ezproxy-m.deakin.edu.au/lib/deakin/docDetail.action?docID=10210264>
Hi Lloyd,
ReplyDeleteI thought that you used the quotes on the theory of globalisation really well.
I probably would have tried to imbed the you tube video to add another dimension but really liked the 'I want more' pic as it did a great job of summing up your feelings on the topic.
Emily