Globalization is a process of economic, political and social expansion that entails a greater interdependence between States and the flexibility of their relations.
The objective is to improve commercial and technological exchange, which in turn has a profound impact on socio-cultural processes.
The union of States to create economic blocs, massive migrations, the development of technology and its accessibility are some of the aspects to consider in order to gauge the impact of globalization in the world.
Area Advantages Disadvantages Economy Greater economic and commercial exchange between countries. Interventional practices. Increase in inequality and unemployment. Technology Greater technological exchange between nations. Acceleration of the productive and scientific apparatus. Global communication in real time. Technology replaces unskilled labor. Increased inequality generated by lack of access to technology. Multicultural culture. Greater linguistic richness. Transculturation. Disappearance of native languages and dialects. Environment Generates damage to the environment.
Advantages of globalization
Globalization has caused a greater opening in economic, social, technological and cultural terms that generates benefits for States and their citizens, such as:
Greater and more efficient economic exchange
The circulation and exchange of products and services around the world promote new economic and commercial policies, standardizing certain processes, which were previously complicated.
This results in a greater variety in the commercial offer, which encourages consumption and stimulates the economy.
technological exchange
Before globalization, emerging economies and underdeveloped countries took a long time to access cutting-edge technologies. This implied a delay in production terms, which made the gap with developed countries more visible.
Globalization has made it possible to improve access to technological resources, causing a positive impact on the economy, on the educational and health system in countries with unfavorable conditions.
All this stimulates development, inventiveness and innovation, which contributes to progress.
Cultural diversity
Globalization has generated new waves of migration and displacement for various reasons (political, social, labor). This generates a greater openness towards previously unknown cultural manifestations, as well as a greater understanding and respect for diversity.
This exchange is often expressed in a multiculturalism that is now seen as a daily social phenomenon, especially in large cities.
Greater linguistic richness
Multiculturalism and access to foreign technologies and content have had a profound impact on the language and the ways of communicating.
It is common to use foreign words or expressions, as well as having a second language (generally English). In this way, the possibilities of personal, academic and professional growth are expanded for the new generations.
Greater scope of Human Rights
Most of the countries are subscribed to international conventions or treaties inherent to the respect of Human Rights, through the United Nations Organization or similar organizations.
global communication
Thanks to the development of the web and telecommunications, it is possible to communicate instantly and efficiently, practically from anywhere in the world.
The globalization of markets generates a greater interest in information and world news. What happens at a certain point on the planet can have an impact on the economy or international relations.
encouragement to tourism
The expansion of maritime, air and land routes caused by globalization have boosted tourism in recent decades.
In addition, easy access to information about the chosen destination, and the possibility of managing money digitally contribute to the expansion of this phenomenon.
Tourism, in turn, becomes a way of supporting the local economy and promoting cultural exchange.
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Disadvantages of globalization
Globalization, in addition to commercial alliances between nations and massive population displacements, has brought with it some negative aspects that have a direct impact on the lives of citizens.
Increase in interventionist practices
International agreements or conventions between countries contain the commitment to respect said agreements, but also the possibility of applying sanctions or interventionist practices.
This fact can endanger the sovereignty of countries, and also expose their citizens to the consequences of such practices.
Disappearance of local culture and national identity
In an increasingly multicultural world, the loss of identity is palpable, giving way to transculturation.
Although cultural diversity is not a negative fact in itself, it is the invisibility or disappearance of cultural manifestations of the identity of a nation.
Those expressions belonging to minority ethnic cultures or groups tend to disappear, being replaced or displaced by a dominant culture, which is generally of foreign origin.
Even more worrisome is that this phenomenon is being taken advantage of by radical political demonstrations that, far from generating well-being, contribute to generating political and social division.
See also Difference Between Acculturation and Transculturation.
Increased inequality gap
Globalization brought with it the expansion of capitalism, which promotes a free market economy and a minimum level of interventionism by the State.
The concentration of capital in business conglomerates with a global reach harms local small and medium-sized companies, and contributes to the increase in unemployment in the world.
In addition, the labor practices typical of capitalism have generated a precariousness of working conditions and a decline in the quality of life of the productive population.
Cheaper labor due to technological development
The use of technology for industrial purposes has contributed to increasing the production of various items around the world, which drives economic development.
However, the large-scale use of technology, especially in agriculture, has generated a decline in the quantity and quality of local labor.
Environmental deterioration on a global scale
The excessive increase in the production of consumer goods generates a series of problems that affect the environment.
The use of chemicals in the textile industry, plastic and technological waste, or deforestation for the exploitation of wood or soil, are just a few examples.
On the other hand, the increase in tourism in places that were previously little known has caused serious damage to many ecosystems, and in some cases irreparable damage.