The causes and consequences of globalisation

 

Our global sphere is one often epitomised by innovative ideas and endless flows of instantaneous information. However accessibility contradicts what may initially elude to be a universally interconnected global village. The term globalisation can be interpreted quite literally, accounting for the widespread use of various media communication technologies across the globe. Otherwise, it can be taken seriously… with an open mind.

Too often globalisation is discussed objectively pertaining only to resources. However, what constitutes a “world” is when people, language and experiences are all socially implemented together to construct a reality. By becoming consciously aware of the space that we and others inhabit we are all in some way contributing to globisation.  

A prime example exists amongst the division between first world minorities and third world majorities. By minorities I mean population opposed to consolidated power, otherwise the roles would be reversed.  

The picture above is taken from a 2011 article that details how Apple employees based in China, who work on practically slave wages, were required to sign contracts whereby declaring their intentions not to commit suicide based upon horrendous working conditions. Furthermore, the contract reads that if they are to commit suicide their families should seek only minimum compensation against the company.  

Such is the struggle that globalision poses that it has become increasingly ‘difficult to separate the consequences and causes of globalisation’ (Rantanen, T 2005, pp. 7). However it is more gruelling to justify why millions should suffer as the causalities of consequence far outweigh the benefits if any in my opinion. If globalisation has taught us anything it’s that those in positions of power exercise the capacity to instrumentally enforce empirical rule upon others, although unfortunately ‘dealing with the issue of cultural dominance is not the same as accounting for economic dominance’ (Topic 1. Introduction: The Flows of Globalisation).

References

DAILY MAIL REPORTER 2011, ‘You are NOT allowed to commit suicide: Workers in Chinese iPad factories forced to sign pledges’, DAILY MAIL REPORTER, 1 May, retrieved 25 June 2012, <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1382396/Workers-Chinese-Apple-factories-forced-sign-pledges-commit-suicide.html>

Rantanen, T 2005, ‘Theorizing media globalization’, The media and globalization, Sage, London, pp. 1–18.

‘Topic 1. Introduction: The Flows of Globalisation’, Deakin ALC215 Study Guide.