Globalization is a term so frequently used that one tends to assume that everyone knows what globalization stands for. In one way this is true, since everybody pictures something different when using the word „globalization“. The aim of this paper is to clarify the term „globalization“ by discussing different authors. Yet, the paper does not aim at giving „THE definition“ of globalization, rather it is attempting to show the different ways globalization can and is to be seen. Since there has been a massive amount of theoretical discussion of the term globalization, one needs to narrow down the field. Thus, this paper is mainly going to focus on the
cultural dimension of globalization with a small outlook to other fields. Through the direct comparison of different authors certain shortcomings or advantages of their views might be easier noticed, as it would be the case when studying the authors
separate from each other. At the same time, certain similarities or build – ups of theories can be detected as well.
Following authors have been discussed: Anthony Giddens, Roland Robertson, Doreen Massey, Arjun Appadurai, Jan Nederveen Pieterse and Manuell Castells.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- "The Consequences of Modernity" by Anthony Giddens
- "Globalization - Social theory and Global Culture" by Roland Robertson
- "A place in the World" by Doreen Massey
- "Modernity at Large" by Arjun Appadurai
- "Globalization and Culture - Global Mélange" by Jan Nederveen Pieterse
- The Network Society by Manuel Castells
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to clarify the multifaceted concept of globalization by analyzing various authors' perspectives, highlighting different interpretations rather than providing a singular definition. The focus is primarily on the cultural dimension of globalization, with brief consideration of other aspects. By comparing these authors, the paper seeks to reveal strengths and weaknesses in their arguments and identify commonalities or theoretical developments over time. The analysis is structured chronologically to show the evolution of thought on the subject.
- The cultural dimension of globalization
- The relationship between modernity and globalization
- The impact of globalization on the concept of "place"
- The role of imagination and media in globalization
- Globalization as a process of hybridization
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the paper's objective: to explore the diverse understandings of globalization by examining the works of several key authors. It acknowledges the ambiguity inherent in the term "globalization" and emphasizes the paper's focus on the cultural dimension, while also briefly touching upon other aspects. The chapter explains the chronological structure chosen for the analysis, which allows for an examination of the evolution of theoretical perspectives on globalization over time. The limitations of the paper, such as its inability to provide a complete chronological overview or comprehensive treatment of each author's work, are also clearly stated.
"The Consequences of Modernity" by Anthony Giddens: This chapter summarizes Giddens's perspective on the relationship between modernity and globalization. Giddens argues that modernity is inherently globalizing, highlighting the importance of time-space distanciation and reflexivity as crucial components of globalization. He defines globalization as the intensification of worldwide social relations, emphasizing the interconnectedness of local and distant events. The chapter explores how Giddens's models illustrate the dimensions of both modernity and globalization, thereby demonstrating their interdependence.
"Globalization - Social theory and Global Culture" by Roland Robertson: This section explores Robertson's definition of globalization as the intensification of consciousness of the world as a whole. It highlights his emphasis on the moral implications of globalization for academic disciplines and his comparative approach to different theories. The chapter delves into Robertson's focus on culture, including his concept of "metaculture" as a constraint on individual and social actions within a globalizing world. His belief in the differentiation of culture and the ever-changing nature of globalization forcing adaptation are also central themes explored.
"A place in the World" by Doreen Massey: This chapter discusses Massey's work on the idea of "place" in a globalized world. It examines her challenge to the traditional notion of place as static and fixed, emphasizing how globalization renders places fluid and constantly changing. The chapter delves into the changing physical, economic, and cultural facets of places and the disruptive effects of globalization on the concept of place. Massey's analysis of the detachment of place and space and its societal impact is also addressed, highlighting how these previously closely linked concepts must now be viewed separately despite their continued mutual influence.
"Modernity at Large" by Arjun Appadurai: This chapter summarizes Appadurai's perspective on modernity as a "theory of rupture," emphasizing the roles of media and imagination. He argues that the flexible relationship between mass media and migratory audiences defines the core link between globalization and the modern. The chapter explores Appadurai's analysis of the impact of individual and collective imagination on society and his assertion that globalization does not automatically lead to cultural homogenization. His model, which explores the relationship between different dimensions of global cultural flows (ethnoscapes, mediascapes, technoscapes, financescapes, and ideoscapes), is also discussed, along with his examination of the changing nature of the nation-state in a globalized world and the resulting emergence of a multicentric global order.
"Globalization and Culture - Global Mélange" by Jan Nederveen Pieterse: This chapter outlines Pieterse's perspective on globalization as a process of hybridization. It contrasts his view with Giddens', rejecting the notion of a direct link between modernity and globalization as Eurocentric. The chapter provides a synopsis of Pieterse's overview of existing theories on globalization and culture, emphasizing his unique approach to the subject. His discussion of globalization as a process of cultural blending and mixing, rather than homogenization, forms the central focus.
Keywords
Globalization, modernity, culture, place, space, imagination, media, hybridization, homogenization, heterogenization, nation-state, time-space distanciation, reflexivity, metaculture.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main objective of this paper?
The paper aims to clarify the multifaceted concept of globalization by analyzing various authors' perspectives, highlighting different interpretations rather than providing a singular definition. The focus is primarily on the cultural dimension of globalization, with brief consideration of other aspects. By comparing these authors, the paper seeks to reveal strengths and weaknesses in their arguments and identify commonalities or theoretical developments over time. The analysis is structured chronologically to show the evolution of thought on the subject.
Which authors are discussed in this paper?
The paper analyzes the works of several key authors on globalization, including: Anthony Giddens ("The Consequences of Modernity"), Roland Robertson ("Globalization - Social theory and Global Culture"), Doreen Massey ("A place in the World"), Arjun Appadurai ("Modernity at Large"), and Jan Nederveen Pieterse ("Globalization and Culture - Global Mélange"). The work of Manuel Castells ("The Network Society") is also mentioned.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the cultural dimension of globalization, the relationship between modernity and globalization, the impact of globalization on the concept of "place," the role of imagination and media in globalization, and globalization as a process of hybridization.
How is the paper structured?
The paper is structured chronologically, allowing for an examination of the evolution of theoretical perspectives on globalization over time. It begins with an introduction, then proceeds chapter-by-chapter through the selected authors, summarizing their key arguments and contributions to the understanding of globalization. It concludes with a summary of key terms.
What is Giddens's perspective on globalization?
Giddens argues that modernity is inherently globalizing, highlighting the importance of time-space distanciation and reflexivity as crucial components of globalization. He defines globalization as the intensification of worldwide social relations, emphasizing the interconnectedness of local and distant events.
What is Robertson's perspective on globalization?
Robertson defines globalization as the intensification of consciousness of the world as a whole. He emphasizes the moral implications of globalization for academic disciplines and uses a comparative approach to different theories. His concept of "metaculture" as a constraint on individual and social actions within a globalizing world is also central.
What is Massey's perspective on globalization?
Massey challenges the traditional notion of place as static and fixed, emphasizing how globalization renders places fluid and constantly changing. She analyzes the changing physical, economic, and cultural facets of places and the disruptive effects of globalization on the concept of place. Her analysis focuses on the detachment of place and space and its societal impact.
What is Appadurai's perspective on globalization?
Appadurai views modernity as a "theory of rupture," emphasizing the roles of media and imagination. He argues that the flexible relationship between mass media and migratory audiences defines the core link between globalization and the modern. His model explores the relationship between different dimensions of global cultural flows (ethnoscapes, mediascapes, technoscapes, financescapes, and ideoscapes).
What is Pieterse's perspective on globalization?
Pieterse views globalization as a process of hybridization, contrasting with Giddens's view. He rejects the notion of a direct link between modernity and globalization as Eurocentric. He emphasizes globalization as a process of cultural blending and mixing, rather than homogenization.
What are the key limitations of the paper?
The paper acknowledges its limitations, including its inability to provide a complete chronological overview or comprehensive treatment of each author's work.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Globalization, modernity, culture, place, space, imagination, media, hybridization, homogenization, heterogenization, nation-state, time-space distanciation, reflexivity, metaculture.
- Quote paper
- Esther Kemmer (Author), 2009, A Theoretical Discussion of Globalization, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/146153
