Globalization for me is the integration of economies into a global economy. Many would consider it the social, political and cultural integration. However, I think they are only the result of Globalization rather than itself. Globalization is opening of economies, allowing free trade between nations.
What is the cause for globalization? Is it a result of necessity or it just happened like that? I feel that it should have started out of necessity. When a nation is self-sufficient, it does not have to go behind others, only when it needs something that is not available it starts trading with others. This is how the opening up of economies should have started. When the economies are opened up the other integration of culture, politics follows, though they may not have immediate impact.
Nowadays, there are protests against Globalization. Why does some section of people feel that globalization is not good, when it brings you what you do not have? I think it is because the protesters feel that globalization causes inequality. Is it true?
This globalization in India is largely felt during 90s’ when the economy is opened up for foreign investors. Economy witnessed a great boom. Foreign Exchange reserve has started bulging. Government spends the money on development. Therefore, the globalization is doing a great role here, and then what’s the Problem. Problem is that only a section of people benefited from it. A section of people is still in the same condition or in a worse condition. There is no denying the fact that the population below poverty line has reduced. However, what do we have to say about the others who are still in ill state? Can we blame them for not utilizing the opportunity presented to them? I think this is because of the inequality that is fuelled by globalization or I would say that certain people dint allow the benefits (of globalization) to reach certain other people.
My point is this; the inequality is either the instant outcome of Globalization or outcome of the manipulation of Globalization. Let us take the incidents of farmer suicides. Farmers became bankrupt; one possible route to bankruptcy is lowered production resulting in loss resulting in debts. Another route is paved by the seed companies. These hybrid seeds sold by the multinational giants are not fertile. To farm next time they need seeds and these Farmers have to go back to those seed companies every time. This results in extra cost. In addition, such hybrid varieties require more usage of fertilizers. These costs add up and if the harvest is not good, the farmers end up in losses. This is one example of for the other side of Globalization.
I cannot blame Globalization after enjoying the fruits of it. I would have not been studying MBA if it were not for Globalization and its child “The Economic Boom”. However, I am part of the section, which has not seen the other side of it.
Sharing is the underlying factor of Globalization. Only that this sharing involves some cost. I share my surplus money with the other person who is in need. I would call this an investment. It is not wrong when I expect returns from the other person. This is the underlying phenomenon of every transaction. Be it between nations, between an international body and a nation, between a company and a nation. Problems arise only when I ignore somebody over others, only when the government ignores a certain section over others (government is a representation of both the sections). I tend to ignore them because I do not see a great return from my investment. This profit-oriented nature is what causes the inequality. This transaction/sharing can involve technology, information, ideas etc.
Let me talk about the other aspects of Globalization. Political integration, as far as I know I do not see any such thing. I believe in the principle “there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies”. I think even the nations do follow that. For US, Afghanistan, which was once a friend, became the enemy on the other day. I see only the Urge for fragmentation, a feeling according to me, propelled by the inequalities in the society and globalization is one of the factors for such inequalities.
Cultural integration, for me it is the result of globalization. For me culture is the way of living. I do not want to limit it to the mere presence of foreign materials alone. In India, Nowadays people wear clothes that are mostly associated with American culture; they eat Pizza of Italy, Drink Coke of America. Some people would cal it the westernization and they may also call it a detoriation of culture. I personally do not have problems with that as long as your identity is Saree & Dhoti, Idly & Sambar, and Coconut water. Every country has its own culture and I feel that they are to be preserved for the good. I am not against the cultural integration. However, I am skeptic about it. I feel that a person should not lose his/her identity, that’s what could happen when we try to imitate others way of living. One culture should be absorbed by the other. It should take its time. It should not be forced. Globalization is just doing that. When it is forced, the person will end up losing the identity. Identity gives you authenticity. Otherwise, it is fake and artificial. It’s the same with a country too.
Here I stop talking about the other side of Globalization.
So, do I have something good to tell about Globalization? Yes I do. As I mentioned already, I am part of the section that benefited out of Globalization. It enabled the fast sharing of information, Technology, Goods, money etc. It gave me many choices. Choices lead to confusion is another story. However, I am given with choices. It’s up to me to choose the best. I may choose either the right one or the wrong one but the choice is mine. I am not forced to confine to only one option. This is my experience with Globalization. I don’t want get into the details of benefits that I got. They are just materials. For me, only the freedom to choose gives immense pleasure, and satisfaction. This freedom is what every human being is striving to attain. Some people like me get it some others don’t. I personally feel that it’s the duty of people like me to drive out the inequalities.
I conclude by saying that every existence has two sides and globalization is no exception. However, the good side of globalization can be taken to every section of people with proper regulations that strive to curb the ill nature of a section of society that tries to benefit from others grievance.
