Reading 1: What is Globalization? (Hojeong Lee)

What Is Globalization?

Roland Robertson and Kathleen E. White


1. Summary

  One-dimensional discussion of globalization took place in economic terms. And the positions of those who adopted a more multidimensional approach were not as clear-cut as those who chose the economic position.


  Sociologists have cited the three main dimensions of globalization: 'economic', 'political', and 'cultural', where the 'cultural' dimensions have gained more and more attention due to concerns about the economic part. In this regard, 'Ritzer' was mainly interested in the spread of culture from the United States to other regions. In particular, McDonald's painting was viewed as cultural imperialism, a form of cultural globalization, although it was not mentioned in a completely explicit way.


  In books on globalization, many sociologists saw that social interactions and the spread of communication around the world play the most important role in the process of globalization. In other words, it can be seen that attention was paid to the part of 'social interaction' and 'connectivity'.


  Therefore, communication is an essential element when grasping the social dimension of globalization, and human interest in the environment is also part of modern human culture.


  One of the most prominent characteristics of the world we live in today is that a group called the "ethnic group" is controversially rewriting the history of the country and region. This allows members of society to have a 'perfect identity' and to form a national identity.


  This interest in 'regional identity' in globalization helps to understand the relationship between 'ethnic state' and 'globalization'.


2. Interesting Point

  I read with interest the part about 'McDonaldization' as a part of cultural imperialism. In particular, it was noted that global McDonaldization could unconditionally change not only reflect the regional characteristics of the country but also reflect the cultural conditions and characteristics of the country receiving the influx.


  It was thought that globalization was not enforced, but expanded in a way that respects the country's national identity.


  Also, it seems that the most important part of globalization is the connection, and as expressed in the article, communication plays a pivotal role in the process of globalization.


  After all, globalization seems to be the process of respecting each country's identity in economic, cultural, and social aspects and accepting global interactions while maintaining its ethnic identity based on interconnectivity.


3. Discussion Point

1) Should 'McDonaldization' as Ritzer said be viewed in terms of cultural imperialism?


2) Is there an impressive event that allowed a group referred to as a 'ethnic group' to rewrite the history of the country and region and form national identity?

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