History and Debate of Globalization
Globalization is the idea that people are now more connected across the globe than ever before. Goods and services are traded worldwide. Items from one part of the world are available in a large number of other nations. Travel between nations is also very frequent, leading to an increase in exchange of ideas and ideologies. Thus, ideas and culture are much more uniform worldwide than ever before, and many cultures have melded and meshed. The internet has contributed largely to globalization, as instant communication with anyone in the world is now possible. Whether or not globalization is good for the United States' economy is debatable, however.
Globalization Debate Pros
There is certainly a positive side to globalization. Those who support it say that it creates jobs by making companies more competitive. This results in lower prices for consumers. Others support globalization because it brings capital and technologies to impoverished nations and brings international products back to the United States in return. Globalization increases the number of decisions that are made on a worldwide level, resulting in a merging of politics and decisions that are made for the good of people all over the world. The cultural intermingling that occurs also promotes greater equality and acceptance of others, especially since different people can share the same financial interests. Speedy travel and worldwide communication has resulted in a more educated, more cultured public.
Globalization Debate Cons
Those who are against globalization often cite the fact that American manufacturing has lost 6 million jobs since 1980. Most of these jobs go to people in other nations where the costs of labor and manufacturing are lower. Another criticism is that this process tends to make the rich richer and the poor poorer. It benefits investors and business owners, but results in a loss of jobs for those lower on the pay scale.
Other criticisms of globalization are associated with social issues. Some believe that it makes it easier for companies to bend rules and act with less accountability, since they can choose to do business in nations with fewer regulations. Sometimes, prisoners and children are exploited and made to work in inhumane conditions, as safety standards are nonexistent in certain nations. Additionally, some experts believe that globalization has led to the spreading of infectious diseases, such as AIDS, since travelers can bring disease with them when they go from nation to nation.
