Agenda: Globalization Pros and Cons1. Lecture
During the Lecture: • Participate in all discussions and activities. • Write at least 1 question, answer or comment on line.• REMEMBER—A good online exchange can become a
bonus question on a quiz/test.
2. 2 Generally Pro-Globalization Videos.
3. Discussion.
HW—None.
Globalization Pros and Cons
What is Globalization?
• The nations of the world become increasingly unified into a single, homogenized cultural zone.
• Investment funds and business flow across borders. • Jobs that can be done cheaper elsewhere are
outsourced—going from rich countries to poor countries.
• People flow across borders. Borders start to lose their old meanings.
• Goods and services in general become cheaper.
The Anti-Globalization Movement
Participants are united in opposition to:Political power of large corporations that has increased
thanks to globalization. Trade agreements that undermine environmental and
workers’ rights. Example—Cheap clothes made by child labor in developing countries.
The Anti-Globalization Movement
– Local and minority cultures are dying off.
– Western influences engulf developing countries.
– Global expansion: McDonalds• 100+ countries• Serves 50 million people daily
• J18– June 18, 1999 – London, UK; Eugene,
Oregon
Seattle/N30
November 30, 1999 5,000 protesters blocked delegates’ entrance to WTO meetings in Seattle Protesters forced the cancellation of the opening ceremony and lasted the length of the meeting until December 3
Genoa
July 18 – July 20, 2001Biggest anti-globalization gathering in history, 250,000 protesters against the G8 meeting in Genoa, Italy 3 dead, hundreds hospitalized
Cons: “A Race to the Bottom”
• Globalization undermines wages, jobs and labor rights here at home.
• US-based businesses can’t compete with low-paid foreign workers, so they pressure government to water down environmental and labor regulations.
Pros
Worldwide market for companies and the people.Free trade grows economies faster than closing off an
economy to trade.More access to products of different countries. Cheaper
food and clothes for consumers.
Open economy spurs fresh innovative ideas from abroad.More influx information between two different countries.Cross cultural mix of ideas, in time adopt favorable idea.
Democratic ideasGrowing the economy = more middle class people = more
democracy as citizens demand better services from their governments.
Pros: Growing Wealth
PAIR/SHARE: Analysis
Overall, do you support or oppose globalization? Why?