Reading Assignment 1：What is Globalization?（YANG PEIFU）

 1. summarize

Regarding the globalization in Professor Piotr's course explanation and introduction, my understanding is that globalization generally refers to the process of increasing interdependence and connection between countries in the world in the fields of economy, culture, politics, etc., which is manifested in the rapid flow of transnational goods, services, technology, capital and information. This phenomenon has promoted global economic integration and cultural communication, but it has also brought about income inequality, cultural homogenization and other dissemination. Globalization is the product of modern scientific and technological progress and global communication, and has had a profound impact on the societies of various countries. The problems in the course will be explained in the next section.

After reading the globalization on Wikipedia, I found that there are historical distinctions of globalization in "Article globalization", "early modern (Proto-globalization)" and "modern". In the above section, there are also references to "Economic globalization" , "cultural globalization" and "political globalization (including military globalization)". In addition, there is now the most controversial gender issue, which is the significant genderization of the globalization process. Multinational corporations outsource work to low-wage economies, such as the garment industry in Bangladesh, where poor women account for the majority. Despite the high proportion of female workers, their employment rate is still low compared to men, and most of them come from rural areas, causing them to migrate in search of work. However, whether women gain power as a result depends on their perspectives and choices.

 Female workers generally believe that poor working conditions make the garment industry economically unsustainable. In the maquiladora industry in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, poor women also occupy the workforce, and the female turnover rate is high, making it difficult for them to receive training. This has formed a gender-based two-tier system, with women mostly being placed in unskilled, low-paying positions, while men are given more skilled technical jobs. Training is seen as a tool, further exacerbating the phenomenon of women's temporary work. The above issue, under the influence of globalization, women develop differently in different places, and many sources are needed to verify the global gender issue.

After reading the concept of "globalization" discussed by Roland Robertson and Kathleen E. White, it is also pointed out that its definition is broad and controversial. Globalization covers multiple disciplines and worldviews, including topics such as global governance, global citizenship, immigration, and transnational connections. However, since the concept of globalization is relatively new, there is no universally accepted definition, and many scholars have tried to come up with their own definitions. White pointed out that globalization is understood differently in different regions and cultures, especially in developing countries, where people often have reservations about definitions that come from wealthier social backgrounds. Therefore, some scholars tend to use the term "multiple globalizations" rather than viewing it as a single process. Try to analyze globalization systematically while acknowledging the controversy and diversity of this concept.Combining the professor's discussion with Wikipedia and the articles by Roland Robertson and Kathleen E. White, we can see that globalization is a complex and multidimensional process, involving economic, political, cultural and environmental aspects. It promotes global connectivity while highlighting local differences. Although some predict that the importance of countries will decline, they still play an important role in the global system. At the same time, individual identities are constantly changing under the influence of technology and social media. Globalization is not a new phenomenon, but its speed and intensity have increased at this stage. It is characterized by the increase in global awareness and connectivity, as well as the phenomenon of "glocalization", that is, the adaptation and deformation of globalization in the local area. Echoing the first half, the overall "What is globalization?"

2.Interesting items 

Regarding the question "Think of examples in which we are taught as children that our culture is better than other cultures. Is it really true?", I think it is an interesting project. As a member of the Bai ethnic minority in China, I may feel that I will feel some influence of ethnocentrism, especially in the context of the dominance of Han culture in China. For example, the traditional festivals, language and culture of the Han ethnic group are given priority in education and society, while the festivals and language of the Bai ethnic group are relatively marginalized. This phenomenon may cause our minority children to think that the mainstream culture is superior from an early age and ignore the rich cultural values ​​of their own ethnic group. However, when I was growing up, we were not taught that our ethnic culture is superior to other cultural courses. The traditional festivals and customs of ethnic minorities are often emphasized as unique and beautiful, reflecting the harmonious coexistence of ethnic minorities with nature. Although such education helps to enhance national identity, whether there is real superiority depends on perspective. Different cultures have their own unique values ​​and charms. What is important is mutual respect and understanding, rather than a simple distinction between good and bad. In my hometown, there is not only the Bai ethnic minority, but also other ethnic minorities such as the Hui, Dai and Yi ethnic minorities. We live in harmony, understand and respect each other.

3.Question

Regarding the above content, I also have a question that I would like to know the opinions of my classmates. If possible, please answer the following question:

 In the process of globalization, how to balance the protection of local culture and the integration of global culture to ensure that while pursuing economic development, we can respect and maintain the cultural diversity of various ethnic groups?