What is globalization? -CHEN SITING

The term "globalization", first used by Gedens in the mid-1980s, has since spread from academia to everyday conversation among the general population (Rantanen, 2005). Globalization is considered a development and inevitable consequence of modernity (Giddens, 1990; Thompson, 1995). Giddens's discussion of modernity and globalization includes both the micro-level aspects of individual life, personal identity, and the macro-structural aspects of institutions. Globalization is defined by Giddens as "the strengthening of social ties worldwide" (Giddens, 1990, p. 64) This social relationship ties together distant and different places, so that local and distant events can be reflected in each other. Thompson's definition of globalization is "increasingly interconnected around the world" (Thompson, 1995, p. 149) This process leads to complex forms of global interaction and interdependence. Just as the 2008 U.S. subprime mortgage crisis triggered a global financial crisis, the crisis has had a combined impact on China's economy, such as Dongguan, a small town in the southeast of China, where many processing plants have closed down. This is the examples of these chain reactions.

Cultural exchange plays a crucial role in globalization, but it may also lead to cultural homogenization. The prevalence of American fast-food chains worldwide is a stark example of how global culture can dilute local traditions and cuisines. But such cultural homogeneity cannot be avoided, because in a globalized environment, we are forced to receive more information from abroad. But humanity is constantly assimilating cultures and creating new, integrated global cultures. As we navigate this cultural convergence, we must remain mindful of the value of cultural diversity and the need to protect it.

However, globalization has also exacerbated social inequalities, particularly between developed and developing countries. A typical example is the exploitation of labour in poorer countries. Many TNCs take advantage of cheap labour in developing countries, which are often subject to poor working conditions, low wages and minimal labour rights protection. This is evident in the garment industry, where companies outsource production to countries like Bangladesh and Cambodia, where factory workers, mostly women, earn far less than a living wage and work in unsafe conditions. The 2013 Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh, in which a clothing factory collapsed and killed more than 1,100 workers, highlighted the extreme dangers faced by workers in these global supply chains. This reflects a broader problem of uneven distribution of the benefits of globalization, where wealth and power are concentrated in developed countries and poor countries bear the brunt of the costs. Addressing these inequalities is a major challenge in the current global discussions on fair trade and ethical business practices.

Finally, globalization is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon affecting all aspects of modern life, including economic, cultural, technological and social structures. While promoting global integration and cultural exchange, it also exacerbates inequalities, particularly between developed and developing countries. The spread of labour exploitation and cultural homogeneity in poor countries highlights the challenges we face. As globalization continues to evolve, addressing these issues while preserving cultural diversity and social equity is essential for a more just global society.