Globalisation as a term has been negotiated and understood in several different ways across the last two decades, but what exactly is globalisation, and how much of an influence is the media on this concept?
Noam Chomsky suggests the best definition he has found is
that of Gerald Helleiner, a Canadian development economist, stating that ‘the
poor complain, they always do, but that is just idle chatter. Our system brings
rewards to all- at least to all who matter’ (Noam Chomsky, 2007). This idea that globalisation is merely
beneficial to individuals, organisations and societies of a higher social and
economic standard made me question my perspective on the matter. Globalisation
to me is the interconnectivity of citizens around the world to strengthen
relationships, business, social stances and to communicate political and
environmental issues. It is a strategy and its global, physical, cultural,
information, media and capital flows determine my way of living. Thompson, as
cited in Rantanen (2005), highlights this in his definition:
‘Globalisation…refers to the
growing interconnectedness of different parts of the world, a process which
gives rise to complex forms of interaction and interdependency. (1995: 149)’
The use of ‘gives rise’ puts emphasis on the power and
positivity that comes with globalisation, however as the Helleiner quote
indicates, globalisation may only give power to economically dominant
societies. This video gives insight into the workings of globalisation, particularly
in western civilisation, and highlights the social differences.
The video has the main focus on political, economic,
environmental and social effects of globalisation but does not discuss the
corrections we are making to globalisation, particularly in terms of the
Helleiner quote. Rantanen (2005) discusses the three phases of globalisation;
the debates over its existence, the consequences of globalisation, and, our
current stage, of how to respond to its negative consequences. Our terms of
globalisation need to, therefore, reflect the correction of the negativity
surrounding globalisation. Helleiner’s definition is no longer relevant in
post-modern society as many systems have been created through globalisation to
allow for a greater sense of equality and even for the rich to help the poor.
Information flows assist in giving us insight into poverty with organisations
such as World Vision bring poverty stricken societies situation to the
forefront of our agendas. They do this through globalisation by 'implementing best practice programs overseas and in Australia to save lives and build sustainable communities' (World
Vision Australia 2013). In this sense the use of power in globalisation has
been used to connect people around the world in a combined issue and has
increased our knowledge as do many other systems of globalisation. Globalisation
is our way of living, shopping, developing, understanding and communicating, so
definitions should highlight its importance in post-modern society.
Reference List
Globalisation 2011, YouTube, Edeos, 24 October, retrieved 26 July 2013, <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oTLyPPrZE4>
Rantanen, T 2005, ‘Theorizing media globalization’, The media and globalization, Sage, London, pp. 1–18.
What is Globalisation 2007, YouTube, Noam Chomsky, 26 March, retrieved 28 July 2013, <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdYwAXZh0ME>
World Vision Australia, 2013, ‘Our mission, motivation and
values’, retrieved 28 July 2013, <http://www.worldvision.com.au/AboutUs/OurMissionMotivationValues.aspx>
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