Choose one product or object that you encounter in your everyday life and discuss how its history has

Question

been shaped by globalisation. Think of anything familiar fashion, food, TV, or cultural
examples.
To help you answer this question, follow these steps.
1) Understand Globalisation as a historical force.
2) Choose a product you use every day.
3) Explore the history of your chosen product.
4) Connect your chosen product to your historical understanding of globalisation.

Answer 1

One product that I encounter in my everyday life is the smartphone. The history of the smartphone has undoubtedly been shaped by globalization.

To understand globalization as a historical force, it is important to recognize that it refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of countries and people worldwide, driven by factors such as technological advancements, trade liberalization, and cultural exchange.

The history of the smartphone can be traced back to the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876. However, it was not until the late 20th century that the concept of a "smart" phone, capable of performing multiple functions beyond voice communication, began to emerge. The development of smartphones was heavily influenced by various global events and trends.

In the 1990s, globalization was gaining momentum, and advancements in technology, particularly in telecommunications and computing, were accelerating. This facilitated the development of smaller, more powerful, and affordable components, which eventually enabled the creation of smartphones. Additionally, the spread of the internet and the increasing accessibility of information worldwide played a crucial role in shaping the smartphone's history.

The 21st century saw the rise of companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google, which played a significant role in the globalization of the smartphone industry. These companies utilized global supply chains to manufacture smartphones in countries with lower labor costs, such as China and Vietnam, while targeting global markets for sales and distribution. The production and distribution networks employed by these companies were made possible by the interconnectedness of global trade facilitated by globalization.

Globalization also influenced the design and functionality of smartphones. Companies incorporated features and technologies from different parts of the world into their products, leveraging global innovation. For example, the use of touchscreens, which have become a standard feature in smartphones, was popularized by the iPhone, which was developed in the United States. However, the underlying technology for touchscreens originated from countries like Japan and South Korea.

Furthermore, globalization has resulted in the convergence of various industries, such as telecommunications, computing, and entertainment. Smartphones have become a central device for accessing information, communication, entertainment, and even carrying out financial transactions. This convergence of industries and functionalities within a single device is a direct consequence of globalization, as it enables the seamless integration of technologies and services from around the world.

In conclusion, the history of the smartphone has been shaped by globalization in multiple ways. The development and production of smartphones have relied on global supply chains and the interconnectedness of markets. The design and functionality of smartphones have been influenced by global innovation, and their convergence of various industries reflects the interconnected nature of the globalized world. As a product encountered in everyday life, the smartphone serves as a tangible example of the effects of globalization in shaping our contemporary world.