Globalization is how different parts of the world are connected. People, ideas and goods move more easily around the world.

Question

Globalization also changes the way companies and countries trade with each other. This shows how globalization affects economies. Globalization has improved people's lives in poor countries. However, sometimes globalization doesn't bring new jobs or money to other countries.

Globalization In the Past

Globalization is not new. People have always traded goods with their neighbors. At one point, people began traveling to distant places. People traded their own goods for other products.

The Silk Road is an example of early globalization. The Silk Road was an old system of trade routes. The routes connected the continents of Europe and Asia. China is a country in Asia. The Silk Road was helpful because there were no trains then. Europeans traded products made of glass and other goods for Chinese silk and spices.

Later on, trade developed between Europe, Africa and America. Sadly, most of it involved slavery. This showed how globalization can truly hurt people. European ships carried products from Europe to Africa. In Africa, the products were traded for enslaved Africans. These enslaved Africans were then forced to go to the Americas. From the Americas, the ships carried raw materials like sugar, tobacco and cotton back to Europe. In Europe, the raw materials were used to make products. Then those products were brought back to Africa again. The cycle started over. This cycle was called the Triangular Trade.

Globalization has grown in recent years. It is easier to send money and products to other countries. It is simpler for companies to contact other countries. Countries signed agreements that make it all easier for them.

Benefits Of Globalization

Globalization gives large companies an advantage. Companies can get materials for less money in poorer countries. They can pay less money to workers in those countries.

Also, different parts of a product may be made in different countries. T-shirts made of cotton are one example. Cotton is a plant. It might be grown in one country. Then, in another country the T-shirt is woven from those pieces of cotton.

The result is more jobs in countries where jobs are needed. More jobs make people's lives more comfortable. People who buy the products are doing better, too. In general, globalization makes prices of goods lower. For example, globalization makes t-shirts cheaper.  Also, there are more goods for people to choose from.

Downsides

Not everything about globalization is good. Many jobs were moved to different countries. The people who had those jobs before were left without jobs.

In poorer countries, the working conditions of people are often very difficult. People there are paid very little for a whole month of work. A worker in the United States may get more money in one day than they do in a whole month. Also, children of poorer families may quit school so they can work.

Into The Future

Globalization is not perfect. However, globalization will continue. The result is a more connected world.
After reading the article answer the following:
Identify the author’s perspective.
Are they in favor of a person or a policy?
Is anyone left out of the article? What missing stories are missing from a specific group?
Why do you think the author left out certain stories?

Answer 1

Author’s Perspective: The author's perspective on globalization is nuanced and recognizes both its benefits and drawbacks. They provide a balanced overview, acknowledging the positive aspects of globalization, such as increased job opportunities in some countries, lower prices for consumers, and the historical context of trade. At the same time, they also highlight the negative consequences, including job displacement, poor working conditions in developing nations, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.

In Favor of a Person or Policy: The author does not explicitly advocate for a specific person or policy. Rather, they present globalization as a complex issue that has both positive and negative effects. Their overall tone suggests an understanding of the importance of globalization in connecting economies and cultures while simultaneously calling attention to the ethical concerns that arise from it.

Missing Stories:

1. Voices of Workers: The article lacks detailed personal narratives from workers affected by globalization, particularly those in poorer countries who face challenges such as low wages and poor working conditions.
2. Impact on Local Economies: There is no mention of how globalization affects local businesses in poorer countries. For example, small businesses may struggle to compete with large multinational corporations, leading to economic disparities.
3. Environmental Concerns: The article does not address the environmental impact of globalization, such as the effects of increased production and transportation on climate change and local ecosystems.
4. Cultural Impacts: There is little exploration of how globalization influences local cultures, languages, and traditions, which can sometimes lead to cultural homogenization.

Reason for Leaving Out Certain Stories: The author may have opted to keep the focus on the broader economic implications of globalization and its historical context rather than delving into individual stories or specific groups. This approach allows for a more general discussion and may aim to inform readers about the overall trends and ideas surrounding globalization without getting bogged down in complex and varied personal experiences. However, by doing so, the author risks oversimplifying the issue and neglecting the voices of those most affected by the changes brought by globalization. Including diverse perspectives could have enriched the discussion and provided a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.