Globalisation

Globalisation - What is it?

Globalisation is a term that carries several different definitions depending on the way in which it is utilised. In my own opinion I find that globalisation is a process of economic and international integration. It is a link between worldwide social relations such as putting into contact two or more cultures.

To try and explain, I believe it is a mutual understanding which results in the connectivity through political and economic issues and processes. However it has largely become a term related to the economy. Although most people tend to view globalisation as a marketing strategy or a tool of trade, there is also the globalisation of such matters as traditions and culture. It is not always an economic term but can also be translated to a sociological context as well. This leads to different beliefs, practices and influences that can become present in places where they had not existed before.

Personally, I think that the term however has become so overloaded with meaning and has become that riddling that there is now a widespread confusion as to what the simple definition of globalisation is. Giddens and Held’s interpretation are both commonly used but if there was a gun to my temple and I was told to explain it in three not so simple words, I would go on to state that it basically refers to ‘intensified worldwide connectedness’ (Ampuja, 2011). 

Ampuja, M 2011, 'Globalisation theory, media-centrism and neoliberalism; a critique of recent intellectual trends', Critical Sociology, p. 281-301