Globalization and Societal Shifts in the Modern World
Globalization
Globalization refers to the unlimited worldwide interaction facilitated by new technologies that have eliminated physical barriers and communication policies. This has led to a convergence of lifestyles, advertising, and social customs, creating a sense of uniform time. Concurrency, where everything happens at once, is a defining feature, as speed is paramount in a world where no one wants to wait.
Multiculturalism is favored by two factors: the importance of migratory movements and the self-assertion of individual cultures in the face of globalization.
Neoliberal Proposal (Neocons)
Advocates of neoliberalism favor a minimally interventionist state. Key economic characteristics include:
- Defense of free-market economic policies
- Reduction of public spending
- Concerns for rights and freedoms
- Democratization of the social
- Realism in relations
- Defense of the nation-state
Social Democratic Proposal
Socialism in Western Europe is moderate and parliamentary. In the context of the welfare state, capitalism is assumed as an economic system but is controlled by strong state intervention.
Third Way
Inspired by Anthony Giddens, the Third Way intends to combine the values of the center and center-left. It uses the concept of modernization, understood as the ability to adapt to new conditions in the global world. It promotes a positive attitude toward globalization and free trade while acknowledging the need for critique. Regarding rights, it advocates for a more active state, civil society, and a democratic mixed economy.
Democracy: Confrontation of Theoretical Models
Elitist Model
Participation is limited to the electoral act, where citizens vote for the desired product offered by political parties. This is known as representative democracy.
Participatory Model
This model emphasizes communicative action, where politicians can engage with citizens and citizens can participate in decision-making. This is known as deliberative democracy, which is participatory and whose decisions have the highest level of legitimacy.
Capitalism
Capitalism is based on the concept of private ownership of the means of production necessary for subsistence. Adam Smith defended the idea that the state should have minimal influence on the economy, believing that the pursuit of wealth by individuals would lead to a welfare state. The aim of capitalism is to obtain wealth through capital accumulation. It is a market economy where the means of production are owned by a few who buy labor.
Max Weber emphasized the importance of individuals’ ideas and values as determinants of economic behavior.
Nation-States
Globalization does not mean that traditional nation-states should disappear, but it does force them to change their meaning and function. Some key problems include:
- Nationalism in the East
- Inclusion of states in supranational bodies
- Influence of multinationals
- Coexistence of antagonistic social sectors
- Multiculturalism
- Mafia and terrorism
Problems
Identity
The need to define oneself individually and collectively: Who am I? What social group do I identify with? What are my memberships?
Media
Despite living in the era of communication, there are costs associated with the loss of human interaction in macro-cities, which promotes individualism and ethnocentric attitudes that are critical of anything different.
Organizational
The search for a new political order.
Solidarity
Manifest inequality and poverty.
Survivability
Resources are being depleted.
Liquid Modernity
Liquid modernity describes a society where individuals live a life characterized by consuming, discarding, and consuming again. It is a world where everything is precarious, including work and relationships. Novelty is favored, and success means being up-to-date.
Glocal Issues
Glocal issues refer to universal entities that are also located at a local level.