"Process
of global integration in which diverse people, economies, cultures and political processes are increasingly subjected to international influences" (Migdley, 1997). Economic interdependence Cultural interdependence Political interdependence Environmental interdependence missing from the above definition.
Most recognized dimension of globalization. International economic exchanges growing in frequency: world trade, investments, currency regulations, aid and lending. A number of corporations are larger economic units than some nation-states and have subsidiaries in a number of different countries. Production of a car for example can take place in different parts and different countries.
Dependence on other countries for raw materials and cash. Many developing countries produce one crop for export and depend on world markets for price. Dependence on oil has been a fact for decades. Dependence on cash from foreign sources used to be a problem in developing countries. It is now an issue for countries like the United States now.
Technological innovations in communications have been central to globalization. The internet and mass media have made information from other countries and about other cultures more readily available. It is either to communicate with people other from countries. Think about the food we eat! And what about pop culture? Tourism as a positive or negative?
Definitely linked to the economic interdepencence at this point. Increased cooperation through international organizations. Creation of supranational entities like the European Union. Growth of civil society ordinary citizens working to have an impact in other parts of the world and on their countrys' foreign policies. Includes security interdependence threats?
Environmental issues in one country have direct impact on neighboring countries. Pollution and resource depletion. Best example: Chernobyl, Ukraine. Deforestation, loss in biodiversity Spread of diseases like SARS. Sustainable development.
Four ways in which globalization has shaped the social environment: Change of case loads at social service agencies. Shared problems in many parts of the world. Actions of one country impacting another. Sharing among social workers in the world on the increase. (Healy, 2001).
Most dramatic social indicator of globalization, especially for social workers. Refugees from war, political and religious oppression. Individuals in search of better educational or economic opportunities. Legal and illegal immigrants. Their presence changes the social landscape. How?