7.7 - Resistance to Globalisation
Enroll to start learning
You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Understanding Resistance
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Today, we'll explore the idea of resistance to globalisation. Can anyone explain what this means?
Isn't it about people or groups opposing globalisation?
Exactly! Resistance can come from various actors, including political groups and social movements. They often argue that globalisation benefits the wealthy and harms the poor. What's a good example of resistance?
Like the protests during the WTO meetings?
Yes! The WTO protests highlighted concerns that globalisation overlooked the needs of developing countries. Let's remember this acronym: CAGE — Critique, Alliance, Goals, Engagement, which encapsulates key aspects of resistance.
What kind of goals do these movements usually have?
Good question! Their goals often include promoting social justice, preserving cultural identities, and ensuring local economic protection.
So it's not just about stopping globalisation but reshaping it?
Exactly! It's about advocating for a version of globalisation that is equitable and respects local cultures.
Cultural Resistance
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Now let's discuss cultural resistance. How do you think globalisation affects local cultures?
It makes them more westernized!
That's true. Some argue that this leads to cultural homogenisation, where unique cultural identities erode. What might be a resistance to this?
People might start celebrating their local traditions more to oppose western influence.
Absolutely! Cultural movements often promote traditional practices to maintain identity. Remember the term 'cultural heterogenisation' — it signifies diversity and uniqueness integrating into the global culture.
Is there a downside to this too?
Indeed, while promoting local culture is vital, it can sometimes lead to isolation from beneficial global exchanges. Balance is key!
So, it’s like a double-edged sword?
Exactly! Finding the right balance is essential in navigating globalisation's challenges.
Economic Considerations
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
What are some key economic criticisms of globalisation?
It can make the rich richer and the poor poorer.
Correct! This phenomenon leads to greater economic disparity. There's also a critique of how local jobs are threatened by multinational corporations. Can anyone elaborate on this?
Like how local businesses can't compete with big international brands?
Exactly! This can lead to job losses and economic distress for many communities. Let's remember the term 'deindustrialisation' — when manufacturing declines in a locality. Can you think of a solution to this?
Maybe governments can introduce protectionist policies?
That's right! Although, they also have to balance it with the benefits of global trade. It's a complex equation!
So, there's no one-size-fits-all solution?
Exactly! Each country needs to find its own balance.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
Resistance to globalisation manifests in various forms, including critiques of economic disparities and the cultural impacts of western influence. Movements from both the political left and right express concerns that globalisation benefits the wealthy at the expense of the poor, and that it threatens traditional cultures. Anti-globalisation movements aim not to wholly reject globalisation but to contest a specific neoliberal agenda.
Detailed
Resistance to Globalisation
Globalisation has faced significant criticism globally, with various movements emerging in opposition. Critics assert that globalisation perpetuates inequality, enriching the wealthy few while disadvantaging the poor. This concern is echoed across the political spectrum, including leftist movements arguing that the state’s diminishing power hinders its ability to safeguard impoverished populations. Conservatively, there are fears about cultural erosion and the loss of traditional values.
Interestingly, many anti-globalisation movements actively engage with global networks, collaborating with like-minded entities across borders to challenge what they perceive as neoliberal imperialism. Protests, such as those at the 1999 WTO Ministerial Meeting, showcased this resistance, emphasizing that developing nations often find their interests sidelined in global discussions.
In India, resistance takes many forms, including protests against foreign cultural influences and economic policies perceived as threatening local livelihoods. Social movements articulate these concerns, shaping public discourse about the implications of globalisation on identity, culture, and economic well-being.
Youtube Videos
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Criticism of Globalisation
Chapter 1 of 5
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
We have already noted that globalisation is a very contentious subject and has invited strong criticism all over the globe. Critics of globalisation make a variety of arguments. Those on the left argue that contemporary globalisation represents a particular phase of global capitalism that makes the rich richer (and fewer) and the poor poorer. Weakening of the state leads to a reduction in the capacity of the state to protect the interest of its poor. Critics of globalisation from the political right express anxiety over the political, economic and cultural effects. In political terms, they also fear the weakening of the state. Economically, they want a return to self-reliance and protectionism, at least in certain areas of the economy. Culturally, they are worried that traditional culture will be harmed and people will lose their age-old values and ways.
Detailed Explanation
Globalisation has sparked a lot of debate worldwide, and many people argue against it. Those on the left believe that it benefits only the wealthy while pushing the less fortunate further into poverty. They contend that as globalisation grows, governments have less power to help their citizens. Critics on the right fear that globalisation dilutes state power and can lead to economic policies that go against local interests. They want to protect their economies and cultures from being overly influenced by foreign entities.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a small farmer who struggles to compete with large agribusinesses from abroad. As these businesses expand due to globalisation, the farmer may struggle to continue his livelihood. Supporters of the farmer believe that the government should protect local farmers by providing subsidies and ensuring fair pricing, while critics of globalisation argue that the farmer's plight is a natural consequence of the broader economic changes.
Anti-Globalisation Movements
Chapter 2 of 5
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
It is important to note here that anti-globalisation movements too participate in global networks, allying with those who feel like them in other countries. Many anti-globalisation movements are not opposed to the idea of globalisation per se as much as they are opposed to a specific programme of globalisation, which they see as a form of imperialism.
Detailed Explanation
Anti-globalisation movements don't necessarily reject globalisation itself; instead, they criticize the way it is currently implemented. These movements aim to connect with like-minded groups globally to fight against what they perceive as unjust practices in global trade and economic policies. They often view certain aspects of globalisation as a domination by wealthier nations over poorer ones, akin to a new form of imperialism.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a local activist group that protests against the opening of a fast-food chain in their town. They feel that this chain represents not just a foreign company's invasion but also a threat to local traditions and businesses. By connecting with similar groups around the world, they amplify their voices and share strategies in addressing this global issue.
Protests and Global Events
Chapter 3 of 5
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
In 1999, at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Meeting there were widespread protests at Seattle alleging unfair trading practices by the economically powerful states. It was argued that the interests of the developing world were not given sufficient importance in the evolving global economic system.
Detailed Explanation
The WTO meeting in Seattle highlighted widespread dissent from various groups who felt that powerful countries were imposing unfair trade practices that primarily benefit them. Protestors argued that developing nations were often overlooked in trade negotiations, leading to policies that did not consider their needs and challenges. This event exemplified how globalisation can lead to public outcry against perceived inequalities.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a college town where the administration decides to increase tuition fees significantly without considering the financial hardships faced by many students. A protest erupts, drawing attention to the issue and demanding the administration to listen to student voices. Similarly, the protests at the WTO were about ensuring that the needs of all nations, especially the less powerful, were considered.
Cultural Resistance in India
Chapter 4 of 5
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Resistance to globalisation in India has come from different quarters. There have been left-wing protests to economic liberalisation voiced through political parties as well as through forums like the World Social Forum (WSF) and the Indian Social Forum. Trade unions of industrial workforce as well as those representing farmer interests have organised protests against the entry of multinationals. The patenting of certain plants like Neem by American and European firms has also generated considerable opposition.
Detailed Explanation
In India, resistance to globalisation manifests in various forms, from political protests to collective action from workers and farmers. Groups have actively voiced their concerns regarding how economic policies favor multinationals at the expense of local livelihoods. Specific instances, such as the attempts to patent indigenous plants, have drawn particularly heavy criticism, highlighting the fight for local rights against international corporations.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a local cooperative of farmers who band together to protest against a large multinational that wants to buy the land they farm on. They fear that this company will exploit their resources and disrupt their way of life. This scenario mirrors the collective actions seen in India in response to multinationals taking control over local resources.
Cultural Concerns
Chapter 5 of 5
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Resistance to globalisation has also come from the political right. This has taken the form of objecting particularly to various cultural influences — ranging from the availability of foreign T.V. channels provided by cable networks, celebration of Valentine’s Day, and westernisation of the dress tastes of girl students in schools and colleges.
Detailed Explanation
Cultural resistance to globalisation often comes from those who fear that traditional values and lifestyles are being eroded by foreign influences. These objections can range from disapproval of international entertainment to concerns about changing social norms and practices, which they believe threatens the fabric of their society.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a traditional village where the elder community voices their concern over young people adopting foreign customs such as celebrating Halloween instead of Diwali. Their protest stems from a desire to preserve their heritage. Similarly, there are groups in India that advocate for maintaining traditional practices against the tide of global cultural changes.
Key Concepts
-
Economic Disparity: The gap between the rich and the poor often exacerbated by globalisation.
-
Cultural Identity: The unique characteristics and traditions that define a group, potentially threatened by globalisation.
-
Social Movements: Organized efforts by groups to challenge societal norms or policies, including resistance against globalisation.
Examples & Applications
Protests against the WTO in 1999 highlighted concerns that globalisation disregarded the needs of poorer nations.
Movements advocating for preserving local culture in the face of western influence, such as Indian cultural festivals gaining popularity.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Globalisation’s a two-headed beast, one brings wealth, the other, a cultural feast.
Stories
Imagine a village where everyone wore the same clothes, ate the same food, and spoke the same language. One day, individuals started to wear their unique outfits, celebrate their local festivals, and share their dialects, creating a vibrant, diverse community despite outside pressures.
Memory Tools
Remember the term CAGE for resistance: Critique, Alliance, Goals, Engagement!
Acronyms
CAGE
for Critique of globalisation
for forming Alliances
for setting Goals
for active Engagement in movements.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Globalisation
The process of increasing interconnectedness among countries, especially in terms of economics, culture, and politics.
- Cultural Homogenisation
The process by which local cultures become similar to each other, often influenced by Western culture.
- Cultural Heterogenisation
The process that leads to unique cultural identities gaining prominence amidst globalisation.
- Deindustrialisation
The decline of industrial activity in a region or economy.
- Protectionism
Economic policy of restraining trade between nations through tariffs and other regulations.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.