THE GLOBALIZATION: CONCEPT

    We listen all time about the globalization concept but, what is it? Is it an economic globalization? Is it a social or a political movement?

    If we look up this concept in Wikipedia we can read this: “the globalization is the process of international integration arising from the interchange of world views, products, ideas and other aspects of culture”. What does this mean?

    The notion of globalization emerged in 1492, when Cristobal Colon discovered America. Europe developed an expansive culture, creating empires in the new territory. The powers were based on the economic policy of mercantilism theory. It supposed a competition for a finite amount of wealth and the need for strict control of trade.

    After this, the clashes provoked the first international treaty (Tordesillas Treaty), where Spain and Portugal agreed as distributed the new territory.

    Many authors consider this moment the first step to globalization.

  In the current society, this concept is related to another notion: “capitalism”. We can say that globalization is the integration of an only capitalist market. This idea is defending about neoliberalism and entities like IMF (International Monetary Fund) or WB (World Bank).

    The proponents of this global phenomenon exposed a number of benefits like these:

• -          The globalization increases the individual liberty.
• -          The employment is favoured.
• -          The economic growth.
• -          The infant mortality has decreased.
• -          Life expectancy has increased.
• -          Progress in women’s rights.
• -          It has reduced child labour.

    There are many theories that believe globalization transcends the economic issue and covers culture. The relationship between the big powers (EEUU or Europe) and underdeveloped countries (like Africa’s countries) is unequal. In the first, the liberty, the life expectancy, the protection of right or the economic growth are higher than the ones in the underdeveloped countries. Therefore, each of these powers have a similar culture because they have similar legislation and protection.

    However, many authors think that unlimited globalization favours the economic and cultural imperialism. They said that this global phenomenon can produce these negative consequences:

• -          It favours the privatization of the economy.
• -          It increases competitiveness.
• -          It overexploits the environment. 
• -          It increases the migration of workers, who must leave their homes in search of a job.

    In conclusion, the concept of globalization has positive and negative consequences. It is a personal decision to establish if this phenomenon is optimal for growth or not.