Globalisation - Good or Bad

What is globalization? 

Does this mean that all countries of the world are becoming the same?

Does it mean the integration of economic, political, and cultural systems around the world? 

Does globalization mean being able to find the same stores and restaurants in every part of the world? Does it mean that individual countries will not be able to make business and trade decisions on their own but will have to consult other countries? 

If these are the realities of globalization, what kinds of impacts will it have on the way we live? 

Indeed, the concept of globalization raises many questions and controversial issues.

Some argue that globalization is a positive development as it will give rise to new industries and more jobs in developing countries. Others say globalization is negative in that it will force poorer countries of the world to do whatever the big developed countries tell them to do. Another viewpoint is that developed countries are the ones who may lose out because they are involved in outsourcing many of the manufacturing jobs that used to be done by their own citizens. Outsourcing refers to obtaining goods by contract from outside sources. This is why you may find many of your clothes with labels from developing countries such as Malaysia, China, and the Philippines, where they can be produced at lower cost. Critics of outsourcing feel that no one wins with this practice. Workers in Canada and other developed countries may lose their jobs while those doing the work in poorer countries get paid much less while working in poor conditions. What can be done about these realities?

Global trade gives Canadians access to many products, such as fruits, that cannot be produced here. Global trade means that produce such as bananas, mangoes, oranges and kiwi fruit are easy to find in our grocery stores. This implies that farmers in developing countries have an opportunity to produce and sell more goods and make a better living. Some people in developed countries, however, feel that the wealthier countries purchasing the products also are the ones who make all the production and trade rules that they must abide by, thus reducing their chance at fair competition in the world marketplace. In addition, this forces developing countries to produce export goods wanted by the wealthier developed countries instead of producing local foods to feed their own populations. The development of orchards and plantations by multinational companies in the poorer countries of the world often means reduced land available for production of local food supplies. What can be done about these issues? Will more emphasis on “fair trade” make any difference?