Topic 9 Theory and Methods
Outline and explain two reasons for the growth of globalisation (10 marks)
Evaluate the claim that we are now living in the postmodern age (20 marks)
Globalisation refers to the increasing interconnectedness of people across national
boundaries where our lives our shaped by a global framework. One reason for the
growth of globalisation is the vast amount of economic activity being accelerated
by innovations in technology (example Global 24 hour transactions online). It is
not just the production of goods based on ‘Fordist’ principles (cheap and mass
produced) but the manufacturing of information such as music, TV programmes
and data processing. These often futile commodities driven by ‘pester power’ and
‘keeping up with the joneses’ are produced and consumed through global
electronic devices and networks. Essentially ideas and values from one culture in
the world is able to transcend (predominantly western world) to others creating an
almost honourable and desired global culture in the world where identity is lost in
the process; An example being the decomposition of the information hierarchy
where children can now access sensitive information (death, drugs and sex) easily
through TV unlike before where adults retained that knowledge. Although a
liberating idea, some would argue it has led to a crises of identity and ‘toxic
childhood’ (Palmer) ultimately being a product of globalisation. Furthermore, It is
estimated that over half of the world’s population has access to the internet and this
enables them to find employment opportunities online due to the demand of digital
and tech-dominated careers that will replace several jobs by 2030 (cashier,
receptionist). Whilst these both have positive benefits on individuals, such as work
opportunities, increased leisure and flexibility, they can also be argued to be
increasing the risk of transgressive problems such as green crime. Therefore,
overall it can be disputed that economic and technological changes combined have
led to increased globalisation which may be both beneficial and harmful to an
individual…
Outline and explain two reasons for the growth of globalisation (10 marks)
Evaluate the claim that we are now living in the postmodern age (20 marks)
Globalisation refers to the increasing interconnectedness of people across national
boundaries where our lives our shaped by a global framework. One reason for the
growth of globalisation is the vast amount of economic activity being accelerated
by innovations in technology (example Global 24 hour transactions online). It is
not just the production of goods based on ‘Fordist’ principles (cheap and mass
produced) but the manufacturing of information such as music, TV programmes
and data processing. These often futile commodities driven by ‘pester power’ and
‘keeping up with the joneses’ are produced and consumed through global
electronic devices and networks. Essentially ideas and values from one culture in
the world is able to transcend (predominantly western world) to others creating an
almost honourable and desired global culture in the world where identity is lost in
the process; An example being the decomposition of the information hierarchy
where children can now access sensitive information (death, drugs and sex) easily
through TV unlike before where adults retained that knowledge. Although a
liberating idea, some would argue it has led to a crises of identity and ‘toxic
childhood’ (Palmer) ultimately being a product of globalisation. Furthermore, It is
estimated that over half of the world’s population has access to the internet and this
enables them to find employment opportunities online due to the demand of digital
and tech-dominated careers that will replace several jobs by 2030 (cashier,
receptionist). Whilst these both have positive benefits on individuals, such as work
opportunities, increased leisure and flexibility, they can also be argued to be
increasing the risk of transgressive problems such as green crime. Therefore,
overall it can be disputed that economic and technological changes combined have
led to increased globalisation which may be both beneficial and harmful to an
individual…
