Globalization: The Clash of Change

Globalization can generally be classified as the expansion of global linkages, a group of social life on a global scale, and the growth of global consciousness, hence the combination of world society.(Lechner, 2000-2001) So basically, with foreign trading and such different societies are forced to integrate on so many different levels. In affect creating new ideas and exposing once isolated cultures to a new way of doing business and even a new way of life all together.

Many cultures for example have certain aspects of their culture which are very different from let us say the United States; let’s take the Middle East for example. In the Middle East woman are treated differently than they are in the United States (for the most part.) Now with foreign trade being an ongoing issue as well as profit for both parts of the globe, Middle Eastern women are being exposed to something completely new to them. Middle Eastern woman are witnessing female soldiers, female contractor and so on. Middle Eastern women are watching other women in their country, on television and so forth, making decisions, demands, dressing differently. All these new accounts inspire new thoughts and new questions. But being that every culture has its own view and own way of life, these “new” thoughts are currently creating a change in the minds of the women, men, and children of the Middle East as well as the United States. (Flakus, 2007)

One of the big concerns I believe is, is change good? After the affects of change how will it affect the culture of certain regions? Especially since in some place’s religion and traditions are the pillars to certain culture’s way of life all together.  From the American female point of view, the general consensus maybe, good! Women are equal! But by many other cultures it is not the case and the issues that can rise from globalization can be devastating.

So where do we draw the line? Or do we? Is it a question of equality? Preserving one’s culture, or the monetary and material profit from trade? What about the United States, our capitalist way of life depends on trade and foreign affairs? In my personal opinion there is no answer that’s going to make everyone happy and the fact of the matter is that change is indefinite. Change is always bound to happen no matter what culture, religion, from whatever region. Whether it is right or wrong obstacles, will be debated, fought over, leading to battles, then in turn “war,” and then inevitable yet significant change will occur. 

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