Study Notes on Globalization of Religion and Global Cities

GLOBALIZATION OF RELIGION

Course Information

  • Course: GEED 003: The Contemporary World

  • Instructor: Kris Andrei B. Batica

  • Academic Year: AY 2025-2026, Semester 1

  • Institution: Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, you should be able to:

  • Explain how globalization affects religious practices and beliefs.

    • This involves analyzing transformations in religious characteristics in the context of global interactions.

  • Analyze the relationship between religion and global conflict and, conversely, global peace.

    • Examination of how religions can both incite conflict and promote peace in a globalized world.

Key Themes

(De)Secularization

  • The concept of (de)secularization refers to the ongoing influence of religion in a world where modernization was expected to result in secularization.

    • Dominant theorists in the social scientific study of religion historically argued that modernization will inevitably lead to secularization. - Contrary Observation: Evidence suggests that religion continues to thrive and grow, particularly in the Global South, challenging the notion that secularization is an inevitable outcome of modernization.

    • Explore the question of Western conceptualization of 'modernity.'

Religious Extremism

  • Globalization has led to many seeking refuge in extremism, perceiving chaos in global changes as unsettling.

    • Monumental Example - The Case of ISIS:

    • Religious Context: Tensions between Sunni and Shia Islam.

    • Colonial Interference: Post-colonial dynamics contributed to the rise of modern nation-states, which have influenced religious conflicts.

      • For instance, colonial powers imposed structures that exacerbated Sunni-Shiite divides.

    • Western Interests: The desire for stability and access to resources, particularly oil, has historically fueled conflict and extremist responses.

    • Conditions in the Age of Globalization:

    • Influences of neoliberalism.

    • The significance of international relations as they impact religious and political sentiments.

    • Resistance movements, which can manifest in various forms, in response to perceived encroachments on religious identities and practices.

Impacts on Various Religions

  • Catholicism: Transitioning from a colonial tradition towards a more inclusive policy amidst global economic changes.

  • Judaism: Persistent violence connected to the formation of the Jewish State, raising questions about religious nationalism.

  • Exploration of Other Religions: Addressing how different faiths react and adapt to global pressures and transformations.

THE GLOBAL CITY

Course Overview

  • Next session objectives:

    • Identify the attributes of a global city.

    • Analyze how cities serve as engines of globalization.

Emergence of Cities

  • Urban centers develop primarily due to

    • High migration rates and elevated birth rates affecting population growth.

    • Movement from agrarian societies towards industrialized and contemporary urban settings.

Defining a Global City

  • Global cities are complicated in definition, reflecting diverse processes within globalization.

  • Key Attributes:

    • As an Economic Process:

    • Characterized by substantial global economic activities, connectivity through trade, and robust financial flows.

    • As a Political Process:

    • Acts as hubs for political power and global influence at both local and international levels.

    • As a Cultural Process:

    • Creative industries find growth; access to global media enhances cultural exchanges.

    • As a Social Process:

    • Diverse populations arise through high migration from other countries, promoting cultural interactions.

    • As a Technological Process:

    • Innovations and advancements in technology thrive in these environments.

Significance and Consequences of Global Cities

  • Economic and Social Impacts:

    • The gap between the rich and poor increases, with the rich benefiting more readily from globalization. ("The rich get richer, the poor get poorer")

    • A distinction between skilled professionals and those trapped in low-wage, unskilled labor.

    • Gentrification processes reshape urban landscapes, displacing poorer communities and diluting middle-class representation.

  • Cultural and Environmental Factors:

    • Experiences of diversity lead to intercultural exchanges but can also foster conflicts and countercultures.

    • Environmental degradation is exacerbated by urban expansion, rising demand for resources, and increased waste production.

  • Policy Repercussions:

    • Policies in global cities may become more nuanced in addressing local criminal activities while often reflecting neoliberal ideologies.

Final Thoughts

  • Global cities serve as tangible representations of globalization, illustrating both its benefits and challenges.

  • The nature of globalization results in complex, multifaceted changes across social, political, and environmental landscapes.