Poli sci 1200

Human Physical Well-Being and Globalization

Defining Human Well-Being

• Human physical well-being is often defined in broad terms.

• Critical analysis of this definition is required to understand its implications.

• Main issue: the definition lacks emphasis on the impact of globalization.

• Important to consider who defines well-being and the underlying power structures.

The Role of Globalization

• Globalization is portrayed as a connection between cultures and economies.

• The impact of globalization isn’t always positive or progressive.

• Suggestion: modify definitions to include the critical nature of globalization.

• Students should be encouraged to critique definitions rather than accept them at face value.

Historical Context of Globalization

• Historical globalization involved trade routes and colonization.

• Examples:

  • The Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonization in India.

  • The ancient Silk Road as a pivotal trade route.

• Previous globalization involved slow cultural exchange compared to today’s rapid pace.

Thomas Friedman's Views on Modern Globalization

• Today’s globalization characteristics:

  • Farther: Connectivity and reach have significantly increased.

  • Faster: Instantaneous communication through technology.

  • Cheaper: Lower costs of travel and communication.

  • Deeper: More profound effects on cultures due to increased interactions.

Universalisms in Globalization

• Globalization breeds multiple forms of universalism.

• Distinction between individual cultural beliefs and broader universal truths.

• Pre-19th century: Cultures maintained ethnocentric views, assuming universality.

• Post-19th century: Awareness of differing cultural beliefs leads to a more complex understanding of universalism.

• Today’s universalism often reflects Western ideologies.

The Paradox of Universalism

• Globalization can simultaneously confirm and undermine universalism.

• Conflicting universalist claims challenge the notion that any one belief can be true.

• While globalization fosters cooperation, it can also lead to relativism.

The Concept of Local vs. Global

• New term 'glocal' introduced to describe the coexistence of local and global influences.

• Individuals negotiate their identities between local realities and global contexts.

The Spectacle of Suffering

• Technology as a vehicle for globalization influences public perception of suffering.

• Visual images from global events prompt immediate emotional reactions but can lack context.

• Debate over ethical responsibility of viewers:

  • Need for educating ourselves about the context of suffering we witness.

  • Critical viewing emphasizes understanding over mere emotional reactions.

Compassion Fatigue and Media Influence

• Compassion fatigue: Overexposure to suffering can desensitize viewers.

• Audiences often consume suffering in a detached, voyeuristic manner.

• Impact of media framing: Certain narratives can invoke sympathy or manipulate opinions for political means.

Naming and Shaming Tactics

• Human Rights Watch uses naming and shaming to hold countries accountable.

• This methodology raises questions about effectiveness and intent behind public exposure.

• Critique of simplicity in just naming wrongs without proposing solutions.

Globalization as a Double-Edged Sword

• Globalization is an ongoing process affecting various societal dimensions (economic, social, cultural).

• It does not equally impact all individuals; access varies globally.

• A call for a nuanced understanding of globalization’s benefits and drawbacks.

Conclusion

• Students should engage critically with both historical and current perspectives on globalization.

• Emphasis on the importance of context, audience ethics, and critical engagement with media representations.