Notes on Globalization, Gender, and Work

In

  • Importance of Gender in Globalization:

    • Traditional studies otroduction to Globalization, Gender and Work

      • Understanding Globalization

        • Defined as complex processes of worldwide economic, social, cultural, and political integration.

        • Facilitates transnational flow of goods, services, ideas, and people.ften overlook gender impact, implying neutrality which ignores asymmetrical gender power dynamics.

    • Emphasizes differential effects on men and women, with a lack of representation for women in discussions.

The Emergence of Globalization

  • Historical Context

    • Emerged in the 1960s; refers to a condition, a system, and a process.

    • Scholarly debates on whether it marks a new capitalist stage or a continuation of long-standing trends.

    • Colonization and resource exploitation central to capitalism’s historical development.

  • Terminology Considerations:

    • "Third World" vs. "Global South" and implications for understanding development and gender roles.

Gender as an Analytical Category

  • Gender Defined:

    • Socially constructed differences influence behavior, attributes, and status of genders.

    • Power dynamics create privilege for male traits over female, setting up hierarchies.

    • Example: Gender norms culture-supported like pink for girls versus blue for boys.

The End of the Golden Age: Deindustrialization of North America

  • Economic Shifts:

    • Shift away from manufacturing as a result of globalization and economic policies.

    • Responses to external economic pressures, trade deficits beginning in 1971.

    • Automation and offshoring lead to significant job loss in manufacturing sectors.

    • By 1980, goods produced locally heavily competed with imports, causing a 10% drop in manufacturing workers.

The Rise of Conservatism and Reaganomics

  • Political Landscape Changes:

    • Economic hardship leads to renewed conservativism prioritizing deregulation and lower taxes.

    • Emphasis on economic freedom, advocacy against civil rights oversight, meaning more power for elites.

  • Reaganomics:

    • Tax cuts for the wealthy predicted to stimulate the economy, yet resulted in increased inequality and manufacturing decline.

    • Consequences include a focus on profit maximization disregarding worker welfare and stable employment.

Levi Strauss & Co.: Case Study of Deindustrialization

  • Company History and Transition

    • Founded by Levi Strauss during the Gold Rush; evolved into a leading manufacturer of denim.

    • Shift from manufacturing to brand-focused retail, signifying the deindustrialization trend.

    • Production moved overseas for cost-saving, contributing to job losses in North America.

Conclusion: Impact of Deindustrialization

  • Current Workforce Trends

    • Rise in precarious, low-wage service jobs correlating with loss of traditional manufacturing.

    • Impact heavily felt among racialized workers and women who previously sought stability in manufacturing.

    • Political reactions fostered by economic anxieties lead to divisive rhetoric around competition for jobs.

  • Broader Societal Implications

    • Resurgence of missing voices among women and marginalized groups in economic discourse.

    • Ongoing fear of job loss increasing support for reactionary political platforms.