In this module, we have truly engaged globalization from an interdisciplinary perspective. Based on a reading of your choice from this module’s assigned material, how do you see yourself globally engaged as part of the global labor and workforce? How do you think your role in the global society will continue to evolve in the future? This could be a personal reflection or a reflection about your place of business. You could also reflect on SNHU as an important part of developing its students to be competitive in the global labor arena. Make sure you address specific disciplines such as economics, political science, history, or sociology.
In responding to classmates, discuss how some areas of global society that seem totally separate are actually connected.
Reply Post 1 –
I am going to be focusing on the article “globalization, labor markets, and inequality”. Right now I am engaged in the labor force by working jobs with my father while I take these classes online. He runs a construction company that deals with all types of home construction. We engage in the global economy by buying products that are from out of the country. Depending on the type of project we will buy wood, marble countertops and tile for bathrooms or floors from places all over the world. I think that my role in a global society will change from being an employee of a business to a business owner that does business all over the world. The article suggests that it is seemingly impossible to go from a low income to a high income and while this may be true in developing countries, I would tend to disagree with this if someone lives in a developed country like the United States. My family and many people that I know have gone from being quite poor to upper middle class. In developing countries this may not be as easy because of the lack of widespread technology and innovation like we have in the United States.
Reply Post 2 –
Before taking this course it was difficult for me to imagine how I am related to global society, or how everything I do can make a difference to the rest of the world. Many things that I do, do not have an effect on the world, but there are a lot of ways that I am globally connected by simply being an inhabitant of this planet. Although right now I am not employed, this fact still matters when it comes to the global economy. Take for example, the “Unemployment rate” chart on the Global Economic Monitor. While viewing the numbers for the United States compared to other countries around the world, I have recognized that I am one of those who makes up the 4.444444 under 2017 unemployment rates. Being one single individual, this may not seem of much importance, but that number is made up of every single unemployed individual in the country like myself. We all add up together to create these numbers that become comparable to other countries during each year. This information is a part of what makes up the ranking for the most economically thriving and developed countries versus underdeveloped countries. I am not currently helping the United States’ economic growth because I do not make any money, but this information is necessary to know either way. Those who are employed are not on this list, but that means that those who are unemployed are the remainder who make up the list.
I am globally engaged because activities I do every day are directly related to foreign nations seeking economic gains. For example, I drive a Nissan, and this is a Japanese car whose company headquarters are in Yokohama, Japan. Despite this, my Nissan was probably manufactured in Nissan Motor’s plant in Tennessee. Some vehicles manufactured in this plant are even being sent to Australia and New Zealand. Japanese car companies along with those in other countries outsource and either send vehicles all across the globe for foreign purchase, or create plants in other countries to cut costs and gain more control over the creation process. By purchasing my Nissan, I have supported a foreign automobile manufacturing company, and my money has gone outside of my own country. If I wanted to help the American economy, I might have decided to purchase a car from an American made company such as Ford Motor Company or General Motors. Globalization has made it extremely easy for people to have many choices when it comes to cars (as well as other commodities) and most of the time, we end up purchasing a car with features that we enjoy, not based upon which country our money is going to end up in.
This leads me to question how true the information is that we receive about the cars that we choose to buy. Using myself as an example, I willingly chose to purchase a Japanese car because I saw the commercials for in on television and I enjoyed the car when I saw it at the dealership. Was I taking enough into consideration before choosing this vehicle, or should I have done some more of my own extensive research to see if this car was a smart choice for myself and the global economy? I wonder sometimes if new cars manufactured overseas are being planted with recording devices so they may spy on our conversations or locate our exact coordinates at any point in time. I don’t believe this is paranoia because “There are numerous examples of cases of public opinion manipulation, through which it is aimed to create a false image on the reality for believing or adopting it.” (Galateanu, 1038) The world has made it increasingly easy for individuals in society to make big decisions like which car to purchase, when there could be much more information below the surface that we just haven’t desired to dig up.
I believe that my role in the global society will continue to evolve based upon my purchase decisions, employment opportunities, and with the successes of my child(ren). I am a proud stay at home mother of a baby girl and it is a personal goal to ensure that my daughter will be able to make a positive difference not only in her world, but in the global world as well. Depending on which direction I may steer her, she could become a missionary who travels the world to help those in poor, underdeveloped countries who are helpless and in need. These types of selfless people are focused on giving their time and energy to make the lives of others more positive and enriched. This type of work helps the global society and sends a positive message to others who may be considering traveling to help the rest of the world. One person among 7 billion may not seem like they can make much of a difference in the grand scheme of global society, but each and every one has the potential to make an impact by sharing their story on the internet or touching the hearts of those who are underprivileged and have no hope in life. I may not be able to help the world in ways that I wish I could, but by instilling this motivation in my child, I believe that it will help bring the global community just a little bit closer.
Galateanu, Oana. “Views on the Process of Globalization and its Effects on Human Beings.” Contemporary Readings in Law and Social Justice. Vol. 4. Addleton Academic Publishers. Retrieved from http://web.a.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=1&sid=14316de0-5377-4058-86e9-aa10f4a1a434%40sessionmgr4009
“Global Economic Monitor.” The World Bank Group. 2017. Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/data-catalog/global-economic-monitor
Levin, Doron. “Made in America: Now a bargain for Nissan.” Fortune Magazine. Time Inc. October 2013. Retrieved from http://fortune.com/2013/10/31/made-in-america-now-a-bargain-for-nissan/
Amanda Tolman
Each reply post must be at least 2 paragraphs long with at least 1 source cited
