Globalization & Its Critics

Globalization & Its Critics is an eight-session course for the workplace, faith center, or home exploring how global trade is affecting the environment, local economies, and social and cultural customs throughout the world.

Discussion Course Goals:

   •     To understand the institutions, processes and the effects of globalization.

   •     To examine how personal choices impact globalization.

   •     To explore a variety of possible future visions and how they can be cultivated.

“The task before us is no less a challenge than transforming a life-consuming global economy into a system of life-nurturing local economies.  It is a task that calls us to examine some of our most fundamental assumptions about the nature of life and reality.” 

-David Korten

Topics Covered:

1. Globalization Overview: "Globalization" is a term that is frequently used but seldom defined. Since World War II, why has the global economy grown so rapidly? How is it affecting the environment, local economics, and social and cultural customs throughout the world?

2. Questioning Free Trade: "Free trade" proponents call for the elimination of all barriers to trade between countries (like tariffs) and for the World Trade Organization (WTO) to settle all trade disputes. The more exporting and importing the better. What are the positive and negative impacts of free trade?

3. Transnational Corporations: Globalization encourages the growth of transnational corporations, like Wal-Mart, that purchase or manufacture goods and sell them around the world. How does this trend affect workers, consumers, and communities?

4. Food and the Global Marketplace: The local grocery store is now a global marketplace with food from many countries. The products travel a great distance, and local growers and processors must compete with far away suppliers. What are the long-term consequences?

5. Globalization and the Environment: Some people argue that globalization disregards the needs of the natural systems on which it relies. Others believe that concern for the environment is not pertinent to trade and should be addressed in other forums. What are the implications of this latter approach?

6. Social Equity: Proponents say that economic globalization will "lift all boats." Critics argue that the gap between rich and poor is widening and the real beneficiaries are the captains of industry and wealthy investors. Is social equity relevant to trade issues?

7. Shaping Opinion: Corporations seek to shape opinion through techniques that are invisible to most of us. What are the implications of school curriculum prepared by corporations, news reports prepared by public relations firms, and "educational" organizations set up by industry groups?

8. Homogenization of Cultures: Free trade, with its attendant introduction of western products and outlets, is changing local cultures throughout the world. What is gained and lost through the homogenization of cultures?

“Never before has there been a system so ubiquitous, so destructive, and so well-managed.  It is our creation.” 

-Paul Hawken

 Globalization and Its Critics Course Description Flyer

*This course contains an optional nineth Celebration session where participants can explore follow up actions.