Essays on Reverse Trends of Neoliberal/Economic Globalization

The modern world economy is characterized by the domination of neoliberal economic trends, which contribute to the emergence of globalization as the mainstream trend which characterizes the domination of the modern economy. In this respect, it is worth mentioning the fact that the process of globalization has a negative impact on the development of the world community because globalization leads to the dehumanization of the modern society and emergence of the consumerist society. What is meant here is the fact that consumerism dominates in the globalized world community, whereas universal, humanistic values degrade. As a result, many social problems remain unresolved, whereas the society tends to dehumanization and increasing consumerism, which has a destructive impact not only on human relationships but also on the environment, to the extent that the ongoing development of consumerism as an effect of globalization may lead to the degradation and extinction of humans that makes the search of an alternative way of development essential.

In this respect, it is possible to refer to Cavanagh and Mander (2008), who suggest alternative ways of development of the world community and each country on the ground of basic principles, which can turn the world community from globalization and consumerism toward a new, humanistic and democratic society. At the same time, it is important to understand that Cavanagh and Mander (2008) develop the alternative vision of the development of the modern society is quite idealistic and the suggested changes may not be ever implemented in the real life.

Nevertheless, the alternative way of development is worth considering because sooner or later the mankind will come to the point, when the disastrous effects of globalization will become obvious and people will try to change their life and the socio-economic relations. In this regard, it is worth mentioning the fact that one of the major conditions of changing the modern society and prevention of globalization is the rise of the new democracy, which means that the democracy will be representative and representation will be grounded not on the wealth of individuals or nations but on their actual interests (Cavanagh & Mander, p. 122). The new democracy is the democracy, where interests of each group of the society are respected and they can meet their interests. Furthermore, the society should develop subsidiary units, which can help different classes and social groups to link close together (Cavanagh & Mander, p. 131). Subsidiary will help to preserve uniqueness of each cultural group.

At the same time, one of the primary concerns of the new society should be the ecological sustainability because environmental concerns should be primary drivers of change in the new, non-globalized society (Cavanagh & Mander, p. 145). The concept of sustainability implies that consumerism becomes secondary in face of the growing role of the environmental protection and introduction of environment-friendly policies and principles. The ecological sustainability contributes to the improvement of social relations and formation of new, non-material, non-consumerist values.

In addition, people should remember about their common heritage (Cavanagh & Mander, p. 149). What is meant here is the fact that the world community has the common heritage, universal humanistic values, which may be found in the main world religions, for instance. People living in different parts of the world share similar values and these values should lay the foundation to the new ideology.

On the other hand, the world community should maintain diversity (Cavanagh & Mander, p. 152). Each nation and cultural group has its own norms and traditions, which distinguish it from other groups. The preservation of diversity contributes to the cultural richness of the world community. At the same time, the respect to human rights is crucial for the effective development of the world community. Also people should have jobs, livelihood, employment (Cavanagh & Mander, p. 160). They will lay the economic foundation to the new world, which is free of consumerism and globalization trends. In such a context, food security and safety and equity are essential because they will close gaps between rich and poor countries and preserve their uniqueness (Cavanagh & Mander, p. 165). Finally, people should take into consideration the precautionary principle because they will have to prevent any attempts to return to the consumerist society and globalization, which have a destructive impact on the development of the world society.

Thus, it proves beyond a doubt that the development of the world society is characterized by the process of globalization, which has a negative impact on the life of people, widens gaps between rich and poor and dehumanizes the world community. In such a situation, the suggested alternative way of development of the world community may be helpful to prevent the growing impact of globalization.

 

Works Cited
Cavanagh, John and Jerry Mander. Alternatives to economic globalization. New York: Routledge, 2008.
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Ferguson, James. Global Shadows. New York: Random House, 2009.
Gomory, R.E. Globalization: Causes and Effects. New York: Touchstone, 2002.
Mаrtin, Hаns-Pеtеr аnd Sсhumаnn, Hаrаld. Thе Glоbаl Trаp, Glоbаlizаtiоn & Thе Аssаult Оn Dеmосrасy & Prоspеrity. St. Mаrtin’s Prеss, Nеw Yоrk, 1997.
Ogbu, J. U. “Differences in cultural fame of reference.” International Journal of Behavioral Development, 16, 1993, 483-506.
Van der Borght, K. Essays on the Future of the WTO: Finding a New Balance. London: Routledge, 2000.



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