Globalization and Modernization

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Globalization and Modernization Globalization is the process of international integration arising from the interchange of world views, products, ideas, and other aspects of culture. (Globalization, 2014) It assumes a borderless world whereby ideas, finances, goods and services move freely across perceived boundaries that include borders, languages, governments and time. Some circles suggest we are in a second wave of globalization following the industrial revolution that emanated from England in the 18th century. The current wave of globalization has been prompted by the growth in communications, particularly in relation to advancements in, and widespread use of networked technologies. (Lewellen, 2002) Modernization is interpreted as a western conception of industrialization. In a traditional sense, this is the process where societies have moved from agricultural society to industrial societies. Products of modernization have been urbanized, with the movement of employment from farms to factories, the establishment of institutions such as a free press, an independent judiciary and fair and open elections. Although there are non-Western interpretations of modernization, economic productivity is a constant across all societies that have or are in the process of modernizing. Globalization is a reflection of modernization. Countries that have strong infrastructure, open borders and a literate population are generally benefactors of globalization. Such countries are also on a more stable path to modernization than countries that benefit less from globalization. China’s Cultural Revolution ended with the death of Mao Zedong in 1976. After ten years of isolation from the world, China reversed course. Under the new leadership of Deng Xiaoping, China embarked on a modernization project that would lift millions of people out of poverty and create a manufacturing
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