Introduction
Globalization can be defined as the process of spreading and speeding up the processes and structural reforms internationally rather than on a national level (Lawal, 2006). Globalization is widely viewed as a factor that speeds up the rate of development in most countries. However, this factor has been distributed in an uneven manner such that other countries do not rely on it for fast growth.
In most cases, one would find that the gap between the rich and the poor is wider than expected, thus slowing development. It is important that the approach used to achieve development is examined on several levels such as international and national (Unctad, 2004). The process of globalization is all about development and has been used to transform economic development.
Nevertheless, it is important to always implement the necessary measures so as to maximize the benefits of globalization; this will ensure sustainable development and growth (Lawal, 2006). Since development positively transforms a society, it is important to note that it is linked to globalization for better transformation (Unctad, 2004). This essay seeks to reflect on the development strategies based on globalization.
Promoting Development
In order to promote development, it is vital to create a conducive and friendly environment as well as provide the availability of resources for both economic and social necessities. This will entail better consistency linking both national and international developments. There has to be a policy that is put in place that helps reform countries so as to reap the globalization benefits.
This can only be done if the policies are supported by both international and local institutions (Waller-Hunter & Jones, 2002). Some of the components that enhance globalization can be classified as endogenous and exogenous. Endogenous may entail technological reforms whereas exogenous entails social and environmental factors like government decisions.
This simply shows that the governments are one major influence of the pace and growth of globalization process (Schuch, 2007). In order to have sustainable development, the process of globalization must be available.
Sustainable development is one that lasts and maximizes the well-being of the existing and up-coming generations. This will include satisfaction of the society in terms of economic needs, social development as well as clean and healthy environment (Waller-Hunter & Jones, 2002).
Some of the environmental aspects that will determine the growth rate of globalization include the development of economic output, not forgetting encouragement of technological development. One important rule to note is that the pressure on environmental policies should at all times be able to handle the economic output.
These policies will help protect the occurrence of unwanted scale effects as well as promote structural aspects. The social effects are determined by effects linked to labour markets as well as those linked to income distribution. Not only should people observe the advantages that foreign business bring to the society, but they should as well weigh the quality of the employment provided.
This is another factor that will determine globalization (Waller-Hunter & Jones, 2002). In general, economic growth related to market liberalization is not evenly distributed. In this case, policies that stimulate economic growth must be implemented so as to widen the opportunity of income access (Lawal, 2006).
It is important that allocation and utilization of resources be based on international market prices. Uneven distribution of development has led to negative consequences to the public at large. For example, nearly 1/8 of industrial population lives in poverty or is affected by poverty. Other people experience deprivation that they are unable to meet basic needs.
Some of them suffer from malnutrition while others lack proper sanitation facilities (Suarez-Orozco & Qin-Hilliard, 2004). It is a shame to say that some of these people suffering are from developing countries (Schuch, 2007).
One major reason for this negative setback is that most people are never included in development issues. This also leads to uneven distribution of wealth, hence building a huge gap between the rich and the poor.
Economic development is all about satisfactorily utilizing the available resources so as to increase productivity through modern technology (Lawal, 2006). Developing countries are unable to benefit from globalization, especially if they lack sufficient skills, adequate infrastructure like energy, communication and transport systems.
It is therefore apparent that globalization and development involve political, social and economic issues (Kitching, 2001). In order to benefit from trade and investment, there are various goals that must be put in place. The governments in question must be transparent, accountable, and also poses a consistent legal framework (Waller-Hunter & Jones, 2002).
However, this is in most cases not achievable in developing countries due to the escalating costs that are involved. Some of these poor countries also find it difficult to participate in international meetings that are aimed at introducing development.
Development through globalization can promote sustainable use of resources, thus improving policies through the implementation of strategies that affect development (Suarez-Orozco & Qin-Hilliard, 2004). Globalization is also another means of promoting exceptional prospects in economically stricken areas.
Social inclusion should as well be considered as an important aspect since it involves right of entry to knowledge and communication technologies. The quality of educational equity and access to the education is also another factor that contributes to development. Education is therefore an aspect of globalization since it brings about development.
The best quality education can be achieved through introduction of new learning modes as well as implementation of technical support for learning. This can be either in media form or interactive like internet (Suarez-Orozco & Qin-Hilliard, 2004).
There must also be sufficient efforts in improving education through provision of sufficient books and teachers, appraisal performance of student, not forgetting the existence of favorable learning environment.
Consequences of globalisation
Globalization is greatly associated with development outcomes for specific countries around the world; some countries can be included, excluded or marginalized. This is an aspect that explains how globalization threatens the cultural diversity of the environment (Kitching, 2001). Globalization is well defined on the basis of one’s location, one’s personal status as well as daily activities.
Most of the people in the “under-developed” countries view themselves as marginalized or excluded from the rest of the world. Most of them cannot raise any concerns about the design or benefits of globalization. As mentioned above, this creates an immense gap between the winners and the losers, which is not ethically acceptable (Schuch, 2007).
The rich have the power audacity to set regulations whereas the poor cannot even invoke them. Most developing countries have the authority to provide market access without technological access.
This shows that there is asymmetrical openness in the available spheres. Since there are those who are capable of implementing rules while others are not, those who are capable act against the set regulations simply because they have legal rights to do so (Suarez-Orozco & Qin-Hilliard, 2004). For example, organizations like the IMF have put in place rules and regulations for developed countries.
Globalization process has reduced the sovereignty of developed countries simply because they are in pursuit of development (Schuch, 2007). This is not all; exchange rates that were used as a strategic devise are no longer used. This is due to the overwhelming fear that may lead to capital flight of the national currency.
International Economic Integration
The ever increasing consumer concern has greatly intensified the focus of the products as well as environmental factors which are mostly generated by the process of production. Sustainable development can be promoted by implementing product policies, especially at national levels.
These policies may include producer responsibility, eco-labelling, just to mention a few, hence building extensive impact on investment activities along with international trade (Waller-Hunter & Jones, 2002). These policies should further be transparent, non-discriminatory, and also involve general consultation for them not to become market barriers.
Much is being said about globalization being unfairly distributed. For example, India has been over the years in the mainstream of development and globalization, yet a greater percentage of the poor people are still in India. This shows total unfairness of wealth distribution and inclusion (Suarez-Orozco & Qin-Hilliard, 2004).
Globalization can be based on scarcity and living standards of people. Scarcity is all about the resources available in a certain region to satisfy people’s needs. In some cases, resources might be limited yet people have extended needs. In such cases, people are forced to make choices based on the available resources.
Living standard is all about the available resources on an individual basis. It is limited by the production ability of a country, depending on the technology used. It is argued that globalization can be achieved through free trade; this is very true because free trade provides a country with the ability to benefit from the comparative advantage.
Nevertheless, globalization cannot bring about advantages or continue to expand if there is no persistent leadership (Hadler, 2005). Rapid growth in developing countries has not been significant simply because of bad governance, geographical factors, among other types of development inhibitors.
Environmental limits
Not only does technology and infrastructure speed up the process of globalization, but also shipping and aviation does the same task as well (Hadler, 2005). However, most shipping and aviation industries have gone against international regulations on the issue of the greenhouse effect like the Kyoto Protocol. International negotiations that reflect in this matter can no longer compensate this twist.
International immigration can as well be viewed as a great contributor to globalization and development (Unctad, 2004). For instant, Middle East massively depends on Asian and African migrants for the demanding opportunities that locals reject on a daily basis.
This helps countries in the Middle East to enhance their infrastructure especially airlines on the routes that are mostly taken by these migrants. This also helps to accommodate overseas labour as well as bring about suitable cultural environment (Kitching, 2001).
Economic growth can best be achieved through capital flows, hence providing social goals. Developing countries should think of reforming their existing domestic policies that tend to be negative environmentally. Practical approaches must be mutually supportive in terms of investment disciplines.
Market access in areas with sustainable growth must be increased so that the population can benefit from economic liberalisation (Hadler, 2005). Social protection must as well be intensified according to the market structures available.
This protection must address all the possible risks that could be associated with income. This means that it should seek to introduce guaranteed protection of labour mobility like pension, benefits of social security, health, pension, unemployment, just to mention a few.
Circular integration must as well be focused on in order to facilitate progress towards standards (Unctad, 2004). Regional integration awareness is also another aspect to be monitored with shared culture, and or language. Schools can be a good source of transmitting these values to the society. Development has always been perceived as a process of perfecting economic, political and social status.
This is true, but then it cannot be achieved if there is no technological progress (Nomani, 2007). Development is all about improving labour productivity and the standards of the people in terms of food, access to amenities, shelter, jobs, and education, among many others.
Globalization has increased the economic gap between developing countries and the developed countries. This has also helped to increase the economic disparity within specific regions (Hadler, 2005).
It is therefore important to ensure that necessities like water, education, health, media and transport are owned by the public. These should never at any given time be a subject if international agreement. Corporations must as well be encouraged to abide by the defined rules and regulations in the region they are operating (Unctad, 2004).
Globalization has several impacts such as unifying consumer products, reduction of technological value and increment of brand value among many others. The globalization and development links must be well understood because they are important in policy making. It gives international stakeholders the opportunity to make adjustments to the recurring conditions for sustainable growth at regional level (Nomani, 2007).
Conclusion
It is now clear that for development to take place there has to be the presence of globalization process. This is simply the integration of people, technology, goods, economy, traditions, among other factors around the world. Globalization helps to create positive effects on people through personal satisfaction, wealth sharing, among many others.
Nationally, globalization brings about economic opportunities, which in turn helps to reduce the rate of poverty. It has also been explained that most poor countries have long been excluded from the global agenda. Globalization is linked with widespread unfairness with much emphasis reflected on the rich. The “rich and poor gap” has widened due to lack of ethical management.
All the parties competing, (rich and poor countries) do not have any interest to interact whatsoever. This poses a big problem especially when trying to narrow this gap. Those who are in the power (rich) should consider involving those who are on the losing side (poor). People’s lives can only be secure and affluent if certain changes are enacted.
Poor countries can advance only if they are assisted by the developed countries. This will enable them participate in the global economy, hence developing their resources. Institutional frameworks can be made available to these poor countries so that they can be attracted to capital flows.
List of references
Hadler, G., 2005. Globalization – wealth, poverty and sustainability. Web.
Kitching, N. G., 2001. Seeking social justice through globalization: escaping a nationalist perspective. University Park, PA: Pennsylvania State University Press.
Lawal, G., 2006. Humanity and Social Sciences Journal, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp 65-78.
Nomani, M. Z., 2007. Development and globalization: A plea to Indian legislatures. Web.
Schuch, E., 2007. Development through globalization? Munich: GRIN Publishing.
Suarez-Orozco, M. M. & Qin-Hilliard, D. B., 2004. Globalization culture and education in the new millennium. Los Angeles, CA: University of California Press.
Unctad, 2004. Globalization and development strategies. Web.
Waller-Hunter, J., & Jones, T. 2002. Globalization and sustainable development. International Review for Environmental Strategies, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 53-62.