Globalization has transformed the mode of operation in various societies of the world. Although the origins of globalization date back to medieval times, its pronounced effects materialized in the late 19th century and became imminent in the 20th century. Technological advancements, improved trade, and enhanced mobility are among the major players that shaped the concept of globalization.
Remarkably, the modern society has witnessed tremendous influences associated with globalization. Increased mobility from one region to another, free trade, which materialize because of flexible international trade agreements, and technological advancements have catalyzed the effects of globalization. While the benefits linked to globalization are widespread, its drawbacks are also apparent. These benefits and drawbacks affect firms, governments, and individuals.
Some of the benefits that individuals feel as they undertake their day-to-day activities include increased platform for exchange of ideas, increased spectrum of developed products and services, and increased job and business opportunities. Consequently, the drawbacks that affect individuals include pollution, divergent expectations, cultures, and views as well as ineffective legal systems. It is within this backdrop that the essay examines individual effects of globalization using its positive and negative influences.
Fundamentally, the positive influences of globalization are widespread and evident. These influences affect the day-to-day activities of individuals. In essence, the positive influences include increased mobility, technological advancements, and increased job and business opportunities. The high level of mobility associated with globalization has had a pronounced impact in my daily life.
Airplanes, vehicles, steamboats, and electric trains have enabled individuals feel the effects of globalization at personal levels. Consequently, technological advancements have shaped the mode of operations and lifestyles of several individuals in the world. The effects of technological advancements are evident in all the aspects of the society, and thus, its impact on individual life is apparent. Improved communication, advent of the internet, and development of sophisticated products attribute their existence to technological advancements, which is an aspect of globalization.
On the other hand, factors like high mobility of individuals and technological advancements have increased the market and environment where individuals can acquire employment or engage in businesses. In contemporary societies, a number of individuals acquire employment in other regions or engage in businesses that do not focus on a single region. As such, the individuals enjoy the benefits that globalization presents in the form of increased marketing and working environments.
Although globalization has presented several positive impacts that have transformed the lives of individuals, it also has come with a number of negative influences that pose as challenges in execution of day-to-day individual activities. Some of the challenges also known as drawbacks include pollution, divergent expectations, views, cultures, as well as ineffective legal systems.
Pollution is one of the major drawbacks that not only affect firms and governments, but also affect individuals living in respective environments. Air, water, soil, and noise pollution are increasingly affecting the execution of individual activities in contemporary societies. Consequently, differences in expectations, living standards, cultures, and values have acted as drawbacks of globalization. In the quest to transform the world into a global village characterized by free trade and exchange of ideas, conflicting cultures, views, and expectations, hamper the process.
Moreover, the presence of ineffective legal systems that cripple free trade and mobility in some regions is a negative influence associated with globalization. It is important to explain that these drawbacks or negative influences are felt at individual levels and affect the day-to-day activities of individuals.