From A Social Sciences Perspective
From A Social Sciences Perspective
From A Social Sciences Perspective
2. While globalization is not a new phenomenon, its rapid and sudden expansion in the
late 20th century can be attributed to various factors. First, technological
advancements, particularly in transportation and communication, made it easier and
faster to connect with people and markets worldwide. Second, the liberalization of
trade, characterized by the reduction of trade barriers like tariffs and quotas through
agreements such as GATT and the WTO, facilitated international trade. Third, many
countries adopted market-oriented economic reforms, embracing free-market
capitalism, which encouraged global economic integration. Lastly, the end of the Cold
War reduced political tensions and created opportunities for greater international
cooperation and openness.
5. In the era of globalization, the movement of people across national borders is diverse
and depends on various factors. Skilled professionals, such as engineers, scientists,
and IT specialists, are among those who migrate in pursuit of better career
opportunities. Low-skilled laborers often seek employment in industries like
agriculture, construction, or domestic work in more affluent regions, where labor
demands are not met by the local workforce. Business executives and investors travel
to manage global operations, establish new ventures, and expand their international
business networks. Additionally, refugees and asylum seekers, fleeing conflict,
persecution, or environmental disasters, seek refuge and safety in other countries. This
diversity of migration flows is a reflection of the complex nature of globalization and
the various push and pull factors that influence people's decisions to move across
borders.
6. Globalization has both advantages and disadvantages for workers. Some of the
disadvantages include job displacement, wage pressure, labor rights issues, and
increased economic instability. Job displacement can occur when industries
vulnerable to international competition are outsourced or when production is moved
to countries with lower labor costs, leading to job losses in the home country.
Additionally, globalization can put downward pressure on wages, especially for low-
skilled workers, as companies seek to reduce labor costs to remain competitive in the
global market. Labor rights may also be compromised in the pursuit of profit, as
companies in some regions may offer poor working conditions and inadequate pay to
cut costs. Finally, the interconnectedness of global markets can make workers and
economies more vulnerable to economic downturns and financial crises, which can
have a significant impact on job security and overall economic stability.
8. The model of using social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, to mobilize mass
protests, as seen in the Jasmine Revolution in North Africa, may not work as
effectively in totalitarian dictatorships for several reasons. Totalitarian regimes
typically have tight control over the internet and social media platforms, censoring
content and monitoring online activities. This hinders the organization and
communication of protests without detection. Moreover, totalitarian governments are
often more ruthless in suppressing dissent, using violence, arrests, and intimidation to
quell protests, making it riskier for citizens to participate. Additionally, in many
authoritarian and totalitarian states, civil society is weak, and there are limited social
organizations that can support and sustain a protest movement. Lastly, citizens in such
regimes face higher risks and severe consequences for participating in protests, which
can deter widespread public mobilization. The effectiveness of using social media for
political change thus depends on the level of repression and the specific context
within each country.