What Is Globalization?

Globalization is a process of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and governments of different
nations, a process driven by international trade and investment and aided by information technology. This process
has effects on the environment, on culture, on political systems, on economic development and prosperity, and
on human physical well-being in societies around the world.

 Globalization can usefully be conceived as a process (or set of processes) which embodies a transformation
in the spatial organization of social relations and transactions, generating transcontinental or interregional
flows and networks of activity, interaction and power.
 It is characterized by four types of change:
- First, it involves a stretching of social, political and economic activities across political frontiers, regions and
continents.
- Second, it suggests the intensification, or the growing magnitude, of interconnectedness and flows of trade,
investment, finance, migration, culture, etc.
- Third, the growing extensity and intensity of global interconnectedness can be linked to a speeding up of
global interactions and processes, as the evolution of world-wide systems of transport and communication
increases the velocity of the diffusion of ideas, goods, information, capital, and people.
- Fourth, the growing extensity, intensity and velocity of global interactions can be associated with their
deepening impact such that the effects of distant events can be highly significant elsewhere and even the
most local developments may come to have enormous global consequences. In this sense, the boundaries
between domestic matters and global affairs can become increasingly blurred.

In sum, globalization can be thought of as the widening, intensifying, speeding up, and growing impact of world-wide
interconnectedness. By conceiving of globalization in this way, it becomes possible to map empirically patterns of
world-wide links and relations across all key domains of human activity, from the military to the cultural.

Causes and Effects

Cumulative Effects of Globalization: The Philippines

Globalization occurs on many fronts. In our global society, there are related
economic and militaristic arrangements, both of which benefit high-income
imperialist countries more than they do those in the developing stage.
Additionally, international economic and militaristic arrangements affect
climate change and cultural interchange. Again, in this system, those
countries that spread their systems profit disproportionately in the global
matrix.

As has been noted across the news, Manila (capital city of the Philippines)
and its greater metropolitan area has recently been struck by typhoon Ondoy, resulting in mass flooding and thus
far, 141 deaths/37 missing. Unfortunately, the rippling effects of this disaster will be all the more devastating for the
country. From a financial standpoint, early estimates show that the flooding will cost the Philippines colossal amounts
in repair of infrastructure and insurance claims.

Perhaps worse, the flooding will have lasting effects in terms of hospital costs and impending disease, in particular
for those families who live(d) in shanty town-type housing that is highly prevalent across Manila’s greater
metropolitan area. Due to typhoon Ondoy, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Philippines has
likely increased in the hundreds of thousands, and undoubtedly, poorer families will be more susceptible to disease
due to a lack of health insurance and generally poorer health.

Climate Change and Economic Imbalances

While it is impossible to know if typhoon Ondoy is a direct result of climate change or not, IRIN reported in July of
this year that the Philippines was one of the top 12 countries in the world at greatest risk of environmental disaster
coming at the hands of climate change (specifically storms):
The World Bank has made a list of the five main threats arising from climate change: droughts, floods, storms, rising
sea levels, and greater uncertainty in agriculture. Four of the world's poorest nations top the list of the 12
countries at the highest risk.

The Philippines, a middle-income country in Southeast Asia consisting of over 7,000 islands, leads the list of nations
most in danger of facing frequent and more intense storms. In 2008 it was one of three countries hit by the most
disasters, according to the Brussels-based Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters.

The above referenced report essentially called it here, noting further that climate change will affect the poorer
countries of the world more so than those countries that are ultimately causing adverse environmental shifts.

The assumption that free trade and the development of industry in middle-income/developing countries benefits all of
society relies on a capitalist ideology, which professes that accumulating more and more and more is a good thing.
Incessant accumulation can best be accomplished by exploiting vulnerable populations, in particular those outside of
one’s immediate locale; it is at this stage where the most money is made (lowering production costs).

However, once tangible products are available for sale, a second key for capitalists is to manufacture a cultural
desire for those products that exceeds what the labor force can afford. Thus, the concept of credit becomes all the
more important -- people from all socio-economic groups will defer to creditors to pay for material items now, but pay
back creditors more later, or pay the eventual punitive consequences.

The real point here, however, is that high-income countries (e.g., Japan, United States, Germany) plant factories
overseas to lower production costs, justified through the capitalist ideology that they are “helping” low-income
countries industrialize, a so-called natural progression in society. But what if those countries do industrialize? Won’t
they likewise want to then shift to a service/technology-based economy?

This means they will have to locate poorer countries where they can build factories and exploit new minority workers.
It will be a never ending disastrous cycle of human and environmental exploitation … never ending that is, until there
is no one and no place left to exploit. But that wouldn’t change the capitalist ideology; it would just mean new forms
of exploitation must be created.

More to this end, the Philippines exemplifies a classic example of manufactured international dependence in our
capitalist world. As I blogged about previously, international industries rely heavily on Filipino/a contract laborers
who remit enormous amounts of money back home annually. This system isapplauded by some key governmental
officials. But in reality, the system fosters dependence, a lack of internal motivation/innovation, and family
breakup.

Militaristic Paternalism

Additionally, the United States maintains a system of militaristic governance in the Philippines, currently defended
through the ideological fear of terrorism. A history of colonial policies and practices has intensified the
marginalization of Muslims in the Philippines’ southern region of Mindanao. Marginalization of course cultivates
extremism (based on both religious fundamentalism and/or poverty). From a September 25, 2009New York
Times article:

Last month, after consulting with the Philippine government, the United States decided to extend the operation of its
force in the southern Philippines, known as the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines and composed
of 600 elite counterinsurgency soldiers. The announcement drew angry responses from left-leaning politicians and
news media; American officials declined to be interviewed for this article.

Since establishing the task force in 2002, the United States has provided the Philippines with $1.6 billion in military
and economic aid. Much of that, including $400 million from the United States Agency for International Development,
has been funneled into Mindanao in the southern Philippines, where Abu Sayyaf and another Muslim separatist
group operate.

The Americans have also been directing development assistance here, including building roads, bridges and
buildings; improving cellphone service and encouraging local businesses; training teachers and wiring schools for
the Internet; and providing temporary medical and dental clinics.

However, the sentiments concerning U.S. military intervention and presence are not all positive, nor should they be
based on America’s militaristic history in the Philippines. More from this same NY Times article:

“Peace here in Basilan is so elusive,” Mr. Furigay said, adding that poor governance created an environment in
which groups like Abu Sayyaf grew. “Most of our leaders in Basilan are not really sincere. Most of them are holding
their positions just to enrich themselves.” He said that because Abu Sayyaf’s leadership had been decimated, the
group’s members were now motivated by “grievances.”

“There’s little ideology,” he said, estimating that Abu Sayyaf’s core members numbered fewer than 20 in Basilan.

That assessment was shared by other islanders, including those less welcoming of an American presence. Al-
Rasheed M. Sakkalahul, Basilan’s vice governor, estimated that only 10 were longtime, ideologically driven
members. But he said they were able to mobilize about 100 supporters in a conflict.

“All the rest are ordinary bandits, even civilians without any training on how to handle firearms,” Mr. Sakkalahul, 52,
said at his office in Isabela. “They join Abu Sayyaf so they can divide ransom money from kidnapping victims.” He
said that given those circumstances, he was skeptical of the American force’s presence here and complained that he
had not been given facts about the mission. “You are my visitor in my house,” Mr. Sakkalahul said. “You just enter
my house without even knocking on my door. What is your purpose in coming?”

Perhaps America’s real interest in maintaining military operations in the Philippines and other developing countries
lays in a more clandestine industry that mixes private capital with international militaristic objectives. See below:

As can be seen, contemporary imperialism manifests in multiple forms, relying on governmental complicity/corruption
from numerous countries, public fear, and capitalist ideology. The results of this complex web are likewise multiple,
exhibited through economic dependence/exploitation, deference to external military operations, and an increased
potential for natural disasters.

Poverty
Poverty is general scarcity, dearth, or the state of one who lacks a certain amount of material possessions or
money.[1] It is a multifaceted concept, which includes social, economic, and political elements.[2] Poverty may be
defined as either absolute or relative. Absolute poverty or destitution refers to the lack of means necessary to meet
basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter.[3] Relative poverty takes into consideration individual social and
economic status compared to the rest of society.
Condition where people's basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter are not being met. Poverty is generally of two
types: (1) Absolute poverty is synonymous with destitution and occurs when people cannot obtain adequate
resources (measured in terms of calories or nutrition) to support a minimum level of physical health. Absolute poverty
means about the same everywhere, and can be eradicated as demonstrated by some countries. (2) Relative poverty
occurs when people do not enjoy a certain minimum level of living standards as determined by a government (and
enjoyed by the bulk of the population) that vary from country to country, sometimes within the same country.
Causes

Income distribution/ Inequality:

In 1994, the richest 20 percent of the population received 52 percent of the country’s total income, nearly 11 times
the share of the poorest 20 percent. These figures had changed little since the 1980s and had even become slightly
worse: in 1985, the richest 20 percent of the population received the same share of national income as in 1994 and
their average income was about 10 times that of the poorest 20 percent. The distribution of assets has also shown
little improvement over the last few decades.

Lack of quality education

The 1995 higher education task force showed generally poor performance of college graduates in the various
professional board examinations. The task force only found 20/1000 universities/colleges to be recognized as good
teaching institutions by a sample of selected countries.

Elementary schooling is compulsory, but 24% of Filipinos of the relevant age group do not attend, usually due to
absence of any school in their area, education being offered in foreign languages only, or financial distress. In 2005,
the Philippines spent only about US$138 per pupil compared to US$1,582 in Singapore, US$3,728 in Japan, and
US$852 in Thailand.

Lack of Jobs
The Social Weather Stations (SWS), a survey group, found that 11 million people or 27.9 percent of the adult labour
force (over 18 years) were unemployed. The government estimates that 935,700 workers are at risk of losing their
jobs both locally and abroad this year. Over 362,000 jobs in the export sector are under threat—90 percent of those
are in the electronics, garments and ignition wiring sub-sectors. More than 500,000 overseas jobs are under threat.
There are 129,000 temporary workers in the recession-wracked US. Also in recession are South Korea and Taiwan,
which between them employ 200,000 Filipino factory workers. Another 48,000 housemaids are employed in Hong
Kong and Singapore, which are both contracting economically.

In addition, the government estimates that 130,000 seamen on cruise ships are facing layoffs. Japanese ship
owners, according to Agence France Presse, have notified the government that more than 40,000 crew members on
car carriers, bulk carriers and container ships will be laid off as world trade continues to slow.

Corruption
Corruption in the Philippines is very prevalent. It is considered normal for high government officials to get very rich
during their tenure of office and then their spouse, children or their relatives will run for an elective position if they can
no longer run for office and the process of taking over and corruption goes on. An example of a corruption case is
the NBN-ZTE deal.

The scandal erupted when a losing bidder for the project went to the media and complained that the deal by the
government with the winning bidder ZTE is full of anomalies and that the supposed deal was brokered by Comelec
Chairman Benjamin Abalos. Comelec is the government agency in charge of all local and national elections. The
whistle blower was the son of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. He claimed that Abalos was wined and
dined in China and was given women for his pleasure and that Abalos will get a hefty commission from the deal.
Joey de Venecia, the whistleblower also claimed that he was offered a bribe of ten million dollars for this silence and
cooperation. The ZTE deal is worth more than 300 million dollars while deVenecia's(AHI) losing bid is only 130
million dollars.

Natural Calamities
Natural calamities are very dangerous and cause millions worth of damage to property. An example of which is
typhoon Ondoy. This damaged P108.9 million worth of infrastructure and affected about 90,000 families. The
Department of Agriculture also said that crop losses have reached P3.2 billion.

Over Population
The Philippine’s population growth rate is 2.36% per year. A rapidly growing population also makes it difficult for the
Government to keep up with the delivery of what are already deficient public services in health, education, water
supply and sanitation, and so on. The empirical record shows conclusively that larger families are more likely to be
poor. Many poor families have many children because of poor family planning and religion. This is a big problem
because these families only earn very little and they have to use this to feed so many mouths.
Effects

Malnutrition
The hunger situation is alarming. The National Statistical Coordination Board stated that more than 11 million
Filipinos were considered food-poor or living below subsistence level in 2003. The Food and Agricultural
Organization in 2005 reported that there were more than 17 million undernourished Filipinos.

Food insecurity is blamed for the fact that many preschool children are underweight and malnourished. An economist
pointed out that "inadequate food can adversely influence workers' productivity." The World Bank in 1996 estimated
that the total annual economic loss due to malnutrition was about US$8 billion.

The main reason why hunger is worsening is the people's lack of income to buy food. A government-sponsored
survey in 2001 revealed that 8 out of 10 households experienced financial difficulty in purchasing food. The National
Statistics Office also noted that Filipino families are spending less on food items. In 1994 about 48 percent of
household expenditures were allotted for food. A decade later, the share of food expenditures went down to 42
percent.

Rice used to be the staple food of Filipinos. Now it is quickly being replaced by instant noodles which are cheaper
but less nutritious. Politicians are even giving out instant noodles in urban poor communities and evacuation centers
in calamity-stricken provinces. Food supplies are stable but they are available mostly in areas where people have
enough income for food expenditures. The unequal distribution of income in the country explains the seemingly low
demand for food in low-income places.

An analyst also noted that the prices of some basic commodities are getting higher. The higher cost of these basic
commodities will force more Filipinos to spend less on food.

Poor Economic growth

The poor remain poor because they cannot borrow against future earnings to invest in education, skills, new crops,
and entrepreneurial activities; they are cut off from economic activity because many collective goods (such as
property rights, public safety, and infrastructure) are under-provided, and they lack information about market
opportunities. Investment Capacity Constraints Investment is critical to economic growth and for the poor to escape
from poverty. Very low income levels are a fundamental reason why the poor cannot save enough money to finance
productive investments.

Child Labor
According to the National Statistics Office, 3.6 million Filipino children, aged 5-17, are child laborers. When the
parents just don't have enough money to make ends meet they usually force their children out of school and send
them to work out on the streets, haciendas or factories. Earning money for their food and shelter became their sole
purpose, no longer the education that should have served to bring them a better future.

Children from the ages 5 to about 17 are usually the ones found laboring under the hot sun or behind machines for
small companies or syndicates. This figure alone comprises roughly 15.9% of the total Philippine population or one
out of six children. In a breakdown, 216,000 are within 5-9 years old, 1.6 million for the 10-14 group and 1.8 million
are 15-17 years old.

Observations: Effects

Bad living conditions

Because of poverty, many families are forced to occupy public and private lands without the right to do so. And,
because this land is not theirs, it tends to overcrowd. Because of overcrowding, the environment usually becomes
unsanitary and heightens the chances that disease will spread. Also, their houses are close together/connected to
each other, this makes it easy for fire to spread and giving fire fighters a hard time to extinguish the flames due to the
small roads between these houses.

Crime/ Theft
Due to the hardships in life caused by poverty, many people can’t even get enough money to live. This causes them
to do whatever it takes to be able to sustain their and their family’s need even when it involves stealing. The
researchers observed that the major reason for theft is poverty. Because of poverty, the thieves need to steal to be
able to live.

Solutions

1. The data shows that in order to solve poverty, we have to recheck the poverty framework and include strategies to
fight poverty. The strategies should tackle chronic poverty and overpopulation. By rechecking the poverty framework,
we may be able to know what we have been doing wrong and make strategies to fix those problems.

2. This data tells us to reform institutions to enhance coordination, improve efficiency and lessen corruption. To
maximize the money we use. By enhancing coordination we may minimize the amount of effort and money we put
into these projects through an organized effort.

3. It is said that we should address poverty specifically per area. So that each place receives the care it needs. Each
place is different and treating each place special may allow us to get rid of poverty more easily by going to the cause
of poverty in those places.

4. We should improve coordination between the involved agencies and key stakeholders as this will improve
efficiency between them. Improving efficiency between agencies and key stakeholders will allow them to work
together and help each other.

5. The data tells us that we should allocate and raise more money to fight against poverty. The government may also
set a budget line. This will give us more help to fight against poverty. More money to help the poor will give better
help of course.

6. We should improve poverty targeting, monitoring and evaluation. There should also be increased funds for data
collection, processing and management. This will help us learn more about poverty and help us prepare more for it.
Studying poverty will give us a better chance of avoiding it.

Solution: Medium and Long Term

1. The government should increase available resources for social services, poverty reduction, and infrastructure.
They should also maintain price stability to shield the poor from high food prices and they should lessen corruption
and develop infrastructure in order to boost investor confidence. This will enable more money to go into the country
while the poor are being shielded from high prices. Giving more money and allowing more money into the country
will allow the poor to get more help, and the boost in the economy will give them jobs as well.

2. The resources of the local government should be enhanced and their coordination with the national government
should be improved. This will allow them to be able to work better and help more in poverty. Again, more
coordination will allow less effort and money to be wasted.

3. We should conduct more research regarding poverty. This will enable us to learn more about it and help people
escape poverty.