Globalization and Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Globalization and Education - Essay Example The modernization theory finds main effect of globalization on societies which converge as a result of spread of markets and technology. However, complete loss of identity of various societies the world over is highly unlikely. Sociologist Giddens further adds a noteworthy point to the definition of globalization. He states that it fragments a society by giving benefits unevenly; advantages to some strata of society while others remain deprived, thus the effect of globalization can not be seen as generalized change occurring uniformly, a statement that applies well to the current state of Asian nations. The thought of convergence of societies seems somewhat superficial as the main impact of globalization. Guellin (2001) takes Giddens' definition further stating that there is more inequality between countries than it was ten or even hundred years ago while the wage inequality has taken the form of a problem in the highly developed nations also. Levitt (as cited in Guellin, 2001, p252) probably based his studies on consumption of goods across world when he stated that the consumer of the world has become cosmopolitan. But the sociologist Sklair, though accepts some homogenization of culture across nations bu t terms it only a temporary effect on account of similar lifestyles, tastes and desires (as cited in Guellin, 2001, p252). Nevertheless, it is clear from every point of view that Globalization has affected lifestyles and brought people together though the extent and future impact of it may be topics of discussion. The impact of globalization is considerable on education but are we heading for virtual class rooms The article pays attention to four dimensions of globalization and then particularly elaborates the influence of globalization on education around the world. 2.0 Four dimensions of globalization: 2.1 Political dimension: Globalization is often referred in terms of market and a general view perceived is that market has become global while governments remained national. It is not only a contradiction; it also neglects a very important impact of globalization. The governments seek international cooperation since they have problems that can not be solved alone. Generally the global governance is perceived as dominance of multinationals in world market and USA in world politics. Jones (144) refers Hirst & Thompson (1996) who saw in globalization the attainment of century-old ideals of the free-trade liberals and who looked to "a demilitarized world in which business activity is primary and political power has no other tasks than the protection of the world free trading system". Held (397) though feels that autonomy and sovereignty of national governments are changing but these in no way have collapsed in the era of globalization. The changes, however, are manifolds such as: The center of effective power is no longer the national government. It is shared by various forces at national regional and international levels. Secondly, the much political self-determination have crossed the boundaries of nation and states for e. g. environmental issues or human rights