| Chapter 2: | The Challenge of Globalization |
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Chapter 2
The Challenge of Globalization
Sister Marie Lorraine Bruno
According to Hebel (2002), on September 11, 2001, the world did not change at all, our understanding of the world did. Many things have changed the world very rapidly, for instance, political changes such as the unification of Germany, or boundaries dissolved by the unification of the European nations, and the war in Iraq. It might be said that technological advances have been most effective in creating the borderless world, the global community. Thus, all peoples are faced with the challenge of understanding this world, the people who inhabit it, and their cultures.
This essay presents the advantages and risks of globalization. It does not attempt to solve the problems which the neo-liberal economy has caused the nations of the world, because there is still much unsettled controversy regarding globalization, which is many-faceted. The thoughts and opinions of leaders in the field of economics and international affairs are presented. This essay enables the discerning reader to formulate a well-informed opinion for a creative solution, and provides a deeper understanding of globalization and its effects upon the peoples of the world.
The Definition of Culture
According to Ferraro (1994), the only requirement for culture is to be human; therefore, the people in the world belong to a culture. Marzheuser (1995) stated that culture consists primarily of the symbols and stories people use to communicate their history and values. It is how they structure, organize, and creatively express their lives.
Additionally, culture provides order, identity and belonging. According to Hall (1976), culture is a word which stands for the sum of earned behavior patterns, attitudes, and material things. Culture is communication. It is not what people talk about but what people do along with the hidden rules that govern them. Riding (2004) stated that culture is a tool to integrate