We have been discussing globalization and social modernization. Basically we have talked about how each portion of society effects all the other portions of society. There is a seemingly consistent push to shift all societies and cultures to look more and more similar to each other. The documentary we watched is a good example of how western technology is being integrated into third world countries in attempts to help them and ultimately modernize them. There are both positives and negatives to this globalization and modernization processes. I am going to look at a possible negative outcome. Research is showing that while modernization is beneficial for most countries, it also is increasing the level of social and economic equality. Countries as a whole are becoming more modern and equalized. But the people with in those societies are being drastically separated. The rich keep on getting more rich and the poor stay where they are. It also is becoming increasingly difficult for any one to better their social class or economic status. Poorer and lower class citizens are now receiving the opportunity to access and use modern technology, but the gap between them and the upper more wealthy class remains in place.
This image is a perfect visual aid for this concept. We are all running the same race and we all are finishing that race in a quicker and more efficient manner, however the distance between the people running the race stays the same and in most cases is still growing. On the surface it looks like people are become more and more equal due to technology, modernization, and globalization, but in actuality the inequality has never been more prominent.
I really like that image and that you were able to relate to class. It allows people to see this concept in yet another way and further understand it.
ReplyDeleteI agree that inequality has never been more prominent. It is only going to get worse until something is done. There has to be a way to modernize everyone equally.
ReplyDeleteThat image perfectly demonstrates how people aren't truly born with equal opportunities--they may be born into a life of wealth or poverty or somewhere in between. Do you think implementing a respective living wage in all developing countries would decrease inequality worldwide? It seems that while less developed countries can have access to the internet, cell phones, and ideas such as democracy they are limited by the policies (or lack thereof) and actions (or lack thereof) of their government that shape their lives.
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