This document discusses different metaphors and perspectives of globalization: 1. Solid, liquid, and flow metaphors are used to describe globalization - solid representing barriers between nations, liquid representing removing barriers and increased interconnectivity, and flow representing movement of people, goods, and ideas. 2. There are three main perspectives on globalization - hyper-globalists see declining nation-states and growing global processes, skeptics believe globalization is not new and nation-states remain powerful, and transformationalists see nation-states transforming through globalization. 3. Theories of globalization discussed include world systems theory, modernization theory, and dependency theory, each focusing on different aspects of globalization and development.

1. I. Metaphors of Globalization
This section of the module will introduce you to metaphors of globalization. Aldama (2018) explains that globalization can be
explained using metaphors – solid and liquid for better understanding. Apparently, events prior to globalization today gave rise
to people, things, events to harden over time giving rise to limited mobility (Ritzer, 2015), such solidity also determined as physical
and social barriers. For example, a country’s physical barrier is solid in natural form. Solidity can also be man-made as in the
case of an imaginary barrier like the West Philippine Sea claimed by the Philippine government as belonging to the country and
at the same time China claiming it to be theirs. Such absurdity in territorial ownership affects Filipinos in terms of physical mobility
as restrictions are imposed.
Solidity ‘melts’ when barriers are removed even in the metaphorical level. For instance, when two countries agree to free
restrictions on people’s movements between them, a form of liquidity emanates creating a free movement of people, ideas, and
processes giving rise to interconnectivity among nations. Removing barriers is critical in a global process that is mutually
understanding.
It cannot be denied that solid and liquid interactions abound in today’s world but liquidity is key to spreading growth in many
aspects articulated in the form of flows.
Flows are the movement of people, things, places, and information brought by the growing “porosity “of global limitations (Ritzer,
2015). This simply means that the process of interconnectivity brought about by liquid interactions gives rise to exchange of
cultural understanding as in the case of Filipinos patronizing Japanese, American and other international cuisines apart from
local choices. Flows can also have a negative connotation when a country’s financial crisis can have global impact. In health,
the recent Covid-19 pandemic that started in China has affected nations globally afflicting many people. The flow continues to
endanger economies, social life and health of many people.
In conclusion, as highlighted in the discussion, solid, liquid and the concept of flow provide metaphors in your approach to
learning globalization. For the solid part, globalization accentuates resource boundaries that define nations. Liquidity is construed
as a country’s gradual opening up with the rest of the world seen in fluid interactions, free movement of people, among others.
Lastly, flows indicate a cultural understanding of both countries following an exchange of ideas, goods and people. Such
metaphors provide a robust understanding of globalization’s view on interconnectedness.
II. Perspectives of Globalization
For your increased learning, globalization has three major perspectives: hyper-globalists, skeptics and transformationalists.
Hyper-globalists contend that pre-globalization is called internationalization. In the contemporary setting, nation-states reduce
their power as the focus shifts to global processes. As such, national economy is less-prioritized because capital mobility outside
national borders is the target. Likewise, proliferation of multinational corporations links economies in the global setting where
interdependency is sought in an open economy with less national restrictions. Sceptics, on the other hand, believe that
globalization is a novel idea and at the same time argue that it has existed for many centuries before where cultural, economic,
social and technological developments have occurred in various stages. Nation-states play an important role alongside
transnational responsibility. In Northern America and Europe, for instance, states continue to be very powerful (Martell, 2010).
Transformationalists contend that hyper-globalism should be rejected. However, nations transform in the process of
globalization, such transformation elucidating national forces combined with international elements so that change occurs
affecting people’s experiences and sensibilities.
Source: Upali, P. (2017). An Introduction to the Theoretical Perspectives of Globalisation. Retrieved from www.researchgate.net
Conceptualizing Globalization: Three Tendencies
Categorical Question Hyper-globalizers
(Ohrnae 1990, 1995;
Albrow 1997)
Skeptics
Boyer & Drache 1996;
Hirst 1997; Hirst &
Thompson, 1999)
Transformationalists
Sassen 1991);
Rosenau, 1997)
What’s New? A global age Trading blocs, weaker
geo-governance than in
earlier periods
Historically
unprecedented levels of
global
interconnectedness

2. Dominant features? Global Capitalism,
global governance,
global civil society
World less
interdependent than in
1890s
Thick (intensive and
extensive) globalization
Power of National
governments?
Declining or eroding Reinforced or enhanced Reconstituted,
restructured.
Driving forces of
globalization
Capitalism and
technology
Governments and
markets
Combined forces of
modernity
Pattern of stratification Erosion of old
hierarchies
Increased
marginalization of south
New architecture of
world order
Dominant motif McDonald’s, Madonna,
etc.
National Interest Transformation of
political economy
Conceptualization of
globalization?
A reordering of the
framework of human
action
Internationalization and
regionalization
Reordering of inter-
regional relations and
action at a distance
Historical trajectory? Global civilization Regional blocs/clash of
civilizations
Indeterminate: global
integration and
fragmentation
Summary argument The end of the nation-
states
Internationalization
depends on government
acquiescence and
support
Globalization
transferring government
power and world
Source: Held et al 1999, cited in Giddens, 2009:137
III. Theories of Globalization
III. 1 World Systems Theory – this theory focuses on the world as a unit instead of concentrating on each country. It
divides countries into core countries which include Western nations like United States, Europe. These countries are
economically robust with heavy industrialization and information and technology are widely utilized; periphery countries include
Latin America and Africa where raw materials are widely produced to be processed in Western countries. Proliferation of low-
income groups characterize these nations and a few percentage of the population are in the upper group, thus there is a large
income inequality in the population. Semi-periphery countries like India and Brazil make up the middle ground between core
and periphery countries. They usually have diversified and well-developed economy even if they are not internationally
competitive.
The World Systems Theory is criticized for its lack of sensitivity towards culture and class struggles of member countries, instead,
it focuses on division of core and periphery nations.
III.2 Modernization Theory – this theory presupposes that countries follow a similar pattern from traditional to modern
society. This implies that traditional countries can develop into modern nations with advancement in technology, increased labor
and capital resource allocation.
III. 3 Dependency Theory – this theory is a reaction to Modernization theory which looks into inequalities between countries.
The idea that Third World countries export raw materials to Western countries is integrated into World Systems theory because
they are recognized as underdeveloped countries. Quagmire of poverty pervades in poor countries where opportunities for
advancement is difficult to achieve as economies fall into poverty trap. Thus, they remain dependent on wealthier countries.
Source:
……. Globalization Theories: Society and Culture. Khan Academy. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQIVIYCZ4ec&feature=share .