Globalization and Health Issues: A Comprehensive Analysis

Desklib provides solved assignments and past papers to help students succeed.

Contents
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................1
BODY.....................................................................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION.........................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................10
1

INTRODUCTION
Globalization is defined as the process of interaction, and integration among people
and companies as well as government of different region worldwide (Beck., 2018).
Globalization is referred to as the capitalist expansion which helps in integration of
the local as well as international economies of the world. The major two fields that
have led to globalization is increased enhancement in communication and
transportation. The enhancement of globalization results in growth of the trade, ideas
and culture between the nations and the government of the nations. Globalization is
also associated with the social and cultural phenomenon and aspects of the region.
The economic inclusions to globalization include goods, services, economic
resources, capital and technology of the region (Beck., 2018). Globalization helps in
enhancing the liberalization of the exchange of goods and funds between the
nations. Global markets are enhanced due to exclusion of cross border barriers that
has facilitated the easy deals in the global markets.
The two fields mainly incremented to enhance globalization include transportation
with help of locomotives, jet engines and ships as well as new technological
enhancements in the recent years have developed the international trades (Wu et
al., 2017). The use of telecommunications and development of the internet,
technology in mobiles and communication is another major factor that facilitates
globalization. The history of globalization includes development of communication
and trade since early 1820 and 19th century with increase in 20th century (Callahan.,
2018). The term globalization therefore is used recently to establish the main
explanation of the contemporary changes that the world is focusing on due to these
global events (Beck., 2018).
In 2000 the International Monetary Fund (IMF) discussed four main major aspects of
globalization that were identified to be trade and transactions, capital and
investments, migration and movement of the people and dissemination of knowledge
(Antinori et al., 2017). Globalization has its impact on the culture, social environment,
health and economy of the region. Globalization is mainly divided into three sub-
categories that include economic globalization, cultural globalization and political
globalization. Economic globalization is occurring since last 30 years and has
increased a lot in recent past. The levels of the commercial investments have
2

increased and there is lot decline in transport and communication costs. The major
impact of globalization if the economic growth, economic instability and rise in
inequalities. Globalization is increasing at an alarming rate as it promotes better
business opportunities and enhanced larger markets that provide better trade and
cost reduction to generate more profits (Wu et al., 2017).
The theory of globalization includes links between the cultures and intentional
relations at different levels that is economic, political and social (Beck., 2018). The
globalization also refers to enhance the new paradigm within the world politics and
economic relationships. There are basically eight theories of globalization that
includes liberalism, political realism, Marxism, constructivism, postmodernism,
feminism, trans-formationalism and eclecticism (Antinori et al., 2017). Every theory
suggests new and dimensional values related to globalization. Liberalism being most
widely explained theory of globalization explains that globalization includes economic
developments, liberal democracy, welfare and freedom, technology, suitable
institutions, and transactional connectivity. Liberalism has a basic drawback that it
depends wholly on cultural blindness (Callahan., 2018). Another theory is Marxism
that includes class conflict and relations, production and distribution based on class
divisions, seeking deeper social forces and emphasis on class while overlooking he
culture, gender, race and religion.
Constructivism is another theory of globalization that includes trans planetary
connectivity with help of symbols, interpretations and constructing social world. This
theory helps neglect the power structures and inequality. Postmodernism theory is
the one that helps in using power for shaping knowledge and includes current
instrumental view for objectivism and control. It has a problematic limitation as it
includes methodological idealism. Eclecticism is the interaction of mutual influences
that correlates the current theories. Globalization accepts and also values the
concepts of free world and free trade, freedom of trade across borders and
investments in markets (Callahan., 2018). It mainly includes integration of
technology, communication and transportation for better world and working.
3

BODY
Pang & Guindon (2004), stated that as the international borders disappear the goods
and people are free to move that creates increase in health related problems and
issues. These health issues due to globalization cannot be met by the local and
national government alone but are the concern of the international government and
nations in collaboration. Globalization is a wide concept of discussion every year
among the eight powers of the world where they discuss how globalization is either
being a help in eradicating poverty, hunger and disease or how its consequences are
the cause of health issues and deteriorating economy (Beck., 2018).
According to the authors one major challenge that globalization pose is the
increasing international health risk. Globalization is a multifaceted aspect that has
impact on the global health of the human population in various ways (Wu et al.,
2017). The impact of globalization can be either directs on whole population,
healthcare or the individual or it can be indirect on the economy and education,
water supply and sanitation. The one factor that is affected by globalization and is
associated to the health of the region is the trade. Increasing trade since 1980 has
undoubtedly enhanced the economy of the world but it has also brought within the
risk associated with tobacco, alcohol, epidemics, non-communicable diseases and
health services.
The estimated ratio of the tobacco misuse and the death rate due to it, in next two
years will reach to 10 million a year according to (WHO). Around 70% of these
estimated deaths are due to lung cancer, cardiac issues, diabetes, and tobacco
related physiological diseases. The developing countries ban the tobacco
advertisements and sale and the globalization expands the areas of trade in the low
developed countries with low education and poverty (Antinori et al., 2017). The
people in poorer nations are the target population for these sales and the health
issues related to these trading increases in such nations. Some countries such as
India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are prone to drug abuse and tobacco misuse and
are the regions where this aspect of globalization is increasing health related issues.
WHO estimated that in coming years till 2020 the non-communicable diseases such
as CVD, cancer, obesity and diabetes will lead to two-third overall global burden of
4

disease in the world. Diet in less developed countries as well as modernization in
developed countries leads to such health issues (Beck., 2018). Advancements in
technology and communication has made the lifestyle of individual in the developed
nations very easy and quick that has reduced any sense of physical activity from
their routine and also has impact on body weight and disorders. The total 151 million
cases of diabetes were recorded worldwide in 2001 and this increased to 221 million
cases till 2010. Such a drastic increase portrays the steepest growth of disease in
developing world. Global food trade is another factor that enhances unhealthy
dietary habits and leads to such diseases. The industries have developed the
strategies aggressive marketing strategies as per the regional demand to enhance
their trading. For Example the spread of the brand of beverages and food items in
developing world in past two to three decades has been at its peak. This leads to
replacement of traditional diet with calorie less food and unhealthy diet that causes
global epidemic of obesity among the individuals. Increased obesity causes
increased disorders of metabolic origin and leads to high mortality rate.
Similar to the trade the transport and international travel that has become largely
cost effective due to globalization and advanced technology leads to health issues in
the world. As stated that globalization also includes the liberalism of the individual to
move and migrate to different international regions easily. This is increased by
cheaper air fares and dramatic increase in the amount of global air travel every day.
This leads to increase in huge number of non-immune individuals entering each
other’s region with risk of diseases and communicable infections. Some of the
common examples of this globalization issue related to health are the common
episode of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) that was first identified in
Vietnam in 2003, after four months of its first identification there were almost reports
of it being identified in more than 30 countries with more than 7000 cases and 500
deaths in row. Another similar example of spread of infected health issues from one
region to another due to globalization was in 1980 when the antibiotic resistance
Pneumococcus was first identified in Spain and then rapidly was reported in South
Africa and USA and all other parts of the world. The origin of strain of
Pneumococcus is not known till date but is believed to be originating from Far East
(Tatem et al., 2006). This infection has spread so vitally all over the world that even
today N number of children and adults die due to pneumonia.
5

Other cases of pandemic have created a global concern how the diseases are
spread from one place to another due to transportation and global migration. There
is report of around death of 200 million people in three pandemics of bubonic plague
since 14 to 17 century (Tatem et al., 2006). It was first seen that rodents were the
main cause of plague and these pandemics in the past but it was researched and
found out that the travellers in history were main vectors for the spread. The recent
pandemic of plague was found to be in port nations where the rats were somehow
transported in sailing ships and vessels causing infections in different regions.
Around 20% children and 5% adults each year around the globe experience
influenza symptoms (Tatem et al., 2006). During 20th century influenza was reported
to be the most common infectious spreading disease due to global transport. The
first identification of this virus was done in America with high rate of spread in
European and African countries. This spread resulted in pandemic in the year 1918,
1957 and 1968 (Antinori et al., 2017).
Globalization has great impact on the information technology and advancements in
the technical background. Enhancement of technology indicated impact on physical
and mental health of the individual. Recent studies have shown that technology use
results in mental health issues such as distraction, narcissism, cognitive loss, instant
gratification and depression. Also other than mental health the physical health of the
individual is greatly influenced by the advancing technology. Technology has
changed the lifestyle of the individual in different ways and in the way a person work,
lives or relax. Technology has helped in increasing the work productivity and
reducing the physical hardships of the individual. The human body is built in a way
that cannot perform or be healthy without any physical activity in routine. Technology
has made lives easier but also has deteriorated the made human beings inactive.
Physical activity is the second highest cause of preventable death in the world and
reduced physical activity leads to various health issues.
Screen time of the individual specially teenagers and adolescents has found to be
highly associated with reduced physical activity among them. Increasing use of
technology among these age groups has led to low physical activity among them and
more amount of time being spent in front of internet, television and screens. One of
the study conducted in Australia determined that 2200 children participated in this
6

study were seen to have great association of being obese due to over screen time
and lack of physical activity. Excessive use of technology also causes physical strain
in the user’s body. For example it is seen that excessive use of mobile phones cause
upper body strain and neck and head issues. A study by Paula Hakala showed that
excessive use of mobile phones and computer related work is an increasing cause of
incidence of neck and back pain. This increasing digitalization and screen time also
contribute to strain on eyes and eye problems at an early age.
On the other hand technology that is the gift of globalization and modern era proves
to be a cure to several diseases. In modern era the use of technology in health and
social care is increasing with its coverage in diagnosis, treatment, management and
rehabilitation of the disorders. Diseases are also being increasingly advancing due to
migration and movement as per globalization. The use of technology to provide new
and advanced care and services helps in better management of the illness in
contemporary society. There are many ways in which the technology and
communication aids have enhanced the health and social care services and allowed
better delivery of the care to the user. Information technology has enabled the
individuals to be well aware and acquainted with the new trends in health care and
digital world (Antinori et al., 2017). Technology has also helped in diagnosis of the
diseases that were not possible in older days due to limited aids. For example the X-
rays were developed but had certain limitation of being a two dimensional image
whereas the new technology introduced MRI technique that helps in three
dimensional view of the human body.
Other aids such as equipment for management of diseases like cancer and
prosthesis for physical disabilities allowed empowerment and independence of the
individual. The new technology helps in better integration of care and services that
helps in better recovery and management of the diseases. Callahan (2018),
suggested that the technology has enhanced the new medici1ne and cure of several
diseases that were not curable before. The surgical and medicinal treatments for
various diseases are now possible as there is research going on continuously for
different aspects and disorders in health and social care new trends and
advancements spread throughout the world in no time with help of globalization
(Schnall et al., 2018).
7

The quality of life is improved with help of technology and new innovations into
medicine. Medical facilities like minimal invasive surgeries, comfortable scanning,
better drugs, better monitoring system, early diagnostic system, gene therapy and
therapies allow better recovery of the patient and healthy and better quality of life
(Schnall et al., 2018). It is also seen how the health care professionals and allied
health services are benefitted due to the use of technology in health and social care.
Advance technology helps in better information sharing and communication within
the individuals in health and social care setting. Effective communication is the key
to better health and social care. Technology is proved to develop various potent tools
for betterment of the health and social care services and cure of various health
issues. This field including medical technology helps in delivery of the best quality
care with high life expectancy and prognosis for the disease. Goletti et al (2018),
described how the new gene biomarker suggests better therapy and prevention for
tuberculosis and some cancers. The DNA therapy promotes the better prevention
rates for the incurable diseases. Another phase of cure with these technologies is
the power of media and social channels. Digitalization enhances the ability of the
information to be shared with mass public and throughout the world with use of
internet and media. The use of this media power helps to spread awareness
regarding new and enhanced technology as well as diseases and play an important
role in delivery of the competent and quality services. Media and digitalization
contributes in prevention and planning of strategies for prevention and control of
various diseases associated with use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, smoking etc.
Schnall et al (2016), illustrated how the globalization has increased the work load
that has influence on increasing stress among the adults which leads to various
metabolic and physiological changes and development of diseases such as
Cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and mental issues. These diseases are well
associated with the excessive lack of physical activity, enhanced obesity and dietary
changes in the living of the individual. It can be evaluated that globalization is not
only responsible for obesity and diseases but it is the personal lifestyle choices of the
individual. Hence, it is also seen that leading globalization has changed the belief
towards health and wellbeing among the individuals and related the concepts of
relaxation and quality of life. It can be very well indicated in this essay that
globalization has caused various improvements in health and social care that has led
8

to development of medicine and also cure to several diseases that were considered
fatal previously. Yet, globalization has its own consequences that lead to economic
instability and health inequalities too (Schnall et al., 2018). Globalization also cause
modernization that leads to changes in traditional dietary habit and replacement with
unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. This modernization is the major
cause of disease development and increased incidences of disorders in
contemporary society.
9

CONCLUSION
Globalization as described is the process of enhancement of global trade and
exchange of goods that creates better integration and interaction between the
nations. Globalization is an important tool that helped the world to evolve in a better
way and reach the success ratio where the world stands today in manner of
technological development and advances. In 2000 the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) discussed four main major aspects of globalization that were identified to be
trade and transactions, capital and investments, migration and movement of the
people and dissemination of knowledge. Globalization has its impact on the culture,
social environment, health and economy of the region. Globalization is mainly
divided into three sub-categories that include economic globalization, cultural
globalization and political globalization. Economic globalization is occurring since last
30 years and has increased a lot in recent past. The levels of the commercial
investments have increased and there is lot decline in transport and communication
costs. The question is whether globalization is beneficial or is the cause of diseases
and health issues in contemporary society. The thorough evaluation of different
author’s work and literature and after gathering the evidences it can be concluded
that as everything has its benefits and disadvantages similarly globalization helps in
economic growth and enhancement of world trade but has its consequences in form
of health and social care issues. Increased global transport and communication has
led to risk of diseases and spread of diseases from one region to another. Global
trade has enhanced the production of certain elements that are not appropriate for
human health but due to global trade and economic growth the production is
enhanced and this results in more health concerns and issues.
10

REFERENCES
Antinori, S., Galimberti, L., Bianco, R., Grande, R., Galli, M., & Corbellino, M. (2017).
Chagas disease in Europe: a review for the internist in the globalized world.
European journal of internal medicine, 43, 6-15.
Beck, U. (2018). What is globalization?. John Wiley & Sons.
Callahan, D. (2018). Taming the beloved beast: how medical technology costs are
destroying our health care system. Princeton University Press.
Goletti, D., Lee, M. R., Wang, J. Y., Walter, N., & Ottenhoff, T. H. (2018). Update on
tuberculosis biomarkers: from correlates of risk, to correlates of active disease and of
cure from disease. Respirology, 23(5), 455-466.
Hakala, P. T., Rimpelä, A. H., Saarni, L. A., & Salminen, J. J. (2006). Frequent
computer-related activities increase the risk of neck–shoulder and low back pain in
adolescents. The European Journal of Public Health, 16(5), 536-541.
Pang, T., & Guindon, G. E. (2004). Globalization and risks to health. EMBO
reports, 5(S1), S11-S16.
Schnall, P. L., Dobson, M., & Landsbergis, P. (2016). Globalization, work, and
cardiovascular disease. International Journal of Health Services, 46(4), 656-692.
Schnall, P. L., Dobson, M., Rosskam, E., & Elling, R. H. (2018). Unhealthy work:
Causes, consequences, cures. Routledge.
Tatem, A. J., Rogers, D. J., & Hay, S. I. (2006). Global transport networks and
infectious disease spread. Advances in parasitology, 62, 293-343.
Wu, T., Perrings, C., Kinzig, A., Collins, J. P., Minteer, B. A., & Daszak, P. (2017).
Economic growth, urbanization, globalization, and the risks of emerging infectious
diseases in China: a review. Ambio, 46(1), 18-29.
11