Geographies of Globalization: Unit 2 Reflection - Economics Module

This report provides a reflection on the geographies of globalization, based on readings from Dicken (2011) and Florida (2005). The report explores the core-periphery inequalities resulting from globalization, highlighting the widening divide between the rich and the poor, and discussing how these inequalities are linked to historical processes. It then examines the increased concern for environmental sustainability and the growing awareness of environmental issues, citing examples like the COP21 climate change conference. Furthermore, the report discusses the concept of the 'shrinking world,' analyzing how globalization has accelerated communication and migration, making the world seem smaller and more interconnected. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of considering the complex spatial, temporal, economic, and cultural dimensions of globalization, urging for a nuanced understanding of its implications rather than a simplistic 'good' or 'bad' perspective.

Running head: GEOGRAPHIES OF GLOBALIZATION 1
Geographies of Globalization
Name
Institutional Affiliation

GEOGRAPHIES OF GLOBALIZATION 2
GEOGRAPHIES OF GLOBALIZATION
This reflection is based on the Unit 2 readings; Dicken (2011) and Florida (2005). The
main theme/issue discussed in the two readings is geographies of globalization and its effects. To
understand globalization and its effects, it is imperative to comprehend its history and the
sophisticated processes that have given rise to Globalization. Dicken (2011) study remains
increasingly instrumental in this respect by asking readers to take into consideration the diverse
normative viewpoints on the issue. Thus, it is imperative to precisely know what specifically
globalization imply for individuals in specific places and also determine the losers and
beneficiaries of globalization. By understanding such concerns as spatial justice or the burdens
and benefits distribution as always sought by human geographers, we get to understand the
sophistications of globalization effects.
The first effect of globalization remains apparent from the readings, Florid (2005) and
Dicken (2011) both of which have demonstrated that globalization has led to core-periphery
inequalities including widening divide between the poor and the rich. This implies further that
the present events usually producing restlessness need to be comprehended as part of modern
process of core-periphery linkages. The cultural, political and economic imperialism view
predominance of some populations and nations on others, often via military power and economic
excess. Nonetheless, the empires besides imperialism are never novice, the present forms remain
divergent from the former forms, and the novel imperialism deviates from the significant ways
from the ancient colonialism and imperialism.
The second effect of globalization is that it has hastened a surged concern for and
awareness of environment and sustainability issues. This can be backed by the real-life COP21

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climate change of year 2005 convened in Paris based on UNEP Climate Action. Furthermore,
there has been ongoing conversation between the signatory countries regarding how the climate
change can best be addressed. Whereas the COP’s immediate concern stood the global climate
change triggered by extraction of fossil fuel. In the real-world practices, many business are
increasingly struggling to be viewed as sustainable since only such business are able to thrive.
This is a straightforward depiction of how globalization has led to increased awareness of the
environment. Consumers have increasingly become cautious and strictly follow the corporate
social responsibilities and sustainable practices of corporations in regards to environmental
conservation and would only be willing to buy from those corporations that generate less harmful
effects to the environment.
The third effect of globalization is that it has led to “incredible shrinking world.”
Geographers alongside many other scholars have increasingly attempted to comprehend the idea
that the globe appears to have somehow become smaller. This is true as depicted by both
experiences and movements around the globe which have both been hastened, and hence, appear
to be brought closer together by globalization. Moreover, the contemporary communication and
migration have offered example of this “incredible shrinking World.” It is apparent that people
are increasingly migrating from one country to the next thanks to globalization. Some people
move in search for employment and others for studies, both of which have increased in the recent
past as compared to ancient era. Also, communication has been made increasingly possible
across the borders. This is a clear depiction of a world being a “global village” as individual can
transact their businesses around the world in matters of seconds due to increased globalization.
In conclusion, the main lesson learned from Unit 2 is that proper globalization remains a
sophisticated process with spatial, temporal, economic as well as cultural dimensions which must

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all be considered when critically analyzing globalization. However, while Dicken (2011) has
only narrowed his discussion of the globalization in economic basis and offers diverse
globalization ideologies (essentially, how different individuals view and conceive globalization
and associated effects), this Unit 2 has drawn my attention to the important need for having both
historical comprehension of the major globalization drivers, and capability of critically
evaluating the globalization’s implications. Thus, I will always be thinking about globalization in
terms of complex processes that have resulted in surged interdependences and interconnections
of the global population and the influence of such process on environment and society rather
than simply thinking of globalization in terms of “bad” or “good.” Such a perspective will
henceforth help me develop the desired nuanced comprehension of how globalization “touches”
down in specific places and influences certain populations and people.

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References
Dicken, P. (2011). Global shift (6th ed.). New York, NY: The Gulford Press.
Florida, R. (2005). The world is spiky: Globalization has changed the economic playing field,
but hasn’t leveled it. The Atlantic Monthly, October, 48-51. Retrieved from
https://www.theatlantic.com/post/docs/magis.spiky.pdf