Chapter 23: Capitalism and Culture

The opening story of Chapter 23 is the story of many women who are victimized by sex trafficking. I read about this in Nicholas Kristoff and Sheryl WuDunn's book, Half the Sky, and it discusses all about how women hold up half the sky, yet they extremely victimized when they are promised jobs as dishwashers in vulnerable times and then forced into prostitution in places such as Cambodia and red light districts where there is a high concentration of sex services in a particular area. This is a result of globalization, the term used to describe the process of interaction and integration of worldwide economies on a global level, driven by international trade and investment. This story illustrates why globalization is controversial. Globalization is a new term, but an old process.

Several factors contributed to economic globalization, this process of "immense acceleration in international economic transaction" (Strayer 1024) in the second half of the twentieth century. One is that following World War II, there was the formation of two international organizations and lending agencies called the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. I looked up the International Monetary Fund, and found on their website that their purpose is "to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world" (IMF.org). Another contributing factor to the rise of globalization, is technology because it speeds and eases communication and transportation of good. Population growth in developing countries also sped the process. In a nutshell, neoliberalism is a form of globalization that emphasizes and favors free market enterprise where buyers and sellers can trade without interference, only by the forces of supply and demand in a market. This system was seen as as "the holy grail of economic growth" (Strayer 1026).

Reglobalization is a term to refer to the rise in worldwide transactions after World War II. For example, world trade skyrocketed, foreign direct investment, personal funds, and the short-term movement of capital. Especially transnational corporations where a company operates in more than one country at a time. New patterns of human migration emerged as people sought better lifestyles. Economic globalization has generated sharper divisions. The unequal distribution of wealth has been problematic, as well as issues like stock market crashes. An example of this is the 2008 housing crisis that affected the whole world. Even since the Industrial Revolution, the gap between the rich and poor has risen, and all of these flaws have set up global conflict. As globalization unfolded, many people started to see America as an empire for its dominance, power, and influence in the world.

Distribution of wealth in the United States.

Though globalization mostly refers to economy, Strayer also notes how it was the dispersal of ideas at the same time. In this case, it was the focus on liberation and feminism that spread throughout the world. For example, in the 1960s the highlight was the civil rights movement. Further, the world of communist underwent protest movements. However, the most prominent movement Strayer gives attention to is feminism. In the West, feminism was focused on sexuality and motherhood. This caused the global south to criticize Western feminism, noting theirs was too individualistic. Despite the controversy, the most remarkable aspect of feminism was that it became an international movement and recognition.

Strayer's introduction to his section on religion and global modernity would be what others would refer to as the Death of God, according to what I have learned in World Religions this semester. In other words, in the rising of science and Western focus outlook on logic and rationality, our idea and image of the supernatural and transcendent would literally come to an end. However, religious pluralism, or the acceptance of diverse religions in one society thrived. Fundamentalism rejected secularism and movements toward modernity because it challenged core religious concepts. In this respect, fundamentalists sought to separate themselves from this new modern outlook, but this was most prominent in the world of Islam, known as Islamic renewal movements. Islamization is the process of shifting society to Islam which has resulted in much violence in many places.

Globalization has caused harm on the environment due to human impact. A growing population meant more consumption of resources, fossil fuels, and economic production has damaged the environment through pollution. These factors around a greater demand have impacted the global environment. This is known as the Anthropocene, or man's transformation in his relationship to the planet that has shifted from traditional gatherer hunting techniques to large production and collection of resources and has shifted the global environment. Fortunately, modern environmentalism movements seek to bring justice to the earth. The Global North focused on aspects such as forests and wildlife preservation, whereas the Global South paid attention to basic survival. Regardless, the most significant achievement of global environmentalism was its arrival at one world thinking.

Closing Remarks for Ways of the World

Strayer's ability to classify human history based on its patterns has made reading his book a very positive experience. His focus on world history rather than Western civilization is a truly powerful component in his writing. His advocation for women is very strong and unique to his style. This book has changed my life. Many people should read it, and I am glad it is the standard text for NDNU world history classes. I really wish I hadn't rented this book. If I had bought this book, I would send it in a package to Mr. Donald Trump. I looked up if it is possible to send packages to the president and it certainly is, but I'd probably have to pay for shipping and handling as well as materials. Or even better I would just keep it for myself so that I could always look back at it for memories and to remind myself of what's important. I never liked history in high school. It was boring because we would go through all the details, like the exact battles of the wars, the dates, memorizing facts for the wrong reasons. It was just a negative experience that caused me to despise history as a subject. So when I got to college, I thought I would hate it even more, but thanks to this course and to Strayer, history was a subject that has influenced me in my other classes and mindset. While we did look at some details, we learned about events with a purpose and from a non-Eurocentric perspective. Thank you for making me read this book.