Globalization: A Closer Look

Global Stratification

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Institution

Global Stratification

The term stratification is used for inequality or classification of things in hierarchical order. When the word ‘Global’ precedes the term ‘stratification’ then it accounts for the unequal distribution of opportunities and resources between different countries. Global stratification provides the tools for the determination of any country’s standing vis-a-vis other countries or country CITATION Article \l 1033 (Henslin, 2019). The best way to describe the term global stratification is to determine any country’s standing based on its economic power. Global stratification incorporates two theories that include the modernization theory and dependency theory CITATION Article \l 1033 (Henslin, 2019). This essay will discuss the effects of global stratification on the local culture and the American culture as well.

Global Stratification and its impacts on Local Culture

Of the two theories i.e. modernizing theory and dependency theory, both theories influence the cultural dimensions of any country. Both the theories are related to global stratification, however, the influence of global stratification depends on two aspects. The two aspect are; whether a peripheral country modernizes or remains dependent is determined by the balance of power between the peripheral country and the core country or countries that are exploiting it, as well as on the relations with other peripheral countries CITATION Article \l 1033 (Henslin, 2019).

Dependency theory describes how peripheral countries export materials to core countries and import finished goods from them. Modernization theory describes how peripheral countries become core countries by developing the capability to use their own materials to produce finished goods for their own use or for the export. In the 18th century, Britain regarded the American colonies as a dependent, to be exploited, and manufacturing goods in the colonies was prohibited. The colonists shifted the balance of power, and the colonies united and modernized CITATION Article \l 1033 (Henslin, 2019). China was once dependent but is now modernizing. Japan was once dependent but is now fully modernized. This pattern seems to be followed in other countries as well. A peripheral country can be dependent only by remaining dependent. Once it shifts to a modernizing track, it’s unlikely to return to the dependent status. The future of global stratification will, therefore, be that dependent countries will unpredictably, separately or together, break out of dependence and modernize.

Global stratification is a broad term that incorporates two main theories. None of the aforementioned theories necessarily operates as a static rule. The theories can be used as a way to study how wealth and resources are distributed amongst state actors at a macro level. In addition, these theories can be used as a way to study how wealth and resources are distributed amongst state actors at a macro level CITATION Last \l 1033 (Pieterse, 2019).

Global Stratification and its Impacts on the United States

The global stratification has rendered America as ‘World Government’. People with powerful business interests have more power and influence than most heads of state or the government. On an individual basis, they likely have more power than a random US Senator. Exxon Mobil has a GDP of a large country. Goldman controls finance. McKinsey is thought of as having the smartest minds in the highest concentrations in the world. The MNCs that operate have access to power and thus the theoretical ability to influence it CITATION Last \l 1033 (Pieterse, 2019). Even just the people willing to stump for political parties are often considered to have a bit of power.

As far as the impacts of global stratification on the United States are concerned then it has both positive and negative impact in the United States. In case of United States, stratification hinges upon the accumulation of wealth and power. This has compelled people from other countries to seek immigration in America. Global stratification has influenced local American culture by manipulating the sense of people concerning their ability to afford expenses and economic well-being. Such a change in the local population’s attitude towards economic well-being can either hinder or stimulate the local culture.

The Beneficiary of Global Stratification

The owners and CEOs of international corporations have increased their wealth because of cheap labor in poor countries and lower wages in the US have increased profits. The decrease in labor cost for tradable good and services also is good for professionals in the US who are not in competition with foreign labor CITATION Last \l 1033 (Pieterse, 2019). On the contrary, as someone coming from a developing country, most of the benefit goes for developing countries. It improves knowledge and education in developing countries. Students study abroad and bring back their knowledge and skills to their home country, contributing productivity and economic growth CITATION Last \l 1033 (Pieterse, 2019).

References

BIBLIOGRAPHY Henslin, J. M. (2019). Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach. (Thirteenth, Ed.) Boston: Pearson. Retrieved from https://www.pearsonhighered.com/assets/preface/0/1/3/4/0134739892.pdf

Pieterse, J. N. (2019). Globalization and Culture. New York: Rowman and Littlefield. Retrieved Sep 11, 2019, from https://books.google.com.pk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=QfCYDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR1&dq=global+stratification+and+culture&ots=AgGDWLGHEk&sig=BoIdl2cLZHV587ZHUXtCR-W21jY#v=onepage&q=global%20stratification%20and%20culture&f=false