Contemporary Global Trends (problems) To explain (some) of the

SOCIO 363 ZA: GLOBAL PROBLEMS
This course is about global problems. As we enter into the 21 st century, globalization is one of the key
issues, hotly debated and contested. I dont know whatever that comes into your minds when the term
global problem is mentioned. As students in this great University we are part of this enduring
globalization process. K-State is a global university. It is possible that many of us in this class tonight
depict globalization- the devices we use, the clothes we wear, our nationalities, interactions and indeed
culture. Americans are tied to global processes in multiple ways. And yet historical evidence shows that
Americans have always been connected with the rest of the world as far back as (1492). Sadly though it
is possible that some of them (Americans) may have the notion that global issues are not connected to
their daily lives. I dont know about you…What are your thoughts and where do you fall.skeptical?
Optimist? Hopefula believer in change? As global citizens (and I hope we are or possibly can endeavor
to become) we are consumers of diverse global products. How I wish that we can take this discussion a
notch higher by exploring our roles as global citizens. It is my hope that at the end of this course you will
possibly take time to reflect on the extent to which you will want to consider yourself as a global citizen.
Being a global citizen means being informed about issues of global importance and taking action to better
this world. The reality though is that every American is connected directly to the world scene in a variety
of ways- through mail, internet, travel, phones, international organizations, trade, etc.
Emphasis is placed on the Process, impact (problems), interconnectedness
More than at any other time in world history, the future of mankind is being shaped by issues that are
beyond any one nations ability to solve (Climate change, Ebola epidemic, financial instability, terrorism,
social inequality and poverty). These issues affect our economies, our environment, our nations, our
resources and indeed global peace. It is important to observe that how the world deals with these global

challenges will determine the planets fate for generations. Plenty of evidence indicates that these issues
are growing in magnitude and will neither go away soon nor solve themselves. They will require
concerted and indeed global solutions.
I am of the humble opinion that students should leave school reasonably informed about one or more of
the major global issues facing humanity today. These global problems require students and professionals
who are trained and willing to deal with these difficult and complex issues. Our capacity to tackle these
problems is greater today than has been the case at any time during the last few centuries.

Lets begin by exploring the conceptual framework for global problems.-some of the basic
concepts relevant to global problems.

What is globalization?
What is a problem?
What about a social problem?
What is your understanding of global problems?
What features or characteristics define global problems?

Session 2
The Conceptual Framework of Global Problems

The understanding of concepts inherent in the discussion of global problems is critical. (This is an attempt
to move from the known to unknown. At this juncture it is my humble belief that you have an idea of
where we are coming from and where we are headed in this course). Remember, it has been said that a
problem that is well defined is a problem half solved. Thus, in this class, if we can have a good
understanding of these problems, then arriving at solutions will not be a difficult issue. Further, Albert
Einstein, the great scientist is quoted to have said If I had an hour to solve a problem, Id spend 55
minutes thinking through it and 5 minutes coming up with a solution. In other words all it takes is for us
to have a good understanding of these problems and the rest in terms of solutions will not be such a big
problem.
A conceptual Framework is an analytical tool that is used to make conceptual distinctions and organize
ideas. It is a way of understanding a given issue by examining or analyzing basic concepts inherent in it.
To understand this framework, the following questions are used;

What is a problem? How will you describe it?

What is a social problem?

What is globalization? How can it be explained and why?

What are examples of these global problems?
And so what is a problem?

A problem denotes a situation that is difficult to deal with. It is an obstacle, that which hinders one from
realizing a defined end. It is a perceived gap between the existing, current state of affairs and the desired
state or situation.
Social Problem

Problems are social in nature. They concern people and society. Global problems are therefore social
problems. A social problem is an issue that negatively affects a person or groups state of well-being. It is
a social condition that a segment of society views it as harmful to members of society.
Globalization
Many people have said diverse things about the understanding of what globalization is. In its very basic
understanding, globalization relates to the whole world or globe. The term global relates to the whole
world, worldwide, international, and intercontinental. (Literally, it actually takes the shape of the globe as
we all know it)
The economic perspective appears to be most popular when defining globalization. In this sense, it is
described as the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked by free trade
(Merriam Webster dictionary). For Sociologists however, this focus is narrow as globalization is multidimensional i.e. it has political, social, cultural and even ideological aspects.
It is the sharing of ideas, cultures and ways of life with people around the globe. Globalization is seen as
the widening, deepening and speeding up of worldwide interconnectedness in all aspects of
contemporary social life (Held et al. 1999).
It constitutes a multiplicity of linkages and interconnections that transcend the nation-states and by
implication the societies which make up the modern world system.
It defines a process through which events, decisions and activities in one part of the world can come to
have a significant consequence for individuals and communities in quite distant parts of the world.
Features/Characteristics:

Globalization is a process, or simply a set of processes- involves diverse activities taking place
simultaneously

Globalization involves stretching or extending human activities, relations and networks across
the globe

Globalization is impactful, i.e. it is characterized by specific impact (consequences, negative
outcomes)

Globalization spans a multitude of disciplines, communities and cultures (cross- cutting)
Global problems

Global problems are described as important or critical problems that affect many people. These are
problems that affect the whole planet and potentially all of the people who live in it.
In my estimation I see the place of perception in the definition of these concepts and conceptual
framework. People must first define it as problematic i.e. when a groups values and norms are violated.
There must be evidence of a particular condition that is harmful to society, and that there is potential for
addressing it. Nonetheless, I dare say that all global problems have a way of being addressed.
Why are these issues considered global? Criteria
Each issue affects a large number of people across countries/ national boundaries i.e. size and magnitude
Each of these issues is one of significant concern to all or most countries in the world i.e. it attracts
immense attention
Each issue has implications that are widespread. Global problems have ramifications to humanity.
Global problems require a global regulatory approach in addressing them, i.e. collective global action
Why care about global issues/problems?
These issues are of great importance to humanity and whose impact is felt everywhere. It is important to
know that how the world deals with these global challenges/problems will determine the planets fate for

generations. There are consequences that come with global problems. These may include; Economic,
Political, Social, Health and even environmental consequences.
Contemporary Global Trends (problems)
To explain (some) of the contemporary trends in globalization
As a result of globalization, our world today is like a global village. What are some of the substantive
changes that are occurring in the world today?
1.

Trend: The global economy is becoming increasingly interconnected and consolidated

Many countries today share a common language of money in form of world currencies

Multinational Corporations are investing and trading with countries around the world

The World today is developing several trading blocs i.e. OPEC, EU

2. Trend: Global population expansion is threatening the quality of life in many regions

Feeding humanity may be compromised (global hunger) due to a high population growth

Global health may equally be affected as a result

3. Trend: There is a growing environmental awareness not only in the US, but the entire world

Educational campaigns

Governmental efforts

International institutions

4. Trend: Global Terrorism and conflicts is has been scaled up i.e. on an increase

Religious intolerance in the Middle East

Resource and power conflicts

5. Trend: Global inequality continues to widen

Wealthy and developed countries continue to manifest higher and better
standards of living, while the poor, developing countries continue to wallow in
poverty- The Rich get richer, while the Poor sink into poverty

6. Trend: Technology, innovation and industrial development have become key drivers of the world
economy

SOCIO 363 ZA: GLOBAL PROBLEMS

Session 3- Week 2
Over time the world has been turning into a global scene in which various transformations continue to be
experienced in respect to the way people, entities, institutions and governments carry on their
transactions.
The world is a stage and all men and women are merely players- William Shakespeare
Thus, as human beings we have just but one stage-the world scene and that it offers an opportunity for
interaction and connectedness.

Establishing facts already discussed about globalization and global problems

We are connected as humanity in multiple ways

Society is experiencing problems and is indeed faced with global problems

The future of mankind is being shaped by issues beyond any ones nations ability
to solve

The world today continues to experience changes in many different aspects

Remember; let us be careful even as we think about global problems that we do not end up interpreting
every issue to be a problem. It is actually very easy to do that. Perceptions play an important part in all
this and it is possible to see problems in everything.

Methods and Tools for studying global problems
Indeed, some of us here may still be wondering; how do we go about analyzing global problems. This is
a methodological question and issue. The answer lies in the method, theories and sociological tools
available to us (tools and methods). Sociology is more than a school of thought or a philosophy of life. It
is a science that attempts to discover facts and connections between people and the social world in which
they live. Sociologists often frame their thinking by borrowing ideas from concepts, theories and
paradigms. Indeed, the same applies to other disciplines as well.
Neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding
both- C Wright Mills

And why is this important?
Provides a basis on which we can appreciate whatever it is that we are learning-this happens in

other disciplines as well

Strengthens our arguments and facilitates the critical analysis of issues ( evidence)

Theories for instance provide us with different perspectives with which to view our world

Q. Is there something we can learn from these perspectives, theories and paradigms?
Q. What will be the relevance of all these to the debate and discussions on global problems?

What is a Theory? And what about Paradigms? Models?
A Theory is a proposition or idea designed to answer a question or explain a particular phenomenon.
Theories also have a predictive element to the social world in which we live i.e. global problems

Social imagination
The goal of this course is to examine our social world with the scientific lens called the sociological
imagination- a unique perspective that includes the person, groups and the entire stage that accounts for
social life. Thus, we acknowledge the importance of trees, but stress characteristics of the forest, which is
perhaps complex and intriguing and yet full of fun. Sociological imagination is the ability to look beyond
the individual as the cause for success and or failure and see how ones society influences the outcome.
The prominent American Sociologist C. Wright Mills (1916-1962) argued that people must understand
how extraneous factors contribute to individual situations. To do this, we must practice sociological
imagination.
This paradigm argues that to truly understand peoples behavior we must look beyond those individuals to
the larger social contexts in which they live i.e. criminal behavior, deviance, poverty (poor people), and
obesity
Although individuals make choices these choices are constrained and probably controlled by social,
economic, cultural, political factors.
Interestingly, people may not even realize the extent to which their lives are affected by things that are
external to them and outside their control. In other words, if we are to understand our contexts well we
must always take into account external factors.

Sociological imagination therefore might be a good lens in which to examine global problems. Instead of
making misplaced assumptions about the causes of global problems and the dynamics involved, we can
use this tool to re-examine these issues taking into consideration events worldwide.
Major Paradigms
What should be our approach as we think and examine global problems?

Functionalism

Conflict Theory

Symbolic interactionism
Functionalism

According to Functionalism, Society is a system of interconnected parts that work together in harmony to
maintain a state of balance and equilibrium in the society. Each of the different parts contributes an
important function to society. For instance, Family provides a context for reproducing, nurturing and
socialization, Education offers a way to transmit a societys skills, knowledge and culture to its youth,
Politics provides a means for governing members of the society, Economics provides for the production,
distribution and consumption of goods and services, Religion on the other hand provides moral guidance
to society.
These parts are therefore interrelated. Because it focuses on the entire social system and not just the
individual, it is considered a macro approach to sociological study. Functionalists believe that the best
way to understand society as a whole is to understand how social institutions such as family, education,
and the economy are interrelated. Each institution has an impact no matter how small it may seem,
because they are all connected. For instance, when the economy does poorly, it doesnt just affect your
wallet. Companies fold jobs, families go hungry; children do poorly in school, etc. Thus globally when

the environment is destroyed the effects are felt in many other areas. Each part influences and is
influenced by other parts.
This theory makes use of the terms functional and dysfunctional, denoting the impact of globalization i.e.
the global problems witnessed today are consequences of a dysfunctional system or world.

Conflict Theory
This is an approach to analyzing society and indeed global issues. Whereas the functionalist perspective
views the world as composed of different parts working together, the conflict theory in contrast views
society as composed of groups and interests competing for power and resources. (Ref. is made to Karl
Marx and the Marxist ideology). This theoretical framework views society as being in a constant struggle
over a limited amount of resources.
This theory views society as simply divided between two classes of people thus; the haves and have-nots,
the rich, wealthy and the poor, the owners of the means of production and workers. It argues that there is
an ongoing struggle for wealth and power globally that creates global inequalities and that global
problems are in fact the product of these struggles. Further, the wealthy and powerful will always want to
maintain the status quo thus denying the poor access to the many resources and opportunities available in
the world today. Conflict theorists believe that once inequality begins to take root, those at the top are
unlikely to push for change, creating tension, global instability and conflicts (Terrorism). This inequality
is evident in many areas i.e. gender, race, religion, etc.
When this perspective is applied to global politics, the poor, developing countries of the world are
contrasted with the wealthy and developed countries. The wealthy countries create rules that are often

forced upon the poor. As regards the global economy this divide is equally wide and the struggles
continue i.e. Fair trade, how fair is it? – Exploitation?

Symbolic Interactionism
The Functionalist and Conflict perspectives are broad and macro in nature. The Symbolic interactionism
model is micro as it seeks to primarily examine the individual. This is a theoretical framework that
focuses on how individual interactions between people influence their behavior and how these
interactions can impact society. It argues that human behavior is influenced by definitions and meanings
created and maintained through symbolic interaction with others, thus how we interact with others
develops our self-concept. Symbolic interactionists analyze how social interactions influence, create and
sustain human relationships-i.e. cultural interaction, ethnicity, and race issues
Does our interaction with others influence how we perceive global problems?
A sampling of global Theories

World system Theory

Modernization Theory

Dependency Theory

Theory of global capitalism
The Network Society Theory

Theories of Trans nationality and Transnationalism

The World system Theory

This is a system by which the capitalist way of doing things has spread across the globe. It is prompted by
technological innovations and the rise of market institutions. This theory is largely associated with
Immanuel Wallerstein.
A world system theory is basically a world economy. It is a social system that has boundaries, structures,
member groups, rules and yet still held together acrimoniously. It is a single division of labor with one
world market and multiple cultural systems. It is also described as a system of interdependent parts that
form a bounded structure and operate according to distinct rules.
This theory argues that this world system has 3 interdependent regions

The Core nations

Periphery nations and

Semi-Periphery nations

These nation-states are simply variables within the system.
The world system is characterized further by the following key factors;

Technology

A specific economic orientation-private ownership entrepreneurism

Imperialism-domination of other countries

Hegemony-the existence of one core state temporarily that outstrips the rest

Global class struggle-countries struggling to outclass each other

The heart of the world system theory is its explanation of the exploitative process that has enabled core
countries to retain their wealth and power at the expense of peripheral and semi-peripheral nations-raw
materials, cheap labor, and unfair rules, etc.

Modernization Theory
To help us appreciate these theories it is important to shed some light on issues of development and
underdevelopment. The world today is classified into two main categories in terms of development,

The developed world

The developing, poor countries

Q. What in your view are the differences between the developed and developing nations?

This is an evolutionary theory that explains how societies world over develop and achieve prosperity. It
argues that all societies naturally pass through certain stages of development i.e. a progressive transition
from pre-modern or traditional stage to modern societies.
All societies start out as traditional hunter-gatherers, to agriculturalists developing towns and cities, and
eventually become modern industrial states. It examines the process of social change and the development
of societies globally. Further, it seeks to explain why some countries are wealthy and developed and
others continue to wallow in poverty and go further to offer a blue print for development.
This theory is based on the analyses of European societies. It assumed that the non-European societies
would have the same experiences and or will modernize faster with aid and technology from the
developed nations

Developed countries have modern economies and by contrast underdeveloped countries have
traditional economies characterized by low levels of industrialization and development

Developed countries have citizens with modern psychological and cultural traits. By contrast
underdeveloped citizens have traditional psychological traits which place less value on
achievement, hard work, investment and savings

Developed countries have modern institutions while the developing ones have poor almost
dysfunctional systems.

Modernization theorists argue that modernization is inevitable and irreversible and that for the poor
developing nations to develop and achieve prosperity they must seek to embrace modernization.
Do you believe so? To what extent does it hold the truth above?- ethnocentric,

Dependency Theory

This theory was developed in the 1950s and was the work of Raul Prebisch who was the Director, UN
Economic Commission for Latin America. It is focused on the glaring development global inequalities
between the developed nations and the third world countries.

Prebisch and his colleagues were troubled by the fact that economic growth in the advanced industrialized
countries did not necessarily lead to growth in poorer countries as it was assumed earlier (Modernization
Theory).

This is a theory that was viewed as a possible historical way of explaining the persistent poverty of the
developing nations by favoring others at the detriment of others thus limiting the development
possibilities of the subordinate countries
It characterizes the international system (globe) as comprising of two sets of states

Dominant and developed

Dependent nations

It is apparent that relations between the two categories above intensify inequality.
It assumes that external forces are of singular importance to the economic activities within the dependent
states. These include; Multinational Corporations, International commodity markets, foreign assistance,
etc.
It argues that global Capitalism has forced developing countries into a state of underdevelopment. This
system is unfair. It has produced underdevelopment in the past and continues to do so even today.

Theory of global capitalism
The global capitalism school shares with the world-systems paradigm the critique of capitalism. It focuses
on a new global production and financial system.
Sklair (2000, 2002) put forward a theory of the global system at the core of which are transnational
practices (TNPs) as operational categories for the analysis of transnational phenomena.
This theory involves the idea of Transnational capitalist class (TCC) as a new class that brings together
several social groups who see their own interest in an expanding global capitalist system i.e. executives of
transnational corporations, globalizing bureaucrats, politicians and professionals.
Further, a number of related theories see the rise of supra national political and planning agencies and
institutions like the World Economic Forum, WTO, and the Group of 7 as global governance structures
This theory argues that the transnational agencies are responsible for what befalls the world economy
today

Q. what do you think is the role of Transnational agencies-Multi lateral agencies, Multicorporations
in the context of global problems?

The Network Society
This theory exemplifies a technological approach to globalization.
It argues that technology plays a critical role in facilitating globalization. It represents the age of
information.
Two analytically processes are mentioned;

The development of new information technology (IT)- Computers, internet,

Information capitalism- capitalists using the power of technology

This new paradigm is;
1. Information based knowledge
2. Is organized on a global scale
3. Is networked in that productivity is generated through global networks of interaction
What is the place of technology in the spread of globalization? What are its effects?