Globalization Essay

Globalization is a widely debated topic around the world with multiple theories and arguments supporting both pro-trade beliefs and protectionism. Schaeffer (2005) emphasizes that many proponents of globalization insist that “everyone wants globalization, or would want it if they knew what it really was and were in a position to ‘choose’ it.” Nevertheless, there are many opponents of globalization who prefer protectionist measures. But what causes these attitudes and perceptions of globalization? Statistical and economic studies have established that both economic and non-economic variables influence peoples’ attitudes towards the matter. Economic variables such as skill level/human capital, relative level of income, GDP and countrywide wealth, education, and employment status/occupational sector influence peoples’ daily lives and shape the way in which they perceive the concept of globalization. In addition to these, non-economic variables such as gender, age, religion, fears or uncertainties, and values such as patriotism or nationalism also play a large role in forming perceptions. These many factors consider numerous variables and cause skewed sentiments toward globalization. It is believed that ones’ attitudes towards globalization that are determined by these considerations can be changed and influenced through both education and countrywide experiences.

A large portion of this information stems from the research provided by Mayda and Rodrik (2005), which is rooted in a survey completed by the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) to test the results of both the Heckscher- Ohlin- Samuelson (HOS) model and the factor-specific factors model pertaining to attitudes towards globalization. An interesting fact m...

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...large part in determining attitudes. In reference to the earlier stated fact that “When asked about their views on trade, typically sixty percent or more of respondents in opinion polls express anti-trade views,” we can now assume that the reason for this is that the majority of the respondents to worldwide surveys are unskilled in a rich country, skilled in a poor country, low relative income, not as educated, employed in a comparative disadvantage sector, women, or Catholic. Fears of globalization effects and values of neighborhood attachment could also be present and causing these protectionist tendencies. Perceptions of globalization can be changed and influenced through level of education and countrywide experiences. In particular, the common protectionist responses to surveys could be changed through more education about the subject.