Introduction


What is
globalization
Globalization is the process by which people around the world are becoming increasingly interconnected through trade, the media and migration. It has both positive and negative effects on individuals and societies.
globalization and how does it affect you?

Think about the products you use every day. Where were they made? Who made them? Think about how your family came to Canada or how your family earns an income. Are the companies your parents work for owned by people in another country? Do you connect over the Internet with people in other countries ? Do you watch videos or listen to music produced and influenced by other cultures?

Although the influence of globalization might be invisible, it is very much a real part of our lives.

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Reflect



In this unit, you will consider a significant issue by responding to the following questions:

  • What is globalization? Globalization describes how all the world's people are connected through technology, the movement of people, and the buying and selling of products. Today's people are more dependent on each other than ever before because of globalization. You are connected with people around the world through trade, technology, movement of people, and the sharing of ideas - global forces that affect everyone.

  • What shapes an identity? Your identity is formed by many forces, including your culture, religion, language and traditions, family and friends, and the country in which you live. It is expressed by your actions, speech, dress, relationships with others, the arts, and your personality.

  • Does globalization threaten or enrich my identity? This issue produces many perspectives. For people of marginalized cultures, globalization has led to a loss of language, traditions, ways to earn income, and ways of life. For others, globalization has connected them to new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new opportunities to buy and sell.

    As you work your way through the course, think about the effect globalization has on you and on other people of the world.


Complete the Unit One Pre-assessment on the next page.