Globalization is a process where people worldwide come together and function to form a single society. This process combines economic, social, cultural and political forces. Globalization usually refers to economic globalization, that which brings national economies into the international economy through trade and foreign investment, according to Al-Rodhan from Definitions of Globalization. Over the past several decades, the issue of globalization has been under a heavy spot light. The issue of globalization is not only controversial but international as well. While it yields visible benefits economically, the argument is that the cultural, and sometimes economic, conditions of weaker countries tend to suffer. However, I firmly support the idea that globalization is an advantageous and sound international activity that should be continued.
Those who would disagree with my point of view do hold valid points. One claim is that globalization encourages mass production in factories, yielding to lower wages and foul working conditions. However, this con has nothing to do with the decision to globalize. Working conditions are improvable. For example, during the twentieth century the United States had to rectify many labor laws and factories in order to better the welfare and safety of the workers. Another claim is that poorer countries can't compete with stronger countries in the worldwide economic competition and that while the poor countries are prospering the rich countries are getting richer. These claims are not valid because each country has its own place in the worldwide playing field. Economic success is relative from country to country. According to the World Bank, between 1981 and 2001 the number of people living on $1 a day or less declined from 1.5 billion to 1.1 billion. The final opposing view concerns the unique cultures of smaller countries. Some feel that the incorporation of a worldwide economic system leads to the threatening westernization of the subordinate countries.