Midnight Oil: "The Dead Heart"
Sly & The Family Stone: "Everyday People"
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Sound of Globalism & Multiculturalism
John Mayer: "Waiting on the World to Change"
Midnight Oil: "The Dead Heart"
Sly & The Family Stone: "Everyday People"
Midnight Oil: "The Dead Heart"
Sly & The Family Stone: "Everyday People"
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Defining Justice in a Multicultural, Global World…
Chapter six discusses globalism, multiculturalism, and the challenges associated with defining social justice in a global world. Over the past several weeks we have discovered that justice is not an easy concept to define. Capeheart and Milovanovic claim that no one definition of justice is sufficient for all points in history. These authors argue that the definition of justice changes with the passing of time. Our current multicultural, global world is no exception. The world today is much different than it was 50 or 100 years ago. Modern technology makes it possible to be closer to people on the other side of the world than we ever have been before and people of all different cultures must now share one common home: the Earth. With this, however, comes the need to revise the definition of justice so that it fits our evolving society. This blog explores the theory of justice that applies to our world today and the issues that it faces in the multicultural, global society of the 21st century.
What is multiculturalism?
The world we live in today is a world where different people and cultures are always interacting. Airplanes have made it possible for people to travel to new, unknown places. The Internet has allowed for communication to explode between people from all corners of the globe. The result: cultural traditions once contained within a group of people in one location have become integrated into the large society that makes up our world. However, this new, multicultural society faces challenges that were not seen before the age of technology and globalism; challenges that cause us to rethink the way that we think of justice.
Multiculturalism: “The process whereby a variety of groups within existing states – religious groups, ethnic groups, groups defined by gender or sexual orientation, and so on – increasingly assert their separate cultural identities and demand that those identities be given political recognition.”
Miller (2001, 246, 252)
According to James A. Banks, the Kerry and Linda Killinger Endowed Chair in Diversity Studies and Director of the Center for Multicultural Education at the University of Washington, an individual can belong to many different groups. Multiculturalism is not made up of simply Blacks and Whites. A person’s level of identity cannot be reduced to a one-word description of where he or she is from, but rather varies greatly and is heavily dependent on the context of the situation. Religion, Gender, Sexual Orientation, Socio-economic class, and ethnicity are only a few of the classifications that, according to Banks, make up a person’s culture. For example, a Hispanic woman’s culture cannot be said to be simply Hispanic. She is a woman. She is Chicano. She is Catholic. She is in the middle class. She is deaf. All of these things shape her personality and make her the person that she is. They are her culture, and it is just as complex as she is.
Dr. James A. Banks: Click here to learn more about Dr. Banks and his work: http://faculty.washington.edu/jbanks/
The Immigration Debate: How Multiculturalism can be seen in the United States
The United States is known to be a cultural melting pot, a land where people of all different cultures can come for freedom. Even today, immigration is a major issue, as the country debates what to do about illegal immigrants coming into the U.S. from Mexico. As you can see below, there are many different ways that America perceives its growing multiculturalism:
· The Great Mexico Wall: Some believe that the solution to illegal immigration is the building of a physical wall between the United States and Mexico to stop people from entering the country that way. http://www.globalsecurity.org/security/systems/mexico-wall.htm
· “The biggest problem with “illegal immigration” is the process. When my grandparents came to this country, they were running away from oppression. They didn’t care to file the proper paperwork to enter the country. But we had Ellis Island to process their admission. What we need today is a way to process immigrants as they arrive so that they aren’t “illegal.” But for Ellis Island, I am sure that I would be the grandson of illegals.” – Hal Cohen
· 1000 Immigrants Celebrate U.S. Citizenship at the Walt Disney World Resort: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvhIQuObFus
· Arizona Immigration Law: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pPWy5ioohM
Where is justice in all of this?
The new issues surrounding immigration call for a new definition of justice. As immigration causes the United States to be more of a multicultural society, those working for social justice must address the issues of immigration and serve people belonging to all different cultures. For example:
· Centro de la Raza is a Seattle organization that works to promote justice by serving the needs of the Hispanic community. “El Centro de la Raza is a voice and a hub for Seattle and Martin Luther King, Jr. County’s Latino community as we advocate on behalf of our people and work to achieve social justice. Through our comprehensive programs and services, we empower members of the Latino community as fully participating members of society. We also work to raise awareness with the general public, and government, business and civic leaders about the needs of the Chicano/Latino community in the United States.” http://www.elcentrodelaraza.com/aboutus.htm
Is this issue unique to the United States?
No. The issue of immigration in the United States demonstrates the role that justice plays in the multicultural society that we live in. But it is only one very small example of how multiculturalism can be seen in today’s society. Growing multiculturalism can be seen all over the world, and it is equally important in its influence on justice on a much larger scale as well.
The following are a few organizations that seek to promote justice around the world, keeping in mind that we live in a multicultural community:
Do we need to reexamine the principles of social justice and the means by which social justice might be achieved in our global/multicultural world?
According to Miller, social justice requires that everyone’s needs be met according to a standard of need. But how do you do this in a multicultural, global society? Miller argues that differences in culture lead to differences in values in social justice. However, this is not the case within multicultural societies because ultimately humanity’s needs are the same and the fundamentals of social justice will be the same regardless of culture. The difference with justice in a multicultural world is that it must be tailored in a way to provide for people of different cultures and to help them live in one community. The basic needs provided by social justice will be the same throughout time, but as times change, the way that justice does this will change as well.
Monday, July 26, 2010
What is Globalism?
Globalism has become a buzzword. The term globalism has come to be associated, perhaps unfairly, with economic inequity, unethical business practices and environmental degradation. But globalism, in its most unfettered form, is simply the breaking down of national boundaries to allow for free flow of information, goods and services.
In his book, The Lexus and the Olive Tree, author Thomas Friedman describes globalism as “the inexorable integration of markets, nation-states and technologies to a degree never witnessed before – in a way that is enabling individuals, corporations and nation-states to reach around the world, farther, faster, deeper and cheaper than ever before.”
Advances in transportation and technology have allowed nations, companies and individuals to connect in unprecedented ways. We can now share news, information and scientific knowledge in real time. Distance between nations is not a barrier to trade. Our world is shrinking.
At the heart of globalism is the spread of free-market capitalism. Nations have opened their economies and removed barriers to trade. This economic interdependence creates interdependencies on a number of other levels, security, environmental, world health, human rights and social welfare. Advocates for and critics of globalism have very different opinions about the nature of its impact on these issues. These ‘pros and cons’ will be explored in a later post.
The expansion of globalism has created new opportunities and new challenges, as well as new organizations and new forms of governance. The International Monetary Fund White Paper, What is Globalism states, “Like a snowball rolling down a steep mountain, globalization seems to be gathering more and more momentum. And the question frequently asked about globalization is not whether it will continue, but at what pace.”
It seems then, that we can expect globalism to continue to drive interdependencies and shape how we view justice on a global scale. As such, it is critical that we, as citizens understand the basic principles of and issues related to globalism. The following posts will provide a discussion of these key points.
For further reading, visit the following websites:
The Levin Institute’s Globalism 101:
Emory University’s What is Globalism:
http://www.sociology.emory.edu/globalization/about.html
Stanford University’s Globalization Forum:
http://www.law.stanford.edu/experience/studentlife/organizations/global/
Yale Center for the Study of Globalism:
The History of Globalism
While the rapid adoption of globalism may imply that it is a new concept, it has, in fact been around since the first explorers set sail hundreds of years ago. Capeheart & Milovanovich outline Held’s concept of the Four Epochs of Globalism. These four stages span over 500 years and represent critical points in the evolution of globalism as we know it today.
1492 – 1789: Explorers and traders from Europe begin world trade. Travels also spread information, culture, plants, animals and, unfortunately, diseases, around the globe.
1790 – 1900: The declining cost of transportation and the dismantling of mercantilism foster globalism in this epoch. The recovery from Napoleonic wars and agricultural crises in Europe, migration, and American and European investment overseas also make this period ripe for integrated economic markets.
1900 – 1970s: This era begins with a retreat from global capitalism. The great depression and two world wars shut down the rapid growth of international trade and investment seen in earlier epochs. Rebuilding after WWII required extensive international cooperation, which served to foster globalism once again. Also in this stage, however, is the rise of the Cold War which did more to disconnect nations than create cooperation and interdependency.
Contemporary Society: The end of the Cold War Era signaled an unprecedented integration of markets, countries and companies. Rapid developments in transportation and technology continue to allow for the international trade of goods and services and dissemination of news, information and culture.
Nayan Chanda, author of Bound Together: How Traders, Preachers, Adventurers, and Warriors Shaped Globalization, and Director of Publications for Yale Center for the Study of Globalization, shares his views on the history of globalism in this iTunes U podcast.
The Upside of Globalism
The deep interconnectedness globalism has created has many positive outcomes for people in developed and developing nations.
International trade and foreign direct investment has brought an influx of capital to developing countries, created jobs, reduced import prices, increased workers’ earning power through labor specialization and created larger export markets.
Advances in technology created opportunities for exchange of ideas, access to news, information, and scientific discoveries. Technology has the potential to break down geographic barriers and increase access to health care, education and government services, improving the quality of life worldwide. These developments are especially beneficial for poor and underserved communities around the globe.
Commerce, communications and migration have lead to increased exposure to foreign cultures. According to Capeheart and Milovanovic, this has “created new potentials for cooperation, collaboration, diverse encounters and dialogue. It provides for the possibility that, while remaining different, we discover commonality that enables us to communicate and act together.”
These benefits are life changing for many people around the world. Unfortunately, there is dramatic inequity in the distribution of the rewards of globalism. The following posts will provide deeper discussion of the concerns and challenges posed by globalism that are yet to be resolved.
Distributive Justice: Giving Everyone Their "Fair Share"
Globalism for the purposes of moving capital can result in social injustices, low wages, unemployment and increasing income inequality. While globalism is not the direct cause of global poverty, it has dramatically increased the divide between those that ‘have’ and those that ‘have not’.
Market oriented polices may lead to or exacerbate poverty due to:
- Reduced state spending on social supports, so those with the most need, get even less
- Higher unemployment as public sector jobs are eliminated.
- Goods and services once provided by the state must now be purchased in the free market.
- Downward pressure on wages
- Increased marginalization and/or exploitation of women
- Rural to Urban migration
PBS produced a compelling series of programs on the nature and impact of globalism titled Commanding Heights: The Battle for the World’s Economy. This poignant segment illustrates the effects of income inequality due to globalism.
Environmental Concerns
Globalism has had a dramatic impact on the environment in a number of ways. First, unsustainable business practices have lead to substantial environmental destruction, depletion of natural resources and loss of biodiversity. The recent BP oil spill is, unfortunately, only one example of globalism’s impact on the state of the environment. Clear cutting of rainforests, over fishing in the ocean, carbon emissions and many other business practices cause daily harm to the earth, oceans and atmosphere.Historically, environmental policies have been the responsibility of the nation within whose borders the harm was done. Many corrupt governments and developing nations prioritized business and investment over the environment, creating opportunities for environmental exploitation in the name of profit. Further, critics of environmental protection laws state that these regulations would slow economic growth. Companies have to adjust their business practices and invest in tools and technologies to reduce the harms they are causing. This drives up costs across the supply chain resulting in higher prices for consumers, which has a negative impact on business’ ability to be competitive in a free market.
Proponents of environmental regulations feel that it is worth slowing economic growth in the short-term to protect the environment. In addition, people of all nations are beginning to view the environment as belonging not to one nation, but to the world. As such, international organizations are working to protect the environment and encourage sustainable business practices.
The Pacific Institute is dedicated to the study of issues related to the environment and globalism. For more information on the subject, visit http://www.pacinst.org/
The Complex Concept of International Human Rights
The concept of human rights is complex in the best of circumstances. In the context of a global society, however, with varying nations holding different cultural and religious beliefs, understanding human rights becomes even more complicated. What one nation recognizes as a ‘right’ another might consider a ‘privilege’.
Globalism has adversely affected human rights in a few different ways. First, the transition from authoritarian to democratic forms of government and/or free market economies creates instability. This instability creates an environment ripe for violence. In these scenarios, there are frequent, blatant human rights violations.
Further, emerging free market economies result in a decrease in state spending. As such, citizens often seek illegal/illegitimate sources of income to compensate for the decline in government support. Human rights violations are common in these situations.
In addition, unethical and exploitive business practices often lead to violations of human rights. One example is the use of sweatshops and child labor practices by multinational corporations which exploit the most vulnerable of peoples.
International organizations have had varying authority and effectiveness in intervening in situations of human rights violations. One piece of legislation, the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has been held up as the framework for international human rights law. In 1948, The United Nations has put forth the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which outlines 30 rights every individual is entitled to. These are rights all member nations must provide their citizens and that the UN uses as a common standard against which to measure all nations’ treatment of their people.
To read the Declaration go to http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Global Governance: The Issue of Restorative Justice on a Global Scale
Traditionally, the authority to address issues such as security, economics and social welfare was the concern of individual governments. Nation-states were responsible for legislation related to citizens of that nation only. With the expansion of globalism, countries are substantially more interdependent. Cooperation is critical to the economic and political stability of many nations.
Further, as states become more and more interconnected, risks taken by any one nation threaten to impact all others. For example, the recent economic crisis in the US had immediate, dramatic effects on an extensive network of countries all around the world. This crisis was a clear illustration of how interconnected and interdependent our world has truly become.
This new global context has made it necessary to the rethink the notion of the sovereign state. International law has expanded in both scope and authority in order to address issues created by globalism such as environmental, economic and human rights concerns. With the expansion of international law, however, comes the contraction of the sovereignty of individual states.
International law has the potential to facilitate cooperation, but it requires a transformation in the way nations view their authority within their own borders. If international governance is to have authority and legitimacy, interests of individual states may be displaced by concerns shared by many. In these cases, who will determine the international agenda? Will it be directed by the more powerful nations? When nations have differing values, needs and issues which will prevail?
Source: Capeheart, L., & Milovanovic, D. (2007). Social Justice Theories, Issues, and Movements. Rutgers University Press. New Brunswick, NJ.
The effectiveness of this type of framework depends upon the authority vested in international organizations such as the UN. The following post will provide more details on key international inter-governmental organizations and their roles and responsibilities.
Further reading on the subject of Global Governance can be found at:
http://www.globalgovernancewatch.org/
London School of Economics has also published a thought provoking opinion paper on Global Governance called “The Hydra-Headed Crisis”. It can be found at http://www.lse.ac.uk/Depts/global/5publications2.htm
Friday, July 23, 2010
International Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs): A forum for multilateral cooperation?
International Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs) are organizations created by two or more nations, which agree to work together on matters of common interest such as peace and security, economic and trade issues or health and social welfare issues. While some IGOs have been around since the end of WWI, the spread of globalism has resulted in an increasing number of these organizations. This is due to the fact that multilateral cooperation is a critical component of the economic and social wellbeing of involved nations. To that end, IGOs provide a forum for member nations to discuss issues and facilitate cooperation on matters related to the organization’s charter. These organizations may also serve to disseminate information to the public on topics of interest.
The UN, perhaps the most prominent IGO, encompasses 15 agencies and several more programs and bodies overseeing various concerns such as peacekeeping and conflict resolution, human rights and humanitarian aid, and economic development and trade on behalf of its 192 member nations. Other IGOs have a more narrow focus, perhaps on one or two related issues. For example, the World Bank is concerned primarily with economic wellbeing and trade issues as they relate to its member nations.
Following is a bit of general information on some of the most active IGOs:
United Nations: 192 member countries “committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights”. Main Bodies include: General Assembly, Security Council, Economic & Social Council, Trusteeship Council & International Court of Justice. More information can be found at www.un.org
World Health Organization: “Directing and coordinating authority for health within the UN. Responsible for providing leadership on global health issues, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends”. Go to www.who.int for more information.
World Bank: 187 member countries whose “mission is to fight poverty with passion and professionalism for lasting results and to help people help themselves and their environment by providing resources, sharing knowledge, building capacity and forging partnerships in the public and private sectors”. More information is available at www.worldbank.org
International Monetary Fund: 187 member countries “working together to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment, sustainable economic growth & reduce poverty around the world”. Go to www.imf.org for more information.
World Trade Organization: 150 member countries “whose objective is to help trade flow smoothly, freely, fairly and predictably”. More information is available at www.wto.org
Critics of IGOs argue that, because IGOs are composed of and accountable to national governments, their policies are not impartial. Presumably, each member nation is influenced by his or her own national priorities. As such, IGO policy and agenda will be shaped to reflect these priorities, particularly those of the most powerful government members. In these cases, critics argue, the concerns of developing nations and the most vulnerable peoples are ignored. This could be even more problematic if IGOs are responsible for issues of international law and justice. The issue of national sovereignty vs multilateral cooperation facilitated by an IGO is a debate that is likely to intensify as the world continues to become more economically and socially connected.
What do you think? Are IGOs a critical component of multilateral cooperation in an interdependent world? Or are they a vehicle for promoting the agenda of the most powerful nations at the expense of developing countries?
NGOs: A Voice For the People
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are in a unique position to provide a voice for those most affected by globalism. Because they are created and run by citizens, not governments, they are not responsible for supporting any one country’s political agenda. Instead, they are chartered with advancing a cause they feel is in the public interest. NGOs are non-profit organizations funded in a variety of ways, most often by institutions or individuals.
NGOs often have no permanent allies and no permanent enemies, which implies that they are not tethered to any specific group, but align themselves with others according to issues. In this way, they are not accountable to anyone other than their membership and, as such, are free to challenge governments, companies and individuals they feel are acting out of accordance with their goals and interests.
NGOs operate in a variety of ways, some focus on advocacy about an issue or policy, others provide direct aid to those in need, still others are involved in scientific research to find solutions to a particular issue.
There are a multitude of NGOs, just as there are a multitude of social issues citizens are concerned with. Some groups working to eradicate injustices created by or associated with globalism include the following:
Human Rights NGOs:
Amnesty International: Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning NGO focused on protecting people suffering from injustice, or a denial of truth and dignity. Amnesty International works to investigate abuses and make them public, raise public awareness and engage people to create a safer, more just world. They have more than 2.8 million members in over 150 countries.
Human Rights Watch: Human Rights Watch is dedicated to defending and protecting human rights wherever they are violated. They conduct investigations into human rights violations, work to raise awareness of abuses and advocate for the victims. For more information, visit their webiste at www.hrw.org
International Committee of the Red Cross: Perhaps one of the most well known NGOs, Red Cross has been working to provide assistance to people affected by conflict and other violence. In addition to providing for or facilitating access to health care services, food and water, Red Cross is charted with promoting and monitoring compliance with international humanitarian law. For more information visit their website at www.icrc.org
CARE (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere): CARE is an NGO dedicated to eradicating poverty. Their mission is to “serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world. Drawing strength from our global diversity, resources and experience, we promote innovative solutions and are advocates for global responsibility.” For more information visit their website at www.CARE.org
World Health NGOs:
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation focuses on concerns in three key areas; global poverty and hunger, global health, and education access and improvement and housing stability within the U.S. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provides grants, develops partnerships and conducts advocacy activities within these three areas. More information can be found at www.gatesfoundation.org
Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres: Another Nobel Peace Prize-winning NGO, Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is “an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and jounalists in France in 1971. MSF provides aid in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters.” More information is available at www.doctorswithoutborders.org
Environmental NGOs:
Rainforest Alliance: Rainforest Alliance focuses on conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods through “transforming land- use practices, business practices and consumer behavior”. Rainforest Alliance has developed their own verification marks to recognize businesses and organizations that have met sustainability milestones. More information is available at www.rainforest-alliance.org
Greenpeace: “Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behavior, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace.” Greenpeace focuses on climate change, protection of marine resources, disarmament and peace, alternatives to toxic chemicals and sustainable agriculture. Greenpeace is present in 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Pacific. For more information go to www.greenpeace.org
Corporate Social Responsibility NGOs:
CorpWatch: CorpWatch is a source for investigative research and journalism exposing corporate malfeasance and advocating for multinational corporate accountability and transparency. CorpWatch seeks “to expose multinational corporations that profit from war, fraud, environmental, human rights and other abuses, and to provide critical information to foster a more informed public and an effective democracy.” Visit www.corpwatch.org for more information.
There are many, many more NGOs working to promote social justice around the world across a range of social justice issues. Take some time to look into who's working to further a cause you are passionate about.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility is a way of doing business that reflects a commitment to “behave ethically, and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large” (Globalization101). As the diagram below illustrates, CSR is a component of the quality of management within a company and the impact that company has on various components of the larger society.
The way in which CSR is integrated into a business model varies greatly depending upon the nature of the company. Some companies’ CSR programs may consist mainly of philanthropic activities. Others may take a more inclusive approach to CSR, incorporating CSR practices across all business activities. Some examples include sustainable development, sustainable sourcing, fair trade, ethical labor practices, and the use of environmentally friendly technologies.
UN Global Compact: In July of 2000, the UN introduced a voluntary initiative designed to encourage companies to adopt sustainable and responsible business practices. The UN Global Compact is a signed commitment between the company and the UN whereby the company agrees to abide by 10 principles revolving around human rights, labor practices, environmental stewardship and anti-corruption. Companies are required to report progress and make an annual financial contribution to the UN. More information on the UN Global Compact can be found at http://www.unglobalcompact.org/
Fair Trade: Companies may seek to employ fair trade practices as part of their CSR programs. Companies that are Fair Trade Certified Organizations produce and trade goods that ensure equity and sustainability and adhere to the following core principles: market access for marginalized producers, sustainable and equitable trading relationships, capacity building & empowerment, consumer awareness raising & advocacy, fair trade as a “social contract”. More information on Fair Trade Certification can be found on the World Fair Trade Organization’s website at http://www.wfto.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1082&Itemid=334
Critics of CSR suggest that it is simply a public relations ploy -- just a company’s attempt to draw attention to and create a good image for itself. Other arguments against CSR assert that it is diverting attention from some of the real social justice issues and helping companies avoid further regulations. Still others argue that a company is really only responsible to its shareholders. If CSR doesn’t drive business, but instead diverts time, attention and resources away from core business, then it is unnecessary and irresponsible.
Decide for yourself. Is CSR a path to social justice? Or is it just window dressing?
Here are a few websites with information to get you thinking:
CorporateWatch.org: Argument against CSR:
http://www.corporatewatch.org/?lid=2688
CuturalShifts.com: Making the Case for Corporate Social Responsibility:
http://culturalshifts.com/archives/181
Check out CSR Minute’s website to get daily news updates on CSR and sustainability practices from corporations worldwide.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)