Psycho-Social Implications of Globalization:An Opportunity-Based Perspective

Abstract

The phenomenon of globalization is intricately intertwined with every aspect of our socialized existence. However, the study of globalization has mostly been fraught with contested meanings with researchers debating over its nature and origin (Berry, 2008; Marsella, 2012; Stiglitz, 2003). It would be difficult to confine ourselves to a single definition of globalization which encapsulates its nature and scope in its entirety. Instead, it is conceptualized and operationalized in different ways, based on the theoretical paradigm and/or the discipline guiding one's inquiry. Research in the past has mostly addressed globalization while emphasising its economic and political underpinnings, however attention is now being directed towards a wider range of implications, socio-cultural factors figuring prominently among them. With changing times, newer perspectives on globalization are emerging. For instance, Lecher and Boli (2008) and Steger (2009) have discussed the technological dimension, the environmental dimension, and the marketing dimension of globalization.Globalization and psychologyFor the longest time, globalization as a topic of interest was largely ignored in the academic discourse within psychology. However, within the past two decades, scholars (e.g., Arnett, 2002; Berry, 2008; Marsella, 2001; Salzman, 2008) have become increasingly aware of the layers globalization provides to our experiences and the scope it has in explaining certain psychological phenomena. There is a growing consensus regarding globalization being a psychological construct which deeply influences the intricacies of the individual psyche. Research in this area ranges from locating the implications of globalization for macro-level variables (e.g., hegemonic consumerism, quality of life, etc.) to micro-level variables (e.g., identity formation, psychological adjustment, etc.). A large part of these influences could be attributed to the rapid advancements in media and technology, which allow people across the globe to constantly share similar reference points and forms of social engagement, shaping their understanding of the world and paving the way for a rising global consciousness.Marsella (2012) proposed a psychology-centric definition of globalization, wherein he defined globalization as both a process and product, intertwined in a reciprocal relationship. He also emphasised the need for psychology to develop a global orientation so as to understand the continually evolving experiences of people and adapt with the rapidly changing world. Prilleltensky (2012) identified people, products (both material & cultural), and processes as the three main elements of globalization and shed light on its sources, goals and mechanisms. He further emphasised the role of psychology in developing an ecological and multidimensional view ofwell-beingjustice and change processes (p. 611). Areview of major research in this area focuses on issues of identity, intergroup behavior, and health and well-being.IdentityA major portion of the psychological discourse on globalization centres on issues pertaining to identity. Considering the fact that individuals are embedded in an increasingly multicultural system, there is a constant need to adapt to the varying requirements that come with such disparate socio-cultural, ideological backgrounds (Arnett, 2002). Arnett's work focused on the influences that multicultural experiences have on the development of adolescent identities wherein he posited that most individuals develop a bicultural identity, a part of which is anchored in their local culture and another is linked to the global culture. As a result, individuals continue to oscillate between different aspects of their identity depending upon who they are interacting with. They often employ elements of their local culture when in interaction with members who belong to their own community. At the same time, they are also capable of easily slipping into a globally-oriented repertoire when interacting with members outside of their local vicinity. …