Introduction
The far-reaching changes across American states, caused by globalization, affect everyone. Feng et al. (2019), for example, mentions that more open policies support new technology, which in turn create a more interconnected society. The level of interconnection introduced by globalization includes increasing investment, economic interdependence, and global production. Feenstra and Weinstein (2017) also believe social and political interaction has been influenced by globalization. In this sense, the phenomenon is likely to be perceived differently by different people. In the case of the state of Georgia, the understanding and reaction to globalization focuses on economic integration and social well-being. First, the residents consider it to play an important role in determining the standards of living. Second, some sectors of the economy have become less competitive, therefore, imposing large costs on certain households within Georgia. Lastly, the people of Georgia feel that the political class practices greater protectionism, rather than providing support to workers displaced by its effects. The failure to prepare workers to deal with subsequent technological changes has been behind the large economic and social differences in Georgia.
Main body
Economic growth is both a driver and a major consequence of globalization. Reactions to this effect vary widely, especially considering the long history of extraterritorial contact (Feenstra & Weinstein, 2017). Given that people have philosophical differences in terms of their perception of the associated costs and benefits, there have been diverse ideologies and social movements. On the one hand, part of the population in Georgia support the expansion and economic growth and view the drivers of globalization as desirable to the success of Georgia. On the other hand, another group of residents opposes the concept because one or more of the processes have had an impact on their social well-being. The contradicting views raise concerns over the social or natural sustainability, which depends on either the perspective of continuous economic expansion or the social and structural inequality associated with the drivers (Siegrist & Wahrendorf, 2016). Given that it changes people’s livelihoods in every state, care should be taken to ensure that the impacts are sustainable.
However, the potential for new possibilities is immense. Globalization increases the interconnectivity among people within Georgia, other states, and countries, which nurtures the realization that people in Georgia constitute a global community. The notion of solidarity between this population and residents of other states can enlighten and help build economic structures capable of meeting the interests of everyone and reducing the significant wage gap between people of different social classes. Wisely managed, the local population can use the global market economy to deliver unprecedented economic progress, introduce better jobs, and significantly reduce the state’s economic and social differences. However, the current processes of globalization do not portray the potential of resulting in balanced outcomes (Feenstra & Weinstein, 2017). While the state of Georgia generates wealth, its population do not share in its benefits. The majority of the residents have little or no voice in determining the processes of globalization. From the perspective of this group, globalization has failed to meet the legitimate promises of decent jobs and better living conditions.
Reactions to globalization visible in Georgia relate to policies and institutions, such as international labour standards, capital market liberalization, and both local and federal policies supporting the integration of economies. According to Feng et al. (2019), the current pattern of globalization is a product of policy choices. Although processes such as technological changes are irreversible, states can change their policies. On the other hand, the available legislations have been widened by technological advances (Feenstra & Weinstein, 2017). The social dimension of globalization, however, focuses on how it affects the life and work of the residents of Georgia. In this regard, there have been concerns raised about the effects of globalization on employability, income levels, and social protection. Understanding these issues is critical for the local government and authorities responsible for creating policies around employment and working conditions, which is a key step towards poverty reduction. Broadly defined, Siegrist and Wahrendorf (2016) consider working conditions to constitute wages, working hours, and health and safety, which directly or indirectly affect the risk of staying in poverty. These effects are evident upon comparison of changes in employment patterns within Georgia.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a study of Georgia reveals concerns regarding the contribution of globalization on economic and social lives, with more earning low and a few relatively higher wages. While globalization introduces new potentials for development in Georgia, people have divergent views and perceptions in terms of the economic and social impact. The varying effects depend on the interests and opportunities, which the related processes create for different economic and social actors. People from higher social classes are of the view that it helps to reduce problems of inequality and poverty; while the majority of residents with low wages or no employment contend that the present model exacerbates these problems. Inequality and poverty are likely to have predated globalization, but the political and economic sustainability of globalization can only be realized in Georgia if it contributes to their reduction. Hence, it is necessary that globalization is modelled in a manner that meets the needs of all people.
References
Feenstra, R. C., & Weinstein, D. E. (2017). Globalization, markups, and US welfare. Journal of Political Economy, 125(4), 1040-1074. Web.
Feng, Y., Kerner, A., & Sumner, J. L. (2019). Quitting globalization: Trade-related job losses, nationalism, and resistance to FDI in the United States. Political Science Research and Methods, 1-20. Web.
Siegrist, J., & Wahrendorf, M. (2016). Work stress and health in a globalized economy. Springer.