According to Thompson (1995), Globalization ‘refers to the growing interconnectedness of different parts of the world, a process which gives rise to complex forms of interaction and interdependency.’ This definition provides a solid overview of the process of globalization, and asserts that owing to globalization, the world is now growing in its forms of interactions and communications with other countries, which allows for the development of new technologies and the sharing of different beliefs and practices throughout the world.
For my first blogging task, I have decided to interview my mother Karen, who is 55 years old. Being a bookkeeper all her life, and having been in the workforce since her early 20s, she has experienced the information flows of globalization first hand. She explained to me that she feels that new technologies in this day and age are developing at an extremely rapid pace and that she sometimes finds it difficult to keep up.
When asking her how these information flows have affected her life, in particular her work and social life, she explained how when she was younger and in her early 20s, as she is a part of the Baby Boomer generation, being a bookkeeper involved using a typewriter and a calculator, and also a lot of handwriting. These days, it is made much easier for her due to the continuing development of computers and various programs such as QuickBooks, MYOB, and Excel. She also pointed out that whilst a lot of her work and communication through work was done on the phone, a majority of it is also now completed via the use of email.
My mother also explained how information flows in this generation have developed from her generation in terms of social media use, in particular, websites such as Facebook and Twitter. She explains that she appreciates the introduction of the Internet and these social media sites as they have allowed for her to keep in contact with her family, and other friends that she may not see as often.
Sources:
Rantanen, T 2005, "Theorizing Media Globalization', The media and globalization, Sage, Longon pp. 1-18
Good work! I can't help but wonder what life would be like right now if the internet and all this advanced technology had not been invented! I thought it was interesting to read the differences in technologies and materials your mom used at her work in the past, as opposed to the ones she uses now. I imagine it must now be so much easier to get her work done in a timely manner. Would I be correct in assuming she prefers the digital methods used now, or is there perhaps some nostalgia associated with the older, more time-consuming methods?
ReplyDeleteHi Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI thought this was quite an informative read. It was interesting to see the perspective of your mother who went through the processes of change from the ground up regarding informational flows. You also provided the example of how your mothers day to day procedures were streamlined through the application of different mediums, making her job easier. Both my parents have worked in more hands-on environments in trades and have used vary little online media in the past. However they felt the effects of the cultural flows of globalisation in the diversifying of their workforce.
Thanks, good job!
Thanks Lauren for the post. I think the post really made good discussion about the information flow. In the past, people had no computers. They had to use different machines to do the work. It was very time-consuming and mistakable. Due to the blooming development of technology, people can easily get different kind of information via the media. The technology is pulling the world together. People are getting “closer”. We can easily contact the others from around the world with only the computers. We can know the news from the other side of the world through television and radio. The example which Lauren has quoted is good. Her mother is a 55-year-old lady who knows how to use computer and even the social network. This shows that the world is developing, as well as the people. The globalization and people are mutually influenced. Upon globalization, people can achieve the different information easily. Thus, people can learn how to use different technologies. Due to the progress of people, the information flow is even faster and thus enhances globalization of the world.
ReplyDeleteMy mother is roughly the same age as your and in a similar field and I've heard her voice the same concerns about trying to keep up with new technologies. It always amazes me that she is able to eventually do so because it's just such a change from what she has always known.
ReplyDeleteI thought you used a relevant quote from Thompson, expounded upon it thoughtfully and used it as the backdrop for your mum's thoughts.
One suggestion would be to break the text up with an image or video.
An interesting and engaging post, thanks for sharing.