Globalisation, be prepared: Conversation with a teenager

Teenager (T): I was assigned a task in which I have to address the issue of balancing the needs of a global city with that of a nation state, focusing on assessing the impact of globalization on one aspect.  The issue that I wish to investigate on is pertinent to the issue of the effect of social immobility, caused by wealth inequality on social cohesion. To gain some perspective on my area of research I would like to direct a few questions to you. 

Mr X (X):  Globalisation impacts the economy, government, society, and every individual directly and indirectly! Globalisation helps free trade and capital, improves movement of human capital promotes capitalism opening up enormous opportunities for people and economies.  On the flip side, it also throws up social and economic challenges due to porous borders, liberal trade and immigration laws that allows free movement of goods, capital and people. 

Globalisation also creates intense competition that can hollow out economies, erodes the country's culture, social cohesion and brain wealth. Example China has hollowed out many low cost manufacturing economies and made resource rich countries dependent on China. India, Philippines and Costa Rica has eroded the mid level high skilled economies while Germany Korea and Japan has eroded the high end manufacturing in many countries. 

Globalization will make foreign culture, food, religion, technology, educatin, language to become invasive. So take the best and enjoy!!

Globalisation can be detrimental if it is not handled well and if people and governments are not educated nor ready to play by the rules of competition, free trade and erosion of social and cultural values.  The benefits of globalisation overweights the impact only if globalisation is handled with maturity and positively. 

T: Do you agree with the premise that social immobility affects the social cohesion of a society?

X: Inequality of wealth, income and opportunities for people has an impact on social immobility which in-turn impacts social cohesion. This challenge is faced by all countries and Singapore is no exception.  For example, Singapore better placed because it is a meritocratic society and the government has created opportunities and awareness for its residents hence this problem is less acute in Singapore compared to other emerging countries. 

In a globalized capitalist system, this problem cannot be eliminated though it can be reduced by creating equal opportunities for everyone and an inclusive environment without compromising on diversity.

T: As discussed previously, wealth inequality does affect social mobility in areas such as education. What do you feel is the main cause behind this?

X: The concept of elite primary schools and ranking systems, quotas for siblings, neighbourhood and proximity criteria s, grade focused systems, and so on are some of the core issues that create social immobility for kids. Let us take a simple example, a well off kid which has access to computers, internet, enrichment classes, and a car has more time and exposure to education and educational opportunities compared to an less privileged kid. Schools that lives in an affluent district which has elite schools will only admit kids from affluent parents; elite schools does give affluent kids a head start. 

Colleges admission process globally are expensive, imagine a less privileged kid has to pay for SAT, TOEFL, SAT score submissions, college application and admission fees, college tution fees. 

There are exceptions, smart kids will always perform well and will not be impacted by social immobility as they will find opportunities for themselves over a period of time. They will take time to succeed and develop themselves as they fund for their education and growth. 

T. What do you think might be the impact of social immobility on the lower, middle and upper class residents, and their contribution towards the social in cohesion.

X: Social immobility impact is evident in growing inequality, 'rich becomes richer, poor remain poor'. Whenever this problems perpetuates and that smart and educated kids do not get opportunities to move up the ladder it creates a brain drain, protests for equal opportunity and against globalization resulting in social and political challenges. All these challenges can be managed with effective social policies that seamlessly (without friction) creates equal opportunities and transfer of wealth across society.

T. Do you feel that the government could play a vital role in seeking a solution for the core problem behind this?

Most governments are fully aware of the challenges of globalisation and is playing a vital role in ensuring social mobility of people. The education systems are being revamped to make them vocational oriented, there is awareness of benefits of globalisation, benefits are being created for pioneers, the poor and silver hair citizens. Singapore is ahead in this race and is better placed to serve its poor!

There must be awareness created among people that just as people migrate to into their country; locals can do the same elsewhere provided they are prepared to assume some risks and start their lives fresh. Immigration create tremendous opportunities for everyone and every individual must seize global opportunities and assume higher risks to live a fulfilling, enriching and rewarding life.  

We cannot expect much from the government, so every individual must maturely prepare themselves to face the changes and challenge that will impact them professionally, economically, socially and culturally! Preparations will involve individuals to be agile; manage and enjoy the change constantly through education, learning and unlearning; and live up to competition yet retaining the human touch, the cultural and social values, principles and ethics.  

The process of globalisation has commenced but is not yet fully realized so it is difficult to clearly talk about the consequences and the role of the government however each of us need to be fully prepared to seize the opportunities and face the impact. Let's not expect much from the government !