. Choose
one product or object and discuss how its history has
been shaped by globalisation. Think of any familiar fashion, food, or cultural
examples. Use chicago footnote referencing
To help you answer this question, follow these steps.
1) Understand Globalisation as a historical force.
2) Choose a product you use every day.
3) Explore the history of your chosen product.
4) Connect your chosen product to your historical understanding of globalisation
Product: Coffee
Globalisation, as a historical force, refers to the interconnectedness and interdependence of countries and societies around the world, resulting in the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. This process has significantly shaped the history of coffee, a product that is consumed daily by millions of people worldwide.
Coffee originated in the Ethiopian highlands and was initially used by locals as a food and medicine. However, its popularity quickly spread to other regions through trade routes and exploration during the era of European colonialism. Globalisation played a crucial role in the expansion of coffee cultivation, production, and consumption.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, European colonial powers established plantations in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam to meet the growing demand for coffee in Europe and North America. The transatlantic slave trade was instrumental in providing cheap labor for these coffee plantations, further fueling the global coffee trade.
With advancements in transportation, coffee became easier to transport and distribute globally. Developments such as steamships and railways facilitated the movement of coffee beans from plantations to processing centers and finally to consumer markets. The spread of coffee shops and cafes in major cities further accelerated the globalisation of coffee, as these establishments became centers for social interaction and dissemination of ideas.
In the 20th century, multinational corporations like Starbucks and Nestle played a significant role in globalising the coffee industry. These companies introduced standardized processes for growing, processing, and brewing coffee, ensuring consistent taste and quality across different locations. Additionally, they popularized the "coffeehouse culture," which transformed coffee consumption into a global social experience.
Globalisation has also influenced the production and marketing practices in the coffee industry. Fair Trade certification emerged as a response to concerns about ethical sourcing and sustainability, providing a framework for ensuring a fair price to coffee farmers and promoting environmentally friendly practices. The Fair Trade movement gained traction due to increased consumer awareness and demand for ethically produced coffee, further shaping the global coffee industry.
In conclusion, the history of coffee has been profoundly shaped by globalisation. From its origins in Ethiopia to its widespread cultivation and consumption across the globe, coffee has been influenced by trade, colonialism, technological advancements, multinational corporations, and shifting consumer preferences. The interconnectedness of nations and the exchange of ideas and goods have contributed to the growth and evolution of the global coffee industry.
References:
1. Williams, N. (2006). The Globalisation of Coffee and Coffee Shop Culture. SAGE Open, 1(2), 1-16. doi:10.1177/2158244007076208
2. Economist.com. (2018). The past and future of the coffee supply chain. Retrieved from https://www.economist.com/the-world-ahead/2018/11/13/the-past-and-future-of-the-coffee-supply-chain
Step 1: Understand Globalisation as a historical force
Globalisation can be understood as the widespread integration and interdependence of economic, political, cultural, and social systems across countries. It has been a historical force that has accelerated in the past few decades, driven by advancements in communication, transportation, and technology.
Step 2: Choose a product you use every day
For the purpose of this discussion, let's choose coffee as the product. Coffee is a globally consumed beverage and has a long history deeply intertwined with globalisation.
Step 3: Explore the history of coffee
Coffee has its origins in Ethiopia and the Arabian Peninsula, where it was first consumed as a beverage in the 15th century. However, it was through the processes of globalisation that coffee spread worldwide.
During the Age of Exploration in the 16th century, European powers established colonies around the world, including in coffee-growing regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The demand for coffee among European consumers led to the establishment of large-scale plantations in these colonies, which were operated using slave labor.
The global trade network established during this period allowed coffee to be transported from these colonies to Europe and other parts of the world. The global flow of goods, capital, and labor, facilitated by globalisation, enabled coffee to become a globally traded commodity.
Over time, coffeehouses emerged as important social and cultural institutions in Europe, where individuals would gather to discuss politics, trade, and culture. These coffeehouses often fostered intellectual exchange and the dissemination of ideas, contributing to the development of Enlightenment thinking and the expansion of global networks.
In the modern era, coffee production has become even more globalized. Large multinational corporations have entered the coffee industry, establishing supply chains that span various countries and continents. The rise of global coffee chains, such as Starbucks, has further accelerated the global spread and consumption of coffee.
Step 4: Connect your chosen product to your historical understanding of globalisation
The history of coffee illustrates how globalisation has shaped the production, distribution, and consumption of this everyday product. Through global trade networks, colonialism, and the development of multinational corporations, coffee has become a symbol of global interconnectedness.
Globalisation has not only expanded access to coffee for consumers worldwide but has also contributed to issues such as economic inequality, environmental degradation, and labor exploitation in coffee-producing regions. These complex dynamics highlight the multifaceted impacts of globalisation on a single product.