Choose one product or object that you encounter in your everyday life and discuss how its history has
been shaped by globalisation. Think of any familiar fashion, food, technology, or cultural
examples.
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.
Possible examples to focus your assignment on, include: African wax print, sneakers, corn (mealies),
coffee, telephones, automobiles, snuff, or Amapiano music.
You must use the following prescribed reading when answering your essay question:
1) Steger, Manfred. Globalization: A Very Short Introduction. Third Edition. Oxford: Oxford
University Press, 2013.
One product that I encounter in my everyday life which has been shaped by globalization is coffee. Coffee is a widely consumed beverage that has a long history influenced by global interactions.
The history of coffee dates back to ancient times, with its origins traced to Ethiopia in East Africa. It was then introduced to the Arab world and gained popularity in the Islamic culture during the 15th century. Coffeehouses became centers of social and intellectual activity, spreading from Mecca to Cairo, and eventually reaching cities like Constantinople (Istanbul) and Venice.
The globalization of coffee began during the colonial era when European powers established coffee plantations in their colonies. This led to the mass production and exportation of coffee, primarily from countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam. The demand for coffee increased with the rise of consumer culture and the expansion of international trade networks.
Globalization has greatly influenced the production, distribution, and consumption of coffee. It has created a network of interconnectedness between coffee-growing regions and coffee-drinking countries. Technological advancements in transportation and communication have facilitated the global trade of coffee, allowing it to reach consumers worldwide.
Globalization has also led to the diversification of coffee products. Different regions have developed their own unique coffee varieties, flavors, and brewing methods, leading to the emergence of specialty coffee. This has created a global market for coffee enthusiasts, with coffee shops and cafes popping up in various countries and introducing consumers to different coffee cultures.
Moreover, the globalization of coffee has had significant economic and social impacts on coffee-producing countries. It has played a crucial role in the development of their economies, providing employment opportunities and generating revenue through exportation. However, globalization has also raised concerns about fair trade and the exploitation of coffee farmers, as large corporations dominate the industry and dictate prices.
In conclusion, coffee is a product that has been shaped by globalization. Its history has been influenced by the interactions between different cultures and the expansion of global trade networks. The global spread of coffee has transformed it into a popular beverage consumed worldwide, while also raising questions about fair trade and the impact on coffee-producing communities.
Step-by-Step Guide: Discussing the Globalization of Coffee
Step 1: Understanding Globalisation as a historical force
Begin by developing an understanding of globalization as a historical force. It is a complex and multifaceted process that involves the integration of economies, cultures, ideas, and technologies on a global scale. It encompasses the flow of goods, capital, knowledge, and people across borders and has had a profound impact on various aspects of our everyday lives.
Step 2: Choosing a product you use every day
Select a product that you encounter in your everyday life. In this example, we will focus on coffee.
Step 3: Exploring the history of coffee
Research the history of coffee to understand how it has evolved over time. Coffee originated in Ethiopia and spread to the Arabian Peninsula in the 15th century. It gained popularity in the Islamic world and became an integral part of their culture. During the Age of Exploration, European traders and colonizers brought coffee to the Americas, where it soon became a cash crop due to favorable climate conditions. Coffee consumption continued to rise globally, leading to its cultivation in various regions worldwide.
Step 4: Connecting coffee to the historical understanding of globalisation
Now, you can connect the history of coffee to your understanding of globalization. Globalization played a significant role in shaping the coffee industry throughout history. Here are some key aspects to consider:
1. Trade: Coffee trade has been a vital component of globalization. It became one of the first globally traded commodities, connecting producers in Latin America, Africa, and Asia with consumers in Europe and other parts of the world. Trade networks expanded as globalization progressed, facilitating the distribution of coffee to different regions.
2. Economic Interdependence: The growth of the coffee industry fostered economic interdependence between countries. Coffee-producing countries relied on export revenues, while consuming countries depended on imports to meet their demand for coffee. This interconnectedness influenced global economic systems and deepened global trade relations.
3. Cultural Exchange: As coffee spread globally, it became embedded in the social and cultural fabric of various societies. Coffeehouses, originating in the Islamic world, became centers of intellectual exchange and served as meeting places for diverse groups of people. These spaces cultivated the exchange of ideas, shaping literature, politics, and social movements.
4. Technological Advancements: Technological advancements, such as the invention of the espresso machine and improvements in transportation and refrigeration, facilitated the global trade and consumption of coffee. These advancements allowed coffee to be transported more efficiently and preserved its quality over long distances, enabling it to become a globally accessible product.
5. Global Brands: With the rise of globalization, multinational corporations emerged in the coffee industry. These companies, such as Starbucks, transformed the way coffee was marketed and consumed, expanding their reach across borders. Global brands standardized the coffee experience, creating a sense of familiarity and global identity.
By examining the historical development of coffee and its connection to globalization, we can see how the product's production, distribution, consumption, and cultural significance have been shaped by global forces. Coffee serves as a compelling example to understand how global trade, economic interdependence, cultural exchange, technological advancements, and global brands have impacted everyday products and influenced our lives.
To answer this question, we will follow the steps provided:
1) Understand Globalisation as a historical force:
Globalisation is a complex and multifaceted process that involves the integration and interdependence of economies, cultures, and societies across national borders. It emerged in the late 20th century and has since shaped the modern world in numerous ways. Globalisation has facilitated the exchange of goods, services, information, and ideas on a global scale, leading to increased interconnectedness and interdependency between nations.
2) Choose a product you use every day:
Let's focus on the example of coffee, a product that many people encounter daily.
3) Explore the history of your chosen product:
Coffee originated in Ethiopia and has a rich history dating back centuries. It was initially consumed as a beverage in the region and became popular in the Arab world during the medieval period. From there, coffee spread to Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, primarily facilitated by European colonial powers' global expansion.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, the global coffee trade expanded significantly. This expansion was driven by advancements in transportation, such as steamships and railways, which made it easier to transport coffee beans from producing nations to consumer markets. Additionally, the establishment of coffee plantations in various regions, particularly in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, helped increase production levels.
The coffee industry became highly globalized, with multinational corporations playing a significant role in its production, distribution, and marketing. Coffee-growing regions, often located in developing countries, supplied beans to global markets, primarily Europe and North America. These regions faced both benefits and challenges resulting from globalisation. While coffee production brought economic opportunities, it also led to environmental concerns and social inequalities.
4) Connect your chosen product to your historical understanding of globalisation:
The globalisation of the coffee industry has had profound effects on various aspects. Economically, it has become a commodity with immense financial value, contributing to the GDP of producing and consuming countries. The industry has created employment opportunities, particularly in regions with suitable climates for coffee cultivation.
However, globalisation has also raised concerns. Coffee prices are impacted by global market fluctuations, making it challenging for small-scale farmers to earn a stable income. Furthermore, the environmental impact of growing coffee, such as deforestation and pesticide use, has become a global concern.
Culturally, coffee has become an integral part of people's daily lives worldwide. It has shaped social rituals, such as coffee breaks and coffee shops, which serve as focal points for social interaction. Coffee culture, including different brewing methods and specialty coffees, has been influenced by global trends and international tastes.
In conclusion, the history of coffee demonstrates how globalisation has influenced a product's production, distribution, and consumption on a global scale. The coffee industry exemplifies the challenges and opportunities faced by developing countries, and it highlights the interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and societies in our modern world. By understanding the development and impact of coffee within the framework of globalisation, we can gain insights into the broader historical forces at play.