For you to successfully complete your assignment, answer the following essay question.
As a historical force, globalisation has had an immense impact on our modern world. 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.
Globalisation is a historical force that has greatly shaped our modern world. It refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of countries through various economic, political, and cultural processes. One product that has been heavily influenced by globalisation is coffee.
Coffee has a long and complex history that spans several continents and centuries. It originated in Ethiopia and was first cultivated and consumed by the indigenous people of East Africa. From there, it spread to the Arabian Peninsula and gained popularity in the Islamic world. Coffeehouses emerged as important social and intellectual gathering places, fostering the exchange of ideas and knowledge.
During the colonial era, European powers established coffee plantations in their colonies, particularly in regions such as South America and the Caribbean. The demand for coffee grew exponentially, driven by the emergence of a global market and the increasing consumption of coffee in Europe and North America.
Globalisation played a significant role in the expansion of the coffee industry. Advances in transportation, such as the development of steamships and railways, facilitated the transportation of coffee beans from producer countries to consumer markets. Trade networks were established, connecting coffee-growing regions with major ports and trading hubs.
The global coffee trade was also influenced by economic and political factors. Colonial powers exerted control over coffee production in their colonies, exploiting labor and resources to meet the growing demand. This led to unequal power dynamics and economic disparities between coffee-producing nations and consumer nations.
Furthermore, globalisation led to the standardisation and commodification of coffee. Different varieties and flavors of coffee were blended together to create consistent and marketable products. This created a homogenization of taste preferences and contributed to the dominance of certain brands in the global coffee market.
In recent years, globalisation has also contributed to a growing awareness of the social and environmental impacts of coffee production. Fair trade certifications and sustainable farming practices have emerged as responses to consumer demands for ethically sourced and environmentally friendly coffee.
Overall, the history of coffee exemplifies the complex and multifaceted nature of globalisation. It showcases how economic, political, and cultural processes intersect to shape the production, consumption, and trade of a globally popular product. Additionally, the history of coffee highlights the power dynamics and inequalities that can arise within the global economy, as well as the potential for positive change through ethical and sustainable practices.
To successfully complete this assignment, you will need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Understand Globalisation as a historical force.
Begin by reading the prescribed reading, "Globalization: A Very Short Introduction" by Manfred Steger. This book will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of globalization as a historical force, its drivers, and its impacts on various aspects of society.
Step 2: Choose a product you use every day.
Consider which product or object you encounter in your everyday life and can discuss in detail. This product should have a significant history influenced by globalization. Some examples provided include African wax print, sneakers, corn (mealies), coffee, telephones, automobiles, snuff, or Amapiano music. Choose one that you can easily connect to the concept of globalization.
Step 3: Explore the history of your chosen product.
Research the chosen product's history, paying attention to its origins, development, and how it has been influenced by global trade, economics, and cultural exchange. Look for specific events, trends, or individuals that shaped its journey and contributed to its global spread.
Step 4: Connect your chosen product to your historical understanding of globalisation.
Analyze how globalization has impacted the chosen product's production, distribution, consumption, and cultural significance. Examine how it has been influenced by global trade networks, foreign investment, labor practices, technological advancements, or the spread of ideas and cultural practices across borders. This step will require you to make connections between your chosen product's history and the broader historical understanding of globalization.
Ensure to structure your essay with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing the different aspects of the chosen product's history, and a conclusion that summarizes the impact of globalization on your chosen product. Remember to support your points with evidence and examples from the prescribed reading and additional research you conduct.
To successfully complete your assignment and answer the essay question about the impact of globalization on a specific product, you can follow these steps:
1) Understand Globalization as a historical force:
Before diving into the chosen product's history, it's essential to grasp the concept of globalization as a historical force. Start by reading the prescribed reading, "Globalization: A Very Short Introduction" by Manfred Steger. This will provide you with a solid foundation in understanding globalization, its origins, processes, and key drivers. It will equip you with the necessary knowledge to analyze how globalization has shaped different aspects of our modern world.
2) Choose a product you use every day:
Consider the list of possible examples provided, including African wax print, sneakers, corn (mealies), coffee, telephones, automobiles, snuff, or Amapiano music. Select a product from this list or think of any other item that you encounter regularly in your everyday life. Ensure that the product has a significant global presence and is influenced by globalization in its production, distribution, or consumption.
3) Explore the history of your chosen product:
Research the origin and history of your chosen product. Look for sources that cover its development, evolution, and any significant changes brought about by globalization. Consider how the product's production methods, sourcing of raw materials, design, marketing, or consumption patterns have evolved over time due to globalization. Examine the influential regions, countries, or cultures associated with your chosen product.
4) Connect your chosen product to your understanding of globalization:
Now, relate the historical development of your chosen product to the broader understanding of globalization. Analyze how global market integration, technological advancements, cultural exchanges, or economic factors have influenced the product's history and its current state. Assess the impact of globalization on the product's availability, affordability, quality, design, or cultural significance. Consider how globalization has facilitated the spread of the product across borders, influenced consumer preferences, or led to the emergence of transnational production and supply chains.
In your essay, ensure to present a clear and well-structured argument, supported by relevant evidence and examples. Cite the prescribed reading as a reference to strengthen your analysis. Make connections between specific concepts from the reading and your chosen product's history to demonstrate a deep understanding of globalization as a historical force.
Remember to focus on the historical aspects, as the assignment prompt asks you to discuss how the product's history has been shaped by globalization. By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you'll be able to address the essay question effectively and provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of globalization on your chosen product.