Introduction: Define economic globalization

Main Body:  Explain  change in pattern of employment highlighting functional consequences, conflict perspective  based on increase alienation , de skilling , feminization of informal workforce , structural transformation in terms of outsourcing and offshoring,  gig economy, service sector rise, rise of precariat , Migration And Labor Mobility, dependency theory viewpoint

Conclusion: Changes are complex and multifaceted individuals, communities, and nations in the globalized world

Introduction

Economic globalisation refers to integration of the world’s economies in such a way that there is mutual interdependence, exchange of goods and services, labour, technology and capital. Giddens emphasizes the transformative nature of globalization. He argues that it involves the compression of time and space, leading to a reorganization of social life. In terms of work organization, this translates to a shift from traditional hierarchical structures to more flexible and networked forms

Main Body

Changes in Patterns of Employment

• Functional Consequences: Economic globalization has led to a significant shift in the patterns of employment, with a move away from traditional manufacturing to more service-oriented and knowledge-based industries. This transition has resulted in changes in the skills and qualifications demanded by the job market.
• Conflict Perspective and Alienation: The conflict perspective emphasizes the inequalities and power struggles that arise from economic globalization. Increased competition and pressure for cost efficiency can lead to worker alienation as individuals may feel disconnected from their work and the overall economic system.
• De-Skilling: The emphasis on efficiency and cost reduction in a globalized economy has led to de-skilling in certain industries. Jobs that once required specialized skills may now be simplified or automated, impacting the nature of employment.
• Feminization of the Informal Workforce: Economic globalization has contributed to the growth of the informal workforce, with a disproportionate number of women engaged in low-paying and often insecure jobs. This feminization of informal work underscores the gendered impacts of economic globalization.
• Structural Transformation outsourcing and offshoring: Globalization has facilitated the outsourcing and offshoring of jobs, particularly in manufacturing and information technology sectors. This structural transformation has reshaped employment patterns as companies seek cost advantages by moving production and services to countries with lower labor costs.
• Gig Economy: The rise of the gig economy is a notable consequence of economic globalization. Short-term, flexible, and freelance work arrangements have become more prevalent, challenging traditional notions of stable, long-term employment. Informal jobs are insecure, poorly paid , and lack social security. Despite working hard, people working in the informal sector find it very difficult to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
• Forced migration and bondage labour: Subaltern sociologists argue that economic globalisation has led to development-induced displacement of tribals and small & marginal farmers. It leads to forced urban migration and bondage labour.

• Service Sector Rise: Manuel Castells is renowned for his research on the information age and the emergence of the network society, emphasizing the close link between globalization and the progress of information and communication technologies. In the domain of work organizations, he highlights the emergence of “networked enterprises” that demonstrate increased responsiveness and adaptability in the global economy.
  • Economic globalization has particularly been evident in the expansion of the service sector, with industries like information technology and finance experiencing substantial growth. This shift has led to a transformation in employment dynamics, moving away from manufacturing towards service-oriented roles.
• Rise of Precariat: The precariat refers to a social class characterized by unstable and precarious employment. Economic globalization has contributed to the rise of the precariat as traditional job security diminishes, and non-standard employment becomes more common.
• Migration and Labor Mobility: Globalization has increased the movement of labor across borders. Migrant workers often fill gaps in the labor market of host countries, contributing to cultural diversity but also raising concerns about exploitation and social integration.
• Dependency theory Viewpoint: The dependency theory critiques economic globalization, arguing that it perpetuates global inequalities. From this perspective, less developed countries often become dependent on more developed ones, leading to imbalances in economic power and employment opportunities.
• Neo-colonisation: Marxist argues that economic globalisation is driven by profit motives and the desire of MNCs and developed countries to exploit weak labour laws and human right protection. Dependency theorists call it a tool of neo-colonisation.

• Beck focuses on the concept of “risk society” in the context of globalization. He suggests that globalization introduces new risks and uncertainties, affecting work organizations by increasing competition and volatility. Organizations may need to adapt quickly to changing economic conditions and technological advancements. 

Conclusion

 Economic globalization has profoundly transformed patterns of employment in the 21st century, influencing the nature of work, the structure of industries, and the social dynamics within and across nations. The consequences of these changes are complex and multifaceted, giving rise to both opportunities and challenges for individuals, communities, and nations in the globalized world.