The Sociology of Globalization

TLDR

The sociological meaning of “globalization” is unclear, and scholars distinguish two main subjects: defining what is “global” and identifying similar changes across almost all countries. The article seeks to clarify this meaning, questioning whether national-born concepts can explain its subjects and emphasizing the need for specific principles in the social sciences. The debate is framed by examining the sociology of social movements (Touraine) and the sociology of the elite (Aron and Rocher) to explain power in alterglobalist movements. The authors conclude that understanding world metamorphosis urgently requires accurate, reliable data and universally recognized definitions.

Abstract

Although the word ‘globalization’ is widely used, its sociological meaning needs clarification. The aim of this article is to achieve that, while returning to the basic premise that sociology is the primary discipline that charts changes within the world-society. Two typical subjects for the sociology of globalization can be distinguished: defining what is ‘global’ at first sight and the identification of similar changes in (almost) all countries. However, can national-born concepts help to explain these subjects? This is debated by considering the sociology of social movements (Touraine) and the sociology of the elite (Aron and Rocher) to explain power in the study of alterglobalist movements. The authors conclude that in order to understand world metamorphosis, there is an urgency to make available accurate and reliable data and match universally recognized definitions. Both of these suggestions bring us to the broader yet fundamental issue of the specific principles required within the social sciences.