Social transformation : between globalisation and localization
Date
2000
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology
Abstract
Social transformation is analysed on a macro sociological level against the backdrop of technologically induced social evolutionary and historical trends on a global scale. The major sociological trend in societal change that is identified within this context is a change from communal to associational social relationships leading to an information-based and information-driven type of society labeled as the knowledge society as a major social construction of the postindustrial condition. This trend of globalization, however, does not obscure the forces of local groups and identities that are resisting to a significant degree of the power of universalism and generalization. Globalization is therefore seen as a contested term itself, yet a major force of transformation. The tension between global trends and local processes is interpreted within the concept of the network society, following Castells, as a social expression of the application of current electronic communication technology. This is first and foremost reflected in the global financial markets. Localization - the generation of identity - however remains the base for social movements and change and, consequently, the context for the mediation of meanings and symbols. Within this construction globalization would mean a continuous negotiation among different group identities and arriving at a common understanding, and tolerance, of what specific group identities might entail.
Description
CITATION: Groenewald, C. 2000. Social transformation : between globalisation and localization. Scriptura, 72:17-29, doi:10.7833/72-0-1241.
The original publication is available at https://scriptura.journals.ac.za
The original publication is available at https://scriptura.journals.ac.za
Keywords
Social transformation, Group identity
Citation
Groenewald, C. 2000. Social transformation : between globalisation and localization. Scriptura, 72:17-29, doi:10.7833/72-0-1241.