What is globalization, and what are two positive and two negative effects?

• A. Globalization is the increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and politics; positives: access to goods and technology; negatives: inequality and cultural homogenization.
• B. Globalization means there is no longer trade.
• C. Globalization only benefits multinational corporations.
• D. Globalization is a recent trend that only affects cities.

Answer: (A)

Globalization is the growing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and politics across borders, driven by trade, investment, technology, and communication networks. Two positive effects are that it expands access to a wider range of goods and services and speeds up the spread of technology and knowledge, helping people and businesses adopt new tools and ideas. Two negative effects are rising inequality—between nations and within societies—and the potential for cultural homogenization, where local traditions and languages can be eroded by a dominant global culture. The other statements don’t fit because globalization doesn’t mean there is no longer trade; it actually involves more cross-border exchange. It isn’t only about benefits to multinational corporations, since many groups can experience harms as well. And it isn’t a recent trend limited to cities, since globalization has deeper historical origins and affects diverse places around the world.