Hegemonic Globalisation and Its Impact on the Global South: Sociological Perspectives and Anti Hegemonic Responses

Abstract

This paper investigates the long-term change and continuity associated with globalization in relation to several structures, processes and arguments by globalists and their critiques together with various theories and perspectives found in social science literature. Secondly, it examines access and equity issues arising from the contested terrain of hegemonic globalization. Thirdly the paper explores anti hegemonic, anti globalization responses and alternatives from the global south. The hegemonic form of globalization is seen as serving the interests of global capitalist class and powerful states while impacting on vulnerable people across the world and creating a range of access and equity issues. Degeneration and delegitimisation of the local under globalism and global localism is one outcome of globalization. Anti hegemonic and anti globalization responses and alternative forms of production, exchange and alliances built to promote these are essential to respond to negative consequences of hegemonic, neoliberal globalization. Some examples of these are discussed. The author argues that it is important to select perspectives and theories that locate capitalism and globalization in their historical and political contexts for a better understanding of the structures and processes embodied in globalization rather than focusing on the globalist ideology or rhetoric.