1. Globalization and the 'race to the bottom'
The global population encompasses many different cultures and ideals, suggesting that a single social and economic model cannot be imposed on the world. Yet, through the machinery of globalization, we are doing just that.
In the process, we are removing the ability of societies and individuals to choose from different models, in many cases destroying traditional, local economies and their values, and enlisting workers in a global ‘race to the bottom’.
The intrusion of commercialized and industrial culture, privatization and economic policies driven by market forces are also threatening local cultures, traditional social arrangements based on solidarity, and traditional agricultural practices.