Local Community Organizers and Activists Encountering Globalization: An Exploratory Study of their Perceptions and Adaptations

Abstract

Globalization processes are putting pressure on traditional modes of democratic social action and rendering some ineffective. How does grassroots activists’ knowledge of globalization influence their strategies for working toward community change? This article draws on a qualitative analysis of 24 in‐depth interviews with activists and community organizers in the Midwestern United States to identify their perspectives on globalization, the local impacts and challenges that globalization creates, and the strategic adaptations of models for community organizing and local activism in the contemporary global era. We found that most organizers and activists are critically aware of globalization processes and the difficulties these dynamics pose for their communities. Further, they often view their locally focused work as a direct response to the demands of globalization. The findings offer a counterpoint to depictions of local social action as myopic or irrelevant for the global era.

The What, Why, Who, and How of Globalization: What is Psychology to Do?

“…Christens and Collura (2012), as well as Swim and Becker (2012) demonstrate the role of agents of change. People who fight climate change or inequality struggle to redirect globalization towards more humane, just, and sustainable ends.…”

Going Global: New Pathways for Adolescents and Emerging Adults in a Changing World

“…There seem to be ways in which globalization may provide new kinds of civic opportunities for youth (see also Christens & Collura, 2012; Swim & Berger, 2012). Clearly, more research is needed in this area.…”

Psychology and Globalization: Understanding a Complex Relationship

“…Within the United States, these changes manifest themselves in a number of ways with important psychosocial implications and consequences: corporate and small‐business downsizing, mergers, monopolies (e.g., oil, banking, airlines, agriculture), automatization, bankruptcies, progressive layoffs, outsourcing, temporary hires, pension defaults, free trade compacts, and the extensive relocation of both production and clerical services (e.g., manufacturing, information and technology services) to foreign countries which offered the cheapest labor and the least control (e.g., Central America, China, India, Philippines, Vietnam). Aneesh (2012) describes the psychological and cultural dislocation created by the use of off‐shore call centers; Christens and Collura (2012) discuss how the economic practices of globalization have placed the primary burden of economic risk on individuals and families as opposed to society.…”

“…Diaz et al's (2012) analysis of how globalization further impoverishes rural communities in Haiti is a stark example of hegemonic globalization as is Jensen and Arnett's (2012) discussion of the Westernization of youth throughout the world. Christens and Collura (2012), in a study of labor activists, describe how some activists respond to the perceived hegemonic aspects of globalization by encouraging local investment, thereby fostering the empowerment of local citizens.…”