Identity   in a   Globalizing   World

Minor of “The Many Faces of Globalization”

Lecturers: Mrs. Kodde, Mr. Knoop

by Arad Javanmardi, International Public Management, 10006240

11-03-2013

Identity in a Globalizing World

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Table of content

Introduction

Objectives

Structure

Identity

Traits theory

Cultural, local, national and global identity

Cultural identity

Local identity

National identity

Global identity

Measurements

Globalization

Definition of globalization

Drives of globalization

The global citizen

Effects of globalization on identity

Critics on Globalization & Identities

Positive views on Globalization Local Identities and Cultures

Cultural identity as resources for globalization process

Who am I?

My background

The Kurds in the process of globalization

My experiences and confrontations of identity

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Different identities/opportunities/lives (Islamic republic vs. modern western society)

How important is identity in my future profession?

Conclusion

Bibliography

IntroductionThis paper is written by Arad Javanmardi, IPM student following the minor; “The Many Faces of

Globalization”.

Contrary to the purposes of research-based papers, this paper will be an opinion- based essay

that will be followed by a conclusion. It is not intended to verify or falsify a statement, but it will

rather explain the broad concept of identity and globalization which can give an insight to the

issue.

Objectives

My paper is an attempt to describe the concept of “Identity in a Globalizing World” by explaining

the concepts and theories related with this issue and using myself as an example, an individual

who is situated in today’s globalized world.

Reason for choosing this topic is that, in comparison with other faces of globalization, our course

has not profoundly discussed the concept during this Minor.

Incidents that I have experienced and the concept of identity has motivated me to elaborate on it

and analyze the issue more closely than the other concepts. This topic is relevant to the course

and it is interrelated with how people depict and define themselves and others.

To gain a better understanding regarding the concept of the identity in a globalized world, the

term identity needs to be defined in order to know what the concept actually is.

Structure

First, the reader will be provided with the explanation of identity and its main dimensions,

namely local, cultural and national identity. In addition, this will be followed by theories and

measurements of how identity can be defined through these dimensions.

Furthermore, the process of globalization will be commented in order to discuss the

characteristics of globalization, identity and the links between the two as the title of this paper

suggests.

Then, the paper describes who I am, which an an example explains my position in the process of

Identity in a Globalizing World

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globalization, and links my identity in relation to the theories that will be explained.

Finally, it will end up with a personal conclusion regarding the topic.

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IdentityIdentity can be defined as the distinctive and collective characteristics and aspects belonging to

any individual or shared by members of a group, by which they will be recognized.

However, the concept of identity can be defined and characterized through multiple ways,

identity can be seen as the conception of an individual and the expression of their individuality

or group affiliation. (Webster dictionary, 2013)

The difference between the two above mentioned definitions is important to illustrate, as it is an

example to show the ambiguity and the extent of this concept.

In fact, first definition uses the word distinctive, which implies that others can have different

opinions than what you find distinctive about yourself, but the latter defines it as a person’s own

conception of their own individuality. Therefore we can say that identity can be distinctive but

also intangible due to the fact that an individual feels that she/he is connected with the identity

A, whereas others relate him with the identity B.

Identity has various attributes that can be distinguished as follows: gender, race, religion, ethnic,

nationality, history, sextuality, class, profession, age and so on, which in general can be

expressed as cultural identity. In this paper, the word identity is referring to a wider view in order

to define the word identity, which can be named a global identity.

Although taking these above mentioned attributes into consideration; identity can be evaluated

in different levels. It implies that an individual can identify him or herself by using those

attributes consecutively.

Thus individuals can carry different religions, nationalities, professions and many other different

attributes, but these differences are not essential to whether individuals feel that they share a

common identity. For example, a person can be male, female, black, white, Muslim, Christian,

French, Dutch, dentist, politician and this person would belong to middle-class or labour class of a

society, therefore the person can be viewed as global citizen with having all those attributes that

construct the wider identity of the person. Since identity is a concept with different dimensions,

next paragraph will elaborate on the concept, and will describe its, cultural, local, national and

global dimensions of identity.

Traits theoryBefore we elaborate on cultural, local, national and global dimensions of identity an important

side perspective of how identity is defined must be discussed.

Identities can be examined in many different ways, first we will discuss a psychological theory

which is primarily concerned with traits.

In psychology, trait theory is an approach to the study of human personality. Trait theorists are

primarily interested in the measurement of traits, which can be defined as habitual patterns of

behavior, thought, and emotion (Saul Kassin, (2003). Psychology. USA: Prentice-Hall, Inc.).

Although people can have common cultural identifiers, individuals can be viewed differently

because of their personal patterns of behaviour.

Identity in a Globalizing World

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Identity in a Globalizing World

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Cultural, local, national and global identityApparently, sometimes making a clear distinction between cultural, local, national and global

interests is difficult (Manuel Castells, 2006).

Because these interests are so intertwined and interrelated with each other that drawing a clear

border will not be an easy task to do. Following paragraphs are an attempt to provide a least

clarification on these topics and create a distinction in this regard.

Cultural identity

As signalled before, individuals are regarded as a coherent subject within a group are identified

by various cultural identifiers or so called attributes such as gender, race, religion, ethnic,

nationality, history, sextuality, class, profession etc. These cultural attributes are shared and

practiced by people in different places and especially in recent multicultural societies such as

America, Canada, Australia and Europe.

Local identity

It is also important to know that a place in which an individual lives has a great impact on the way

that an individual would adopt their identity. Therefore cultural identity is the identity of a group

or culture, by which one is so influenced that the person feels she/ he can be associated with this

certain identifiers of a culture. Common language and history can be two main factors that play a

key role in shaping one’s identity in a national level of identification, which is essential to be

discussed.

National identity

The emergence of a new state-nation in Europe in 19th century created a gap between several

groups in societies with different collective and distinctive backgrounds and their representatives

as the government. When the state could not reflect their interests and did not recognize their

distinctive aspects, identity recognition has risen as an issue to be discussed and even fought for.

Identity gave a meaning to lives of the people in the time when some states were creating a

homogeneous and coherent nation. In the framework of globalization, however, this modern

creation of a nation will be viewed as vanishing of the others’ identity.

For instance, French national identity which is one of the strongest in Europe is something that

French State has constructed as the French Nation. By the time the French Revolution took place,

less than half of the territories that now are forming France spoke French language. It is only an

example of an European national identity that was successfully falsified by the state. (Robert

Wilde, The Consequences of the French Revolution on France and Europe, 2013)

With respect to what previously said, the meaning of identity in this context is a word that means

different things to different people. Social Science defines identity as the process by which a

group carries a cultural, local and/ or national attributes to give meaning to their lives. A group of

people will establish a cultural building so that individuals can find themselves in the definition

and it also defines them as such.

The theory concerned with national identity is the Hofstede theory. A possible method of

analyzing a specific group in society in terms of national identity can be illustrated with the

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theory of Hofstede. This theory is in fact a research of the different dimensions of culture which

contributes notably in the identity of an individual or group. The Hofstede model (Hofstede 2001;

Hofstede & Hofstede 2005) distinguishes cultures according to five dimensions: power distance,

individualism/collectivism, masculinity/femininity, uncertainty avoidance, and long-/short-term

orientation. The dimension of individualism and collectivism which can be seen as how a

particular society thinks in terms of how people evolve themselves in the society.

For instance, Individualistic societies can be recognized as a society where self-deployment and

being independent are important, therefore for example children are expected to be

independent and to start their independent life at a younger age, the Netherlands is an example

of this.

On the other hand, a collectivist society are more dependent on each other, for example taking

care of their parents and not leaving their parents’ home at a young age to start their own life.

This collectivist conception can be related to the Kurdish/ Middle Eastern society groups.

Next paragraph will explain global identity in contrast to local and cultural identity.

Global identity

The global identity considers an individual, in a wide concept, essentially as a human being who is

involved in a multi-dimensional meaning of life on the globe. The global identity does not

necessarily distinguish a human being with different levels such as attributes, namely; gender,

racial, national, cultural, ethnical, class, profession and etc, however it contains all of them. This

implies that at a global level, an individual does not distinct identity among these mentioned

attributes.

According to Article 2 of UN’s Declaration of Human Rights, everyone is entitled to all the rights and

freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex,

language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other

status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or

international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be

independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

This Article suggests that in a global context, everyone’s identity can be defined with different

attributes and simultaneously can include all of them as a general identity.

The concept of global identity has been analyzed, discussed and scrutinized by many individuals.

Hence, the occurrence of global identity is not new. There are some historical figures who have

spoken on global identity in their dialogues or writings, for example Socrates. He described

himself as a world citizen and quoted: “I am not an Athenian, nor a Greek, but a citizen of the

world”. - Attributed to Socrates (469-399 BC) by Plutarch, Of Banishment.

This ancient statement is very much related to my personal conception of how one should

perhaps identify him or herself with.

As signalled before, globalization has played a key role in the ongoing process of my identity.

I have experienced and have spoken to many people including people close to me who show that

globalization has influenced or is still influencing the way people describe themselves.

Therefore, it is important to know what my place is in the process of globalization. It is interesting

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due to the fact that I see myself as a world citizen therefore relate myself with global identity.

Der-Karabetian and Rosen (1990) quoted: “ I feel that people around the world are more similar

than different and I'd rather be a citizen of the world than of any one country."

They viewed the issue of identity from the global-humanity identity scale, and it is concerned

with the concept of a global identity for which a possible measurement can exist to know

whether there is a global identity.

As mentioned before in this paper, global identity can be combined with local and cultural

identities as well as with traits (behavioural patterns).

Apart from global identity, identity can also be measured and viewed through different

conceptions; in terms of the Hofstede theory or in terms of traits. These two concepts will be

explained in the following section.

MeasurementsIn this part of the essay, theories or measurements of identity which have been discussed before

such as the traits theory, theory of Hofstede and measurement of global identity will be analyzed.

This will help to perceive the brighter view regarding the topic, and make the different types of

identity more practical and understandable.

These three assumptions can be used to define someone’s identity , however all of these

theories may not be representative due to the fact that people can behave differently in

different environments. The theory and measurement of global identity is not essential in

defining someone’s identity due to the fact that there are more elements which eventually all

together defines identity.

Hofstede acknowledges the limitations of its theory as it may be considered as generalizations of

a particular country. While the theory of examining identities in terms of traits may also not be as

representative because this contributes to the broad concept of identity similar to the Hofstede

model. Hence, the theory concerning global identity is more or less an additional element in

someones identity which he or she perceives.

However, this paper will not explain how we should examine identity or using particularly the

above mentioned theories to explain identity with relation to globalization.

On the contrary, it is important how people use identity and how they define themselves, thus

this paper will try to illustrate my experiences and observation of identity and how it can evolve

in today’s globalized world. Therefore, the next paragraph will explain what this globalized world

is about.

GlobalizationThis section of the paper will elaborate on the concept of globalization, which will inform the

reader what the concept of the globalization is and why it is important to be mentioned with

respect to identity.

The concept of globalization can be regarded as a process of interaction and integration that

Identity in a Globalizing World

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transforms the political, economic and social relations to distant geographic areas and connects

different social spaces (Ines Trigo de Sousa, Lecture and Presentation on Globalization, 2013).

Definition of globalization

Globalization can also be defined as an interrelated process among people, companies, and

governments of different nations, this process is driven by for example international trade and

investment that notably facilitated by information technology.

The influence of this process can be measured by a wide range of aspects such as; the

environment, culture, political systems, economic progress and prosperity, social relationships

and well-being in societies around the world.

Drives of globalization

Globalization is not regarded as an ideology, it is rather a process of forming interdependence

and interchangeability between cultures, nations and social groups, which in some cases can have

influence on the concept of identity. Therefore it is important to mention what the drives are and

how this process is promoted.

This process has created its own organizations that are used as tools to intertwine local

organizations together such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, Food and

Agriculture Organization, International Monetary Fund, etc. The three main drives can be

distinguished as economic-, technological- and communication wise.

Economy is the key factor in the process of globalization. As an example, I will mention the focal

function of the world economy, which shared the world’s capital in financial markets and these

financial markets are globally interdependent.

Besides, technology is also one of the vital factors that accelerates the process of globalization.

Technology has been more and more an agent that generates wealth and power for the countries,

which causes that many nations effectively play roles in world scale, for example; Asian countries

and specifically China.

Communication has also a global character in essence that has different aspects. Financial and

technological aspects of communication have gained a main role in international measures.

(Manuel Castells, 2006)

The global citizen

This process has also attributed to a growing sense of sharing common interests with people all

over the world, due to the fact that the world is getting smaller. Therefore the concept of “the

global citizen” will be explained because this can be viewed as a wider sense of identity that has

been created through the process of globalization.

A global citizen views themselves and others primarily as humans. A global citizen thus does not

discriminate based on nationality, race, gender, religion, sexuality, or any other secondary

identities. Instead, a global citizen sees these differences as fascinating- as new things to be

learned and respected. Each individual has a different experience from all others, and these

different experiences characterizes a global citizen. Global citizens often are proponents of

Identity in a Globalizing World

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human rights, stay informed on global affairs. (Brecher, Childs, Cutler, Global Visions, 1993)

Identity in a Globalizing World

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Effects of globalization on identityIn order to connect identity within the process of globalization, this section will describe negative

and positive views regarding their interrelated effects on each other.

Critics on Globalization & Identities

Anti-globalists accuse the process of globalization of deteriorating of the local and cultural

heritages.

They believe that globalization associates with the destruction of cultural identities.

It implies that the distinctiveness of local identities will not play a major role anymore as the

determinant of cultural experiences. This notion creates a feeling that local identities and

cultures are disappearing, therefore they advocate that societies should keep their local and

cultural identity as a treasure. (Elise Feron, Globalization and Identity)

Positive views on Globalization Local Identities and Cultures

Pro-globalists believe that local identities and cultures should be respected within a wider

context of a globalized world, therefore they do not see tradition as a backward looking

phenomenon and also they see no struggle between tradition and modernity. They also believe

that communication and technology can support the local differences particularly in preserving of

the local languages and heritages resulting in exchanges of cultures and interactions among

different people.

This concept of building global consciousness does not diminish maintaining local and cultural

identities, per se. (Elise Feron, Globalization and Identity)

Cultural identity as resources for globalization process

Culture as a key factor of defining the social interaction among certain groups within a territory, is

important for preserving tangible & intangible local heritage, which represents local history and

maintains local identity. Increasing the importance of preserving of cultural heritage is linked

with the process of globalization in a wider sense which sees an individual as a world citizen,

therefore it regards those cultural heritages as a global heritage. For example, the ancient

pyramids in Egypt is not only of great importance Egyptian people but rather many people in

different parts of the world view it as a common heritage, this is can be viewed as a feature of

global identity.

Local identities and cultures have gained more strategic importance in global policies regarding

the development of regional and local issues. These developments increase competitiveness of

providing services, goods and ideas within international markets, which eventually changes the

image of a local territory to more globalized ones. This process acts as means to increase the

value of local and cultural identities by combining modernity and tradition in promoting the

process of globalization, which leads to creation of more common shared interests at a global

level. Tourism industry is an example of this process.

International trade, financial markets, technology and communication accelerated the creation of

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transnational corporations, international institutions and global standards and norms. In order to

participate in international trade, locals need to find themselves within the boundaries of

international treaties and policies, which eventually brings local and cultural interests together to

be defined at a global level, for example; China was put on hold for joining the World Trade

Organization due to adaptation to WTO’s global norms and standards with retaining its own

identity.

These happenings, which is an ongoing and dynamic process, can possibly or in some cases

inevitably shape the identity(s) of an individual or society-group that can be linked with a global

identity. It implies that one, at a global level, can identify her/ himself as a global citizen while

retaining and preserving their own culture.

Next paragraph will focus on myself as an individual in the process of globalization, who originally

comes from a certain culture and place namely from a Kurdish society in Iran, who has been grown

up within a different location and culture such as the Netherlands which is more modernized and

globalized in terms of adaptation of globalization.

Who am I?As mentioned above, this part of the paper will illuminate my position as an individual with

different experiences and confrontations regarding my identity within the process of

globalization. This section includes examples and stories of the difficulties of defining someone’s

identity, because it will portrait the local, cultural, national and global indicators of identity and in

cases their relation with globalization. To me, It has always been a question how I can identify

myself, whether if my; local, cultural, national or global identity is who really I am?

My background

One of the many aspects of identity is nationality. I was born in 1990, in a city named Saqqez

belong to the Province of Kurdistan, within the land of today’s Islamic Republic of Iran.

With that being said, born within the nation-state of Iran, I was immediately labeled as an Iranian

citizen with the Iranian nationality.

However the majority of the people living in this region are from Kurdish ethnicity, including my

family. There is an estimate of 40 million Kurds who share more or less the same culture, which

makes them the largest nation without a state.

In a nutshell, Kurdish people have been living in the region between Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria

for many centuries. This large group of people share the same identity and consider themselves

Kurds rather than one of the concurrent modern nation-states where they reside in.

However, with the emergence of globalizations in which states with central governments and

defined borders after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Kurdish people were excluded in having

autonomy. The Kurds live now in the above mentioned countries and several millions of Kurds

have (forcefully) migrated to other countries.

Kurds have been persistently suppressed and there have been plentiful reports and observations

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of human rights violations, mass-murder, executions, persecutions and unequal rights for Kurds

whom are ethnic minorities within the situated countries.

The Kurds in the process of globalization

The above mentioned situation of the Kurds can be seen as a consequence of globalization. The

concept of the modern nation-state in the Middle-East region can also be viewed as an indicator

of globalization. Argument for this is the Treaty of Sevres and Lausanne which can be considered

as consequence of global governance. The international or global governance excluded the Kurds

in diplomatic talks and their names in the latter treaty, whereas they would get autonomy in the

original Sevres Treaty (Treaty of Lausanne, 1923).

Another example in which identity of an individual can be influenced by the globalization

through global governance can make the essence behind this argument more understandable.

This can be illustrated by taking into account that; because of the emergence and division of the

African modern nation-states have drastically changed many individuals’ lives and therefore their

identity, whereas they were not used to having a central government with modern policies (i.e.

passports, inadequate borders, taxes).

My experiences and confrontations of identity

My family and relatives have also witnessed the ongoing conflict in attempt for Kurds having

equal economic, political development and opportunities inside and outside the region, where

mainly Kurds live. Hence, due to the self determination of Kurdish nation, the Kurds also have

demanded more and in some cases full autonomy for themselves within the area, which they can

argue due to the fact that they meet international norms of the U.N. for having

self-determination. This example of the U.N. is also a consequence of globalization influencing

my and other Kurd’s identities.

However, it became too dangerous, so my parents, sister and I were forced to flee the country in

order to live in more secured conditions, where an individual can make progress without having

limitations due to the “differences” that some would underline in terms of identity.

The Islamic regime of Iran opposes globalization to such extend that does not allow people to

interact effectively on the international level. They control the internet, forbid satellite dishes/

television and censor the free flow of information. The government oppresses and discriminates

their folks of different local cultures, and they do not follow the international treaties or do not

abide by the international order. The introduction of new technology has a delay in the country,

because they first want to nationalize it and then let it be used in the country. The above

mentioned examples are some key features that postpones the process of globalization. These

boundaries eventually puts constraints on a person’s identity to be exercised. Fact remains that

even if one considers themselves being an anti-globalist, the outcomes of globalization are

inevitable even in such anti-globalizing societies because it is not something that can be

controlled. For someone like me who has been raised in a modern society, it was hard to be in

Iran with holidays, because I had to change into a person whom I did not know.

Identity in a Globalizing World

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In the following paragraph, this paper will elaborate on the differences between Iran’s society

and a modern western society and compare the two.

Different identities/opportunities/lives (Islamic republic vs. modern western society)

There are differences in how globalization can affect an individual’s identity living in a modern

western society compared with someone situated in a more anti-globalizing world for instance

the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Comparing identities within two different types of countries also has its limitations, if we take

into account that this comparison looks more at the cultural dimension as Hofstede said rather

than also looking into the personal traits of someone.

The features in distribution and access to equality, money, opportunities, power, status and

knowledge are practiced differently between for example the two states, Iran and the

Netherlands.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is, unlike the Netherlands, an authoritarian and theocratic regime

which puts constraints and limitations on the freedom of speech, freedom of association,

freedom of media, equal opportunities in terms of gaining knowledge and many other concepts

which has influence on an individuals the daily lives which shapes their identities.

For a woman in Iran, who has to adhere to the Sharia law and thereby must dress accordingly to

their interpretation of Islam, it is punishable to walk around in a summer dress or sit in class with

the opposite gender. Some people may perceive this as something normal or positive according

to religion but for many people it is something which is imposed by law rather than their personal

choice.

Globalization has significant effect on the concept of identity. A possible argument for this is that,

if my parents did not make the choice to eventually migrate to the Netherlands, I would not have

the same opportunities in the higher-educational realm compared with the majority ethnic group

of Iranians. I would perhaps already be married and more likely working as a taxi driver. Other

probable possibilities could be that I would be either dead or in jail if I would be advocating the

human rights of Kurds. Or work as a back carrier/ courier trading commodities and therefore

possibly discriminately fired that could have fatal consequences.

On the contrary, I am studying to be a future public manager on a higher level educational system

to eventually exert influence through governmental institutions in order to try to mitigate

existing problems. This occurrence is absolutely impossible to imagine if we switched back to

Arad Javanmardi situated in the Iranian Kurdistan due to the limitations explained above.

There are of course differences in identities within the Netherlands, taking myself for example;

Rotterdammer, Kurd, Iranian, Dutch, Feyenoorder, student, brother, son and many other

identities which can be related to me. In a globalizing world, I can relate and share common

identities with people all over the world with keeping my ethnical identity simultaneously..

Identity in a Globalizing World

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Also, share joy with a fan of Feyenoord which is situated on the other side of the globe, like the

Philippines.

Therefore there is not one single thing that can be seen as identity but a wide spread of features

and dimensions, for instance; cultural dimensions, traits or interests.

With respect to what has previously been said, I am Arad Javanmardi an individual who on an

ethnic level shares some common traditions of Kurdish culture within his family, and due to

coming from a country such as Iran, I am labeled as Iranian, because I share some cultural features

with them in their communities. Since I have been raised in The Netherlands with Dutch culture,

norms and standards, on a local level, I feel that I am Dutch because I interact with the society

and share different common interests within the society. Besides being Dutch, I can be labeled

European as I am a member of the European Union, who also shares and practices ideas, interests,

and culture that are related to me.

In order to answer who I am, I will borrow the idea from Socrates to express my identity; “I am

not a Kurd, nor Dutch, but a citizen of the world”

How important is identity in my future profession?My future profession will be in the sphere of international public management. If we take into

account that public management should be conducted for the good of the public, identity is

something that plays an important role.

Reason for this is that, not only a public manager’s identity traits such as ethical principles,

flexibility or openness to other cultures plays a role but also the identity of a specific

society-group is a feature that needs to addressed when making decisions on international scale.

For example, a public manager in Iran that deals with policies concerned with freedom of

education. He or she should take into consideration that within an area, where only a group of

individuals with shared identity are situated different than other area’s within the country,

teachers should not be restricted to teach Kurdish apart from Farsi, which is the official language

of Iran, because this can be seen as an insult or limitation on one’s identity freedom.

The ability to make decisions only for the public’s good with ethical standards one public manager

should have, is a factor that can lead to improvement of synergy and welfare of a state to mitigate

issues rather than creating more conflict by not taking the concept identity into account.

identity is broad, can be measured differently, globalization affects identity, myself no specific

identity but global citizen

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Conclusion

Globalization has led to the emergence of different kinds and dimensions of identity in which

people can relate to. One of the important identifiers of identity is the culture which differs from

place to place and people to people. Some arguments against the process of globalization are the

fear of losing the cultural and local identities. Since identity has a broad meaning, this concept

can be viewed as the idea that a local culture is part of the world and belongs to everyone on this

globe, so there is no need to be afraid of interaction with the rest of the world in an

interdependence way. It implies that the process of globalization will not necessarily destroy

different cultures, but will tie them together and show to a world citizen that all cultures in this

process should be respected within the international norms and standards, since globalization is

considered as a process of forming interdependence and interchangeability between cultures,

nations and social groups. On the other hand, it has facilitated the occurrence of people

interacting, uniting and relating in a dynamic way and different manner. There are many

different views on how people define their identity and different ways to measure identity.

However, with the emergence of globalization in such fast pace and extend, it has created an

umbrella in which society can relate and identify to one and other while living in different nation

states and while having different cultural dimensions or traits. The fact that people still can relate

with each other while having different positions on certain issues is something positive to note as

we as people of this globe share common interests that can help to create more sociable

relationships between people, companies, and governments of different nations. This occurrence

is a precious gift and creates more synergy which gives hope to mitigate personal, cultural and

governmental conflicts.

To conclude this paper I will use the words of Erasmus; Erasmus never wanted to be seen as a

citizen of a town or a country, but as a cosmopolitan and citizen of the world. If society would

think more in terms of being a global citizen, it will lead to more flexibility and understanding

each other without using prejudices on what an individual or society-group is.

Or to use his own terms: “I am a citizen of the world, my homeland is everywhere, or rather I am a

foreigner everywhere.” (Erasmushuis Rotterdam, 2013)

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12. Elise Feron, Globalization and Identity: the impact of globalization on identity claims and

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13. Erasmushuis Rotterdam, Basel en Erasmus, (2013)

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