Blog Post 4: Globalization and Technology

by bswise

By Bethany Wise

Technology and globalization share a mutually beneficial relationship. At least, that is what Kriengsak Chareonwongsak thoroughly explains to us in his article “Globalization and Technology: How Will They Change Society?”   As technology continues its evident rapid expansion, there are a number of notable global trends as a result. Greater diversification, increasing standardization and faster development are only a few of these examples. Chareonwongsak’s central claim is that globalization and technology support each other and have improved society’s productivity and communication drastically.
Margaret Atwood’s A Handmaid’s Tale depicts a very different perspective of technology and globalization. The plot is centered around an isolated society which redefined our conservative idea of technology to the concept of human technology. Handmaids were the “technology” and they were used for the mere purpose of reproducing. The effects of this totalitarian society were complete isolation from the rest of the world. Communication was nonexistent outside of their little town—and even among each other. It got so drastic, that there were systems resembling the Underground Railroad in order to help women escape. In contrast to Chareonwongsak’s article, A Handmaid’s Tale portrays technology as the ultimate globalization/communication preventer.  
The difference between the two types of technology discussed in both pieces certainly broadens the definition of technology a bit. Which is why my opinion agrees with both. Atwood portrays a very specific, unrealistic society throughout the plot. In the context of the story, forcing a woman’s body to serve as nothing other than reproductive technology would probably prevent globalization for that one specific town. However, fortunately for us, that is not our reality and there are no indications of that ever becoming our reality. There is no denying that Chareonwongsak speaks truth when he says the technology and globalization have been building on each other and are bettering the productivity of society. Whether or not it has bettered or destroyed individual socialization is another topic. Despite how technology is depicted in A Handmaid’s Tale, it is my opinion, as well is that of scholar Kriengsak Chareonwongsak’s, that technology and globalization are evident in each other and in the increasing productivity and communication throughout the world.