ABSTRACT

One of the most pressing issues, therefore, is what development means in a contemporary context which is dominated by processes of globalization and global change. One of the important questions to be addressed is whether globalization is, in fact, a new process in the first place. Does globalization mean the entire world is becoming more uniform? Does it also mean that there is a chance that the world will become progressively more equal over time? If not, is it the case that such a process of accelerated homogenization will come about in the near future? In short, does globalization mean that change and development will trickle down, and that this will occur more speedily than it has in the past?