ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the psychodynannc processes involved in globalization—changes in the mode of dress, the inclusion of new words in the language, modifications in economic or political philosophy, new versions of gender issues and sexuality—through comparing individuals' and societies' responses to the infiltrating influences. Globalization often offers a better life, more individual freedom, and brotherhood or sisterhood with many other people. Globalization threatens a group's ability to maintain "enemies" as well as "allies" and thus is a threat to the large-group identity. Vamik D. Volkan writing about large-group psychology, illustrated that societies need both allies and enemies. Globalization, a rather abstract concept, like migration, a concrete act, creates threats against individual and large-group identity. The psychology of globalization should be considered when making international attempts—political, commercial, legal, or other—to create increasing amounts of direct and indirect contact and cooperation between cultures and societies.
