A Phenomenology of Globalization? Giddens on Global Modernity

Abstract

Anthony Giddens's account of social modernity gives prominence to the process of globalization. This article examines one specific aspect of Giddens's discussion of global modernity: his claim that `although everyone lives a local life, phenomenal worlds for the most part are truly global'. This idea is explored in three directions: in the context of Giddens's general theory of time-space distanciation; in relation to his discussion of the mediation of experience characteristic of modernity; and finally in relation to the `unifying' potential of the globalization process.