Thesis Eleven, Vol. 54, No. 1, 37-49 (1998)
DOI: 10.1177/0725513698054000004
© 1998 Thesis Eleven Pty, Ltd., SAGE Publications
On Glocalization: or Globalization for some, Localization for some Others
Zygmunt Bauman

Globalization cuts both ways. Not only does it valorize the local in a cultural sense, it constructs the local as the tribal. Processes of geopolitical fragmentation give those in power even more room to manoeuvre. Glocalization involves the reallocation of poverty and stigma from above without even the residual responsibility of noblesse oblige. Geographical and social mobility are dichotomized; populations are refigured as tourists and vagabonds. Globalization thus reinforces already existing patterns of domination, while globalization indicates trends to dispersal and conflict on neo-traditional grounds. The privileged walk, or fly away; the others take revenge upon each other.

Key Words: fragmentation • globalization • glocalization • nation state • tribalization