Fast Fashion and the Sharing Economy in a Globalized World

The fashion industry has been significantly impacted by globalization, leading to the rise of fast fashion and new consumption patterns.

Definition: Fast fashion refers to inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.

Key points about fast fashion:

• The average person now buys 60 new pieces of clothing annually
• Clothing production doubled from 2000 to 2010
• Prices have decreased while production has increased
• Many items are not worn regularly, with 40% never being worn at all

Highlight: The fast fashion model often results in poor working conditions and low wages for factory workers in developing countries.

The sharing economy has emerged as a response to overconsumption:

• Clothes sharing and leasing services are becoming popular
• Brands like Tchibo are selling second-hand clothes
• Social media facilitates clothes swapping among individuals

Example: Leasing clothes for special events or for rapidly growing toddlers is becoming a popular alternative to buying new items.

The globalized world has also transformed work and education:

Wirtschaftliche Globalisierung has led to changes in employment patterns:

• People change jobs more frequently and are more mobile
• Flexible working hours and remote work are more common
• There's a shift from manufacturing to knowledge-based jobs
• Women's participation in the workforce has increased

Vocabulary: Lingua franca refers to a language used for communication between people who do not share a native language. English has become the global lingua franca.

The rise of English as a global language is a key aspect of cultural globalization:

• It's the most widely learned language worldwide
• Its prominence is linked to the historical influence of the British Empire and American economic power
• The Brexit may impact the role of English in Europe and affect multinational corporations based in London

The Evolution of Globalization

Globalization has evolved through three distinct phases, each characterized by different primary questions and focuses:

1. Globalization 1.0 (1492-1800):

   • Focused on countries and their global role
   • Primary questions:
     • Where does my country fit into global competition and opportunities?
     • How can I go global and collaborate with others through my country?

2. Globalization 2.0 (1800-2000):

   • Centered on companies and their place in the global economy
   • Interrupted by the Great Depression and two World Wars
   • Primary questions:
     • Where does my company fit into the global economy?
     • How does it take advantage of the opportunities?
     • How can I go global and collaborate with others through my company?

3. Globalization 3.0 (2000 onwards):

   • Focuses on individuals and their role in the global landscape
   • Primary questions:
     • Where do I, as an individual, fit into the global competition and opportunities of the day?
     • How do I collaborate with others globally on my own?

Highlight: The progression of globalization has seen a shift from country-centric to company-centric, and now to individual-centric perspectives.

Example: The evolution of globalization can be visualized as a shrinking world: from large (country-focused) to medium (company-focused) to small (individual-focused).

Technological advancements have played a crucial role in this evolution:

• Steam engines and railroads reduced transportation costs
• Telephones improved communication
• The internet and digital technologies have further connected individuals globally

Vocabulary: Dimensionen der Globalisierung (Dimensions of Globalization) include economic, technological, cultural, and individual aspects, as reflected in the three phases of globalization.

This evolution demonstrates how Globalisierung Wirtschaft Beispiele (examples of economic globalization) have shifted from national trade policies to multinational corporations, and now to individual entrepreneurs and freelancers operating on a global scale.