A theoretical framework on how to approach globalization and social practice

Abstract

Globalization sometimes strengthens existing patterns of social interaction and sometimes changes these patterns. In both cases the empirical outcomes can be of homogeneous as well as of heterogeneous character. This means that the process of globalization is ´double edgedª and impossible to forecast. At best it can be exposed through theory informed empirical studies of social practice. This paper is a draft of a theoretical and methodological framework to achieve this. The notion of social fields together with the abstractions of culture, interaction and agents, is suggested as theoretical and analytical concepts enabling us to grasp some of the many relationships between globalization and social practice.