Foraster the Global Orphan

Abstract

This article addresses the issue of globalization and the theoretical bases that aim to study the human being as a global immigrant. A. Schultz [1899-1959], Social Phenomenology, coined the term outsider to represent a being who belongs to a group different from his own. He discusses social dilemmas based on social antagonisms and idiosyncrasies. As we delve deeper into the implications of Schutz’s work, it becomes evident that the concept of the “outsider” is crucial for understanding the dynamics of globalization. The outsider, by virtue of their distinct values and typifications, often faces social barriers and prejudices that can lead to feelings of isolation and marginalization. However, this position also allows them to act as catalysts for social change, challenging established norms and fostering intercultural dialogue. Economic data highlights the significant impact of immigrants on host economies. According to a 2019 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), immigrants made up about 17% of the labor force in the United States in 2018, contributing approximately $2 trillion to the GDP. Remittances sent by immigrants to their home countries also play a crucial role in economic development. The World Bank reported that global remittances reached $689 billion in 2018, with countries like India and Mexico receiving $79 billion and $36 billion, respectively. These remittances help reduce poverty and improve access to education and healthcare in recipient countries. Despite their contributions, immigrants often face economic inequalities and social exclusion. A 2018 study by the Pew Research Center found that immigrants in the United States had a poverty rate of 14%, compared to 12% for natives. This economic disparity can be attributed to factors such as labor market discrimination and limited access to educational resources. E. Morin’s Complexity Paradigm (Morin, 1921) offers a comprehensive framework for examining the multifaceted nature of human identity in a globalized context. Morin argues that human beings cannot be fully understood through a single disciplinary lens. Instead, their identities are shaped by a complex interplay of historical, cultural, social, and psychological factors. This paradigm underscores the importance of considering the diverse subjectivities that contribute to the formation of a person’s history and culture. Globalization must be studied not only through economic and political lenses but also through the intricate web of human experiences and interactions. The intersection of Schutz’s and Morin’s theories provides a robust foundation for this analysis. Schutz’s focus on the outsider and social phenomenology highlights the lived experiences of individuals navigating multiple cultural landscapes. Meanwhile, Morin’s emphasis on complexity encourages a holistic approach that integrates various dimensions of human existence. Therefore, it is not possible to summarize only its cultural history, its nation-state, but also the way in which its identification occurs and how much it communicates with a culture, among other assumptions that cannot be explained based on a single science. We can base ourselves on the theories of Constructivism and think that economic problems simply go beyond the relationship between agents and variations in economic macro variables but are also related to consumption habits, the interrelationship between different social agents and societies that are part of the globalized society. Thus the story told by each nation-state as well as global history must be understood in depth. Describing dialectical dynamics that is a narration of the author’s memory and presence is aiming at the interpretation of experiences and interactions with the world. This would extrapolate the question of the outsider to the global immigrant who brings his culture as well as perceives a new culture in order to perceive several factors that make up his individuality. We develop the issue of transnationalism and its phenomenon discussed by (Smith, 2003: p. 16). We discuss based on Merton’s Glimpse fallacy, which subjects new ideas to two contradictory accusations: that, if they are new, they are not actually true, and if they are true, it is because they are not in fact new, influence on the creation of a globalized culture is discussed. From the human aspect and the experience and interactions between cultures, we discuss the economic effects of globalization, the increase in interdependence and unpredictability of countries. The discussion concludes with the not new hypothesis of transactional activism and the concepts of citizenship that present traces of globality, altering the exclusive vision of man from a given nation and habits.