Supporters and Opponents of GlobalizationMany negative and positive thoughts have been expressed about the process of globalization. Proponents of globalization tend to see the advantages of globalization, while opponents have based their opinions on the disadvantages of globalization. Proponents strongly believe in free markets and limited government intervention. According to Preble (2010), globalization has led to job creation, higher standards of living, and a greater variety of goods available to consumers. International trade is one of the driving forces of globalization. Countries specialize in specific products in which they have a comparative advantage. This results in higher efficiency and productivity and ultimately leads to improved standards of living. As a result, exports increase. As a result, more jobs are created, a greater variety of products are available, and international competition has increased. This results in a fall in prices, which helps control inflation (Preble, 2010). Furthermore, Preble (2010) asserts that increased trade in goods and services, foreign direct investment, and cross-border investment have played an important role in the success of globalization. Other important benefits, cited by proponents of globalization, are the promotion of information exchange and a broad understanding of a variety of cultures. Globalization has led to a world where “democracy has triumphed over autocracy” (BBC News, 2000, as noted in Preble, 2010, p. 334). On the other hand, opponents question whether the advantages of globalization outweigh the disadvantages it causes. According to them, globalization has resulted in unemployment, poverty and marginalization. Additionally, this was one of the main drivers...... middle of article...... ds & Gelleny, 2007). Furthermore, the status of women is independent of political adjustments in developing countries. Governments of developing countries should organize a stable economic and political environment, to be economically attractive (Maxfield, 1998 cited in Richards & Gelleny, 2007). Other critics say governments are being forced to cut spending on education and social programs. This phenomenon particularly affects women (Ayres and McCalla, 1997, cited in Richards & Gelleny, 2007). As the public sector is one of the largest employers of women, they are often most disadvantaged by government efforts to reduce public sector spending (Hemmati and Gardiner, 2004, cited in Richards and Gelleny, 2007). As a result, women will find themselves unemployed and unable to develop their education among themselves or with their children. (Richards and Gelleny, 2007)