A Phenomenology of Globalization? Giddens on Global Modernity

<jats:p> Anthony Giddens's account of social modernity gives prominence to the process of globalization. This article examines one specific aspect of Giddens's discussion of global modernity: his claim that `although everyone lives a local life, phenomenal worlds for the most part are truly global'. This idea is explored in three directions: in the context of Giddens's general theory of time-space distanciation; in relation to his discussion of the mediation of experience characteristic of modernity; and finally in relation to the `unifying' potential of the globalization process. </jats:p>