Final answer:
Patterns of globalization encompass the expansion of European colonial empires and the influence of American fast food models worldwide. This process has spread technology, cultural practices, and economic systems across the globe, deeply impacting local economies, food cultures, and agricultural practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patterns of globalization are evident in various aspects of our lives, two of which are colonialization and the spread of fast food. The first wave of globalization, sometimes known as European colonialism, facilitated the wide distribution of technology, products, and ideas, and set the foundations for global trade and cultural exchanges. Nations such as Britain, Spain, France, Portugal, and the Netherlands and later the U.S., spread their influence worldwide, creating a history of interconnectedness that has only deepened with time.
The phenomenon of globalization in the food industry, often associated with the term "McDonaldization", reflects the influence of American fast food businesses globally. The fast food model is not simply about food but also represents the transfer of economic models, corporate practices, and even cultural norms. It exemplifies the second wave of globalization or corporate colonialism, wherein multinational corporations drive the search for profits through cheap labor and resources, impacting cultural diversity and international labor patterns.
The globalization of food has significant consequences, such as the dominance of transnational corporations over local food cultures, the increased use of food additives, and health risks associated with mass food production methods. Moreover, with corporations like Monsanto introducing genetically engineered seeds, local farmers become dependent on purchasing these for their crop production, influencing food safety regulations and agricultural practices.