Hyperglobalist, sceptical, and transformationalist perspectives on globalization in medical education

Abstract

Purpose: Globalisation has been hotly debated in recent decades and has seemingly had a profound impact on medical education. This review synthesises the medical education literature using key perspectives from globalisation theory by Holton (Making globalisation). Methods: Holton (Making globalisation) recognised three key perspectives in globalisation theory—hyperglobalist, sceptical, and transformationalist. This article critically reviews the literature on globalisation in the field of medical education using this theoretical framework. Results: Hyperglobalist and sceptical perspectives dominated early periods of medical education literature on globalisation, projecting it either as a mainly positive or mainly negative force, respectively. Most forecasts grounded in these perspectives have not materialised in medical education policy and practice. Since 2010, the volume of scholarship about globalisation has increased and has been predominantly transformationalist in perspective, recognising a reality that has both positive and negative consequences. Conclusions: The medical education literature has mirrored the broader social science literature, in moving over time from hyperglobalist and sceptical positions, towards a ‘third wave’ of globalisation thinking that is transformationalist. Medical education practitioners and policymakers should be mindful of these perspectives and trends as they navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by globalisation.