Cultural imperialism

Cultural imperialism

the dominance of one culture over another, through political, economi or media influences 

when does cultural imperialism occur

when a powerful group promotes its cultural values, languages, or practices as superior

what does this lead to

marginalisation or dilution of local cultures

Cultural dilution

local cultures become less pronounced as they are influenced by foreign cultures

Cultural dilution - relevance to cultural imperialism

occurs when dominant cultural traits overshadow indigenous ones

Hegemony

domination through ideological cultural, or economic influence

Dominant paradigm

widely held values or systems of thought shaped by culture and history

how did British colonisation spread cultural dominance

imposed English, Western schooling, legal codes and Christianity across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean 

British colonisation - impact on cultural diversity 

dilution of indigenous languages/traditions; national-scale narrowing of diversity 

How do Western fashion brands shape culture in Bangladesh

outsourcing ties local economies to Western retailers’ standards, influencing labor practices, consumer tastes and workplace norms

Neocolonialism via global fashion in Bangladesh - impact on cultural diversity 

encourages conformity to Western trends and workplace culture, narrowing diversity in dress/identity while deepening economic dependence