SCA - Globalization

Norasakkunkit & Uchida (2014), Becker et al (2002)

Globalization

The process of interaction and integration among people of different nations and cultures, contributing to increased interconnectedness.

• Driven by int. trade

• Furthered by the internet and availability of travel

Global culture

Based on the cultures of countries driving globalization, e.g. the US

individualistic, free-market economy, democracy, freedom of choice

Local culture

Culture we grew up in and share with others in the same environment

Name of the studies

Norasakkunkit & Uchida (2014), Becker et al (2002)

Norasakkunkit & Uchida (2014) RM

Correlational, prospective

Norasakkunkit & Uchida (2014) Aim

Investigate the relationship between an individual's attitude toward collectivism and conformity to the rise of hikikomori.

Norasakkunkit & Uchida (2014) Procedure

Participants were given a standardized test to see if they were high/low risk for hikikomori. 

Afterwards they were given a test to measure their attitudes on social conformity and social harmony. This test looked at 3 levels: 

The perception of…

1. Current self

2. Ideal self

3. Japanese society

Finally, they were given a third test that looked at their measure of a sense of local (high social harmony and conformity) and global (high on individualism and achievement) identity.

Norasakkunkit & Uchida (2014) Results

Both groups agreed that social harmony and social conformity are valued in Japanese society. In the second test (self-assessment), high-risk students ranked their values on these topics much lower than low-risk students. They also assessed themselves lower on both local and global identity.

Norasakkunkit & Uchida (2014) Findings

Local culture may alienate many Japanese youths who may decide not to conform to social norms, but also do not relate to/have access to the global culture. Resulting in marginalization and a withdrawal from society.

Identity confusion caused by globalization.

Becker et al (2002) RM

Natural Experiment

Becker et al (2002) Aim

To study the introduction of television would lead to an increase in disordered eating attitudes and behaviours among Fijian adolescent girls.

• Sample: 60 Fijian school girls from secondary schools in Nadroga (aged 16 to 18).

• Background: TV was introduced to Fiji in 1995. Fijian culture focuses on having a large appetite; larger body mass is viewed as desirable.

Becker et al (2002) Procedure

The first group was tested in 1995, three weeks after the Tv was introduced. The second group, in 1998, three years later.

Both groups were given the EAT-26 test (Western test on eating attitudes) which did not need to be translated as they already spoke fluent english.

Afterwards semi-structured interviews took place to confirm test results and if there was evidence of binging/ purging behaviours. Weight and height were also measured. The second group was additionally asked questions on dieting practices, body image, and differences in generational values.

Becker et al (2002) Results

The researchers found significant differences in the EAT-26 scores between the two groups (12.7% in 1995, 29.2% in 1998). In 1998, scores larger than 20 were correlated with dieting and self-induced vomiting. 

	1995	1998
EAT-26 scores	12.7%	29.2%
Purging	0%	11.3%
Binge eating (Self-Reported!)	7.0%	4.6%
Dieting to lose weight	0%	69%

In the 1998 group, 74% felt fat, 77% felt TV made them feel different about their body, 40% felt losing weight would increase their job prospects, 31% felt their parents' generation wanted them to eat too much.

Interviews also revealed that PPs admired TV personalities, wanting to look like them but few were aware that these images are often heavily edited

Becker et al (2002) Findings