Module+4_Cultural+Globalization

Cultural Globalization

Definition of Culture

  • Edward Taylor's Definition: "Culture is that complex whole includes Knowledge, Belief, Custom, Art, Morals, Law, and Any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society."

  • Manfred Steger: Describes culture as the "intensification and expansion of cultural flows across the globe."

Influence of Media and Religion

Media and Religion in Globalization

  • Explores how media acts as a communicative force in the global village context.

  • Religion impacts societal values and norms on a global scale.

Globalization and Religion

Major Religions and Globalization

  • Islam and Hindusim: Their effects on the globalization narrative.

  • Shinto: Its cultural uniqueness and influence.

Key Aspects of Religion in Context of Globalization

  • Ideals: Differ across cultures but are typically about moral guidance and community.

  • Sources of Authority/System Standard: Divine commandments vs. man-made laws.

  • Conscience: Understanding of morality and ethical behavior within religious frameworks.

  • Religion vs. Globalism:

    • Globalism: Focused on economic growth and material wealth.

    • Religion: Emphasizes moral principles, the concept of heaven and hell, and socio-economic involvement.

Religion and Politics

Influence of Religion on Governance

  • Explore examples:

    • Islam: Described as a state religion with superior governance as per Khomeini.

    • Church of England & U.S.: Examples of modern secular societies and their relationship with religion.

Economy and Religion

  • Religion plays a significant role in economics through congregations, schools, charities, and its effect on cultural identities and social ethics.

Perspectives on Religion Under Globalization

Future of Religion

  • The question posed: Would globalization lead to a decline or resurgence of religion?

  • Perspectives suggest a dynamic relationship where religion adapts rather than disappears.

Pro or Against Globalization

  • Pro Globalization:

    • Seen as a means for religions to expand and connect worldwide.

    • There's a tension between fundamentalist views and the technologic expansion.

  • Anti-globalization:

    • Some factions view globalization as a threat, invoking resistance against perceived cultural erosion.

Secularism and Scientific Worldview

  • Scientization of Society: Relates to how scientific reasoning grows in a globalized context, often questioning religious interpretations.

  • Sociologization: Emphasizes a rational approach to understanding social phenomena, increasingly removed from religious contexts.

Resurgence of Religion

  • Peter Berger's Perspective: The contemporary era is marked by a furious religious revival.

Media in Globalization

Definition and Purpose

  • Jack Lule: Media is defined as a means of conveying messages.

  • Marshall McLuhan: "The medium is the message."

  • Sociologists' View: Mediation shapes and reflects cultural identities.

Types of Media** (Lule, 1989)

  • Types include: Broadcast Media, Print, Digital Media (social platforms like YouTube).

Cultural Imperialism vs. Pluralism

Cultural Imperialism

  • Associated with Americanization and capitalistic values, described by scholars like Herbert Schiller and John Tomlinson.

Cultural Pluralism

  • Acknowledges and respects cultural diversity, promoting unique identities across different cultures.

Unity in Diversity

  • An exploration of whether various cultures can coexist while maintaining their unique values and practices.