Globalization-of-Culture 1

Cultural Globalization

  • Definition: Cultural globalization refers to the transmission of ideas, meanings, and values across national borders.

Economic Globalization

  • Definition: Integration of national economies into the international economy through:

    • Trade

    • Foreign direct investment

    • Migration

    • Spread of technology

  • Key Player: Transnational corporations.

    • Example: An American company has headquarters in NYC, London, and Tokyo. Raw materials sourced from Africa, products assembled in Asia, and sold in Europe.

Globalization Examples

  • Call Center in India: Represents global outsourcing of services.

  • Toyota in the U.S.: Example of a global company operating in foreign markets.

  • Chinese Factory: Illustrates manufacturing globalization.

Cultural Globalization Examples

  • Spread of Cultural Elements: Including the English language, television shows, and American products.

    • Observation: Global culture has elements of American culture, making foreign cultures less distinct.

    • Conclusion: People globally are becoming less different and more similar.

Cultural Traits

  • Definition: Single attributes of a culture like those seen in food, clothing, and beliefs.

    • Examples: Sushi in Japan, Turban in Islam, Kente cloth in West Africa.

Cultural Hearth

  • Definition: An area where cultural traits develop and diffuse.

    • Example: Christianity originated in the Middle East and diffused to Europe and the Americas.

    • Question: What was the cultural hearth for hip-hop culture?

Cultural Diffusion

  • Definition: The spread of an idea or innovation from its cultural hearth to other locations.

  • Types of Diffusion:

    • Expansion Diffusion: Idea develops in the hearth and expands to new areas.

      • Example: McDonald's.

    • Relocation Diffusion: Idea moves with the originators.

      • Example: Ethnic neighborhoods in cities.

Time-Distance Decay

  • Definition: The farther an idea or innovation travels from its hearth, the less likely it is to be accepted.

    • Example: Fashion trends may not reach rural areas.

Cultural Barriers

  • Definition: Factors that prevent the diffusion of ideas due to cultural unacceptability.

    • Examples: Women's rights in Saudi Arabia, prohibition of beef in India.

Beneficial Aspects of Cultural Globalization

  • Increased access to information and diverse perspectives.

  • Reduction of misunderstandings between cultures.

Negative Aspects of Cultural Globalization

  • Concerns:

    • Influence of big businesses on local cultures.

    • Extinction of languages.

Spheres of Cultural Globalization

  • Areas affected: Sport, business, cuisine, religion, and music.

Perspectives on Globalization

  • Kofi Annan stated: Arguing against globalization is like arguing against the laws of gravity.

Defining Culture

  • Components of Culture: Includes not just music and art but all aspects of living, such as:

    • Dress

    • Food

    • Architecture

    • Language

    • Education

    • Values and beliefs (religion)

    • Rituals

Categories of Culture

  • Two Major Categories:

    • What People Care About:

      • Ideas, food, beliefs, clothing, values, shelter.

    • What People Take Care Of:

      • Religion, government systems, art, music, traditions.

Cultural Definitions and Anthropological Perspectives

  • Cultural Traits: Individual characteristics of cultures.

  • Material Culture: Products of human manufacture and their impact on the economy and environment.

  • Social Culture: Forms of interaction and organization within societies, considering kinship, age, gender, etc.

  • Ideological Culture: Beliefs and values that guide individuals' interactions with the world.

High vs. Popular/Mass Culture

  • High Culture: Associated with the wealthy, educated classes; serious, intellectual art forms.

    • Examples: Opera, classical music, fine literature.

  • Popular Culture: Once seen as 'low art'; linked to mass production and entertainment for the masses.

    • Examples: Television, pop music, advertising.

Cultural Adaptation and Change

  • Adaptive Nature of Culture: Cultures adjust flexibly to environmental changes, technology advancements.

    • Example: Post-Ice Age adjustments in North America.

Drawbacks of Cultural Exchange

  • Heart of Acculturation: Disruption of original lifestyles by the adoption of foreign cultural features.

    • Problems: Cultural dilution, loss of identity.

    • Example: Indigenous peoples adopting Spanish culture in South America.

Subcultures and Ethnocentrism

  • Subcultures: Smaller groups within a larger society with distinct cultural traits.

    • Examples: Mennonites, drug culture, clubbing culture.

  • Ethnocentrism: Belief in the superiority of one’s culture can lead to cultural imperialism and conflict.

Conclusion: Evolving Cultural Identities

  • Cultural globalization influences both mainstream and subcultures.

  • Social changes and technological advancement have resulted in the continuous evolution of culture.