3.6 emergance of global culture

Question 1

what is cultural diffusion

Answer 1

the spread of one culture to another by various means. cultures naturally change and evolve over time but it is arguable that globalisation has played a significant role accelerating the rate of this.

now, countries such as the USA and UK play a role in bringing cultural change to other places through use of soft power: no force is involved like in cultural imperialism. instead, they shape global culture through their disproportionately large influence over global media and entertainment.

Question 2

what factors play a part in promoting an increasingly ‘westernised’ culture

Answer 2

1. TNCs
   
   • global dispersal of food, clothes and other goods. some corporations eg Nike, Apple and McDonald’s role out universal products promoting ideas of Westernised culture (eg the American burger)
2. global media
   
   • eg Disney exporting its superheroes and princesses around the world. western festivals such as Halloween and Christmas feature prominently in its films
3. migration and tourism
   migrants move and spread their cultural ideas onto the host country whilst tourism brings people into contact with new cultures. the influx of international tourists allowed to visit Cuba again is broadening Cubans knowledge of the rest of the world.

Question 3

benefits of cultural diffusion

Answer 3

brings awareness to marginalised groups issues that previously were not acknowledged. example of this is: cultural attitudes towards disability are changing on a global scale. the use global media ( created by globalisation ) has helped turn the Paralympic Games into one of the worlds biggest sporting events by celebrating achievements of elite athletes with disabilities.

cultural diffusion has brought about an increased tolerance of race, sexuality and mental health issues too creating a more open and inclusive society.

Question 4

example of western influence on countries

Answer 4

!changing diets in Asia!

 - traditional diets here are low in meat and high in veg however this is changing due to the influence of fast food corporations such as McDonalds promoting consumption of more meat. 
 - during 1990s, Chinas annual meat consumption per capita increased dramatically from 5 to 50kg. By 2015, China has also become the worlds biggest market for processed food

it is the effect of this on a local and global that is something of an important matter. due to increased meat consumption, farming of livestock has also increased to meet demands in Asia bringing a steep rise in emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. crops are imported to feed the animals which also has negative effects on other countries due to vast areas of the Amazonian rainforest being cleared to make space to grow crops for Chinese cattle. Chinas food demand will also cont. to grow as more people escape poverty.

Question 5

what is cultural erosion

Answer 5

the changing and loss of culture in an area, such as the loss of language and traditional food. often the idea that hyper globalisation has caused cultures to be stripped of their native qualities caused by influx of western ideas.

cultural erosion is viewed by some as a negative development as they are concerened that laguages are disappearing as use of English continues to spread. another viewpoint is that it can be a positive thing bringing freedom of expression and reduced discrimination.

Question 6

example of cultural erosion

Answer 6

!igneous people of Amazonia and Papa New Guinea!

• these tribes are among the worlds last isolated groups of igneous people.
• however more are becoming aware of western culture and lifestyles: today many are waering modern westernised clothing such as t-shirts eroding away their culture of wearing very little due to tropical climate.
• many young Amazonians leave their tribe for urban areas eg Manaus and eventually this lifestyle of living in traditional thatched homes will die out as the tribes social goals become more important.

Question 7

opposition to globalisation: resisting cultural change (examples)

Answer 7

at a range of geographic levels, there is opposition to globalisation. all scales may experience some degree of concern with the cultural impacts of globalisation along iwth its social, economic and enviromental consequences.

1. France
   - the French are fiercely protective over their culture and language. under local content law, 40% of tv output must consist of French productions. French language music is heavily promoted on radio.
2. China
   - the ‘great firewall of China’ prevents internet users from using BBC or Facebook services to restrict the inflow of western media. Chinas gov. sets strict quota of 34 foreign films a year. however many Chinese people now celebrate Christmas as a good time for friends to get together.