Cultural Diffusion And Erosion Flashcards
What is culture?
It describes a society’s “structure of feeling” I.e. shared cultural traits
What is cultural diffusion?
-Cultures can change and evolve over time naturally; globalisation has accelerated the rate of cultural change
-Globalisation can present increased opportunities for cultural exchange, where the movement of goods, services, capital, technology, people and ideas, culture will influence others, and in turn be influences themselves. This is known as cultural diffusion.
Have TNCs influenced the rate if cultural diffusion and change?
-The global dispersal of food, clothes and other goods by TNCs has played a major role in shaping a common culture. Some corporations, such as Nike, have trolled out’ uniform products globally, bringing cultural change to places.
-influencing local cultures, especially among youth in countries like China, India, and Brazil, where traditional attire is increasingly being replaced by global brands.
-However globalisation limits this: When TNCs engage with new markets and cultures, they often adapt their products and services to suit different places better. As a result, the products that are sold in different places increasingly reflect local cultures e.g. In India, where beef is not commonly consumed due to religious beliefs, McDonald’s introduced the “McAloo Tikki” (a potato-based burger) to local tastes and cultural preferences, showcasing how TNCs tailor their products to fit regional cultures.
Has the global media impacted cultural change and diffusion?
-a British television series (dr who) that has gained a dedicated fanbase in countries like Japan and India. Despite its British origins, the show has been embraced by non-Western audiences, showcasing the influence of UK media and pop culture globally.
-the BBC’s international news service helps promote British perspectives on global events, reinforcing the UK’s cultural presence abroad.
-However many reality and celebrity shows, such as Strictly Come Dancing, are entirely re-filmed for different national markets.
-there are also many non-Western influences on global culture, for example japenese children TV has been very influential e.g. Pokemon and anime
Has migration and tourism influenced the rate of cultural diffusion and change?
-Europeans travelled widely around the world during the age of empires, taking their languages and customs with them. The British introduced English as a language of administration, education, and business, which continues to be widely spoken and serves as a link language in India today. Additionally, British customs, such as the English tea-drinking tradition, were integrated into Indian culture, influencing daily life.
-However, they had little influence on other aspects of culture, such as religion, where local traditions like Hinduism in India or Indigenous beliefs in Australia remained strong despite British presence.
What are the 2 methods of cultural diffusion?
-coercion/military power
-soft power
What is coercion/military power?
This forced assimilation of culture is sometimes called cultural imperialism where languages, religions and customs were spread around the world using force by the Roman and British Empires.
What is soft power?
This version of cultural diffusion involves no force powerful wealthy states shape global culture through their disproportionately large influence over global media and entertainment.
How has the spread of “westernised culture” had an impact on the environment and people?
-Asian diets are particularly low in meat traditionally yet ad China has become more affluent due to globalisation and exposed to western diets 1990 the emergence of middle classes increased annual meat production by 10 times.
-Therefore, livestock farming has become the new focus of Asian agriculture, bringing a steep rise in emissions on methane. Methane is a greenhouse gas which contributes to significantly to global warming. As China has a growing middle class due to the global shift, its Open Door Policy and embracing of globalisation, the amount of meat consumed is expected to continue to increase.
-this is significant on a global scale as it is not only happening in China, more places are experiencing increasing wealth so the demand for meat will only increase»_space; deforestation it make space for crops and cattle
-it can also lead to a more variety a food and it means more Asians argue getting a protein source reducing malnutrition levels
How has westernised culture had an impact on clothing?
-In France, the 2010 ban on the burkha sparked controversy and in 2024 Following the implementation of the law, there were several protests from Muslim women and their supporters.
What opportunities has the spread of global culture brought for the Paralympic movement?
-The UN declared 1983-92 the ‘Decade of Disabled Persons’ to promote equal rights for people with disabilities.
-Global media has played a major role in transforming the Paralympic Games into one of the world’s biggest sporting events, celebrating the achievements of athletes with disabilities.
-The global shift in cultural attitudes has led to greater inclusion and recognition for disabled people, particularly in sport.
What is cultural erosion?
-Cultural erosion is the loss of culture or elements of culture in a particular location.
-For example, the ownership of the global film, broadcasting and music industries has become more concentrated in the hands of large media TNCs. Therefore, the use of an increasingly common vocabulary is starting to erode cultural diversity.
-This is known as global homogenisation of culture (everything becoming the same).
How is cultural diffusion occurring with the Indigenous people of Amazonia and Papa New Guinea?
- people are moving to more urban areas e.g. young Amazonian are moving to more urban areas like Manaus
What are the positive impacts of the cultural diffusion occurring with the Indigenous people of Amazonia and Papa New Guinea and Indonesia?
-increased land availability for TNCs
-they gain advices to services
-able to lead a more modern life style
-Traditionally, the Korowai tribe, Indonesia lived in palm-thatched wooden longhouses on 10m ironwood stilts deep in the rainforest. Since 1987, they have been encouraged to move to riverside villages like Yaniruma, with clay-brick buildings, corrugated iron roofs, schools, and periodic healthcare visits.
What are the negative impacts of the cultural diffusion occurring with the Indigenous people of Amazonia and Papa New Guinea?
-As indigenous people increasingly seek income and improvements in education and health, they may abandon their traditional sustainable practices in favour of economic survival.»_space;This often involves exploiting local wildlife for short-term gain, such as hunting endangered species like the Tree Kangaroo in Papua New Guinea
-more demand for natural resources and meat (as they leave their traditional plant based diets) e.g. the tribe of Korowai in Indonesia has been introduced Coca Cola in the villages (coca cola relies heavily on plastic packaging and water extraction» pollution)
