Cultural imperialism Flashcards
What is imperialism?
Domination by one nation over another.
What does Marcuse say that globalisation encourages?
Encourages conformity, reducing critical thinking.
What is commodity fetishism?
The belief that popular culture products have special powers that enhance life.
Who links smartphones to commodity fetishism?
Turkle
How are false needs created?
Through media-driven marketing, advertising, and branding.
Why are false need products designed to have a short lifespan?
To ensure continued profit.
What does Adorno say about false needs?
They bind consumers to producers.
What is conspicuous consumption?
The idea that media-driven products have higher status than others.
How do Adorno and Marcuse view global mass media?
As agents of cultural imperialism shaped by capitalist ideology.
Who argues that the USA is the dominant force in global culture?
Flew
How does American media spread its culture?
Through music and films depicting the American way of life.
What does Ritzer’s say about McDonaldization?
Globalization leads to uniformity, making indigenous culture decline.
How does McDonaldization affect food culture?
It allows people to travel without eating local food.
What does Fuchs say about transnational corporations?
They dominate world trade in popular culture and limit consumer choice.
What democratic threat do TNCs pose?
They can disproportionately influence governments.
What does Putnam say about smartphones and civic engagement?
Smartphones reduce involvement in local communities.
How does Turkle describe media’s impact on social relationships?
People replace real-life families with virtual media interactions.
How do different cultures respond to Western media?
They are not passive audiences, challenging cultural imperialism.
What trend is occurring in local broadcasting?
7/9 countries broadcasts more locally produced programmes than imported ones
More home-produced programs are replacing Western imports.
What does this trend suggest about cultural imperialism?
That local cultures are not being overwhelmed by Western media.
How do minority ethnic groups engage with media?
They create and consume media reflecting their cultural identity.
What does Held et al argue about cultural imperialism?
Cultural flow is not one-way
the West is also influenced by other cultures.
