Emergence of a Global Culture Flashcards
What is cultural diffusion
Cultural changes happen naturally over time:
Globalisation has sped up the rate at which these changes take place
Throughout history, influential civilisations have brought cultural change to other places and this spread is called cultural diffusion
What is cultural globalisation
Cultural globalization involves the formation of shared norms and knowledge with which people associate their individual and collective cultural identities. It brings increasing interconnectedness among different populations and cultures
However, sometimes cultural change is achieved through coercion often referred to as cultural imperialism which is what
The term cultural imperialism refers most broadly to the exercise of domination in cultural relationships in which the values, practices, and meanings of a powerful foreign culture are imposed upon one or more native cultures
The role of Europe and North America in global cultural change is referred to as
‘Westernisation’
Westernisation has taken over one example of this is One indicator of this is the use of ‘Globish’(1500 English words) as the English language is adopted by many countries
for two main reasons:
It is the dominant language used on the internet
It has become the global language of business, technology and education
Global culture change impacts people and the environment in many ways for example:
talk about Asian foods
cultural views of disability
Asian diets have changed from a low meat, high vegetable diet to eating more meat and fast food
Cultural attitudes towards disability have changed as the media has contributed to making the Paralympic Games into one of the world’s biggest sporting events
How have TNC’s lead to a westernised culture
TNCs
Global distribution of products such as food and clothes has contributed to creating a common culture
Some TNCs have introduced uniform products globally e.g., Nike, Apple and Lego
Some TNCs have adapted their products to suit each country, reflecting local cultures e.g., McDonalds
How has Global Media
lead to a westernised culture
Western celebrations of Halloween and Christmas appear in films and TV
BBC contributes to the UK’s cultural influence abroad
Other countries experience American and UK culture through TV shows such as Downton Abbey
However, other shows are adapted and each country has their own version e.g., Britain’s Got Talent
How has Migration and tourism
lead to a westernised culture
Throughout history, Europeans have travelled around the world sharing their language and customs
Migration can have an impact on the culture of the host country
Sometimes, this change may only be partial e.g., British migrants exporting their English language and love of cricket to other countries but having a minimal impact on other things such as religion
How has cultural diffusion affected China’s meat consumption from 1969 to 2009
and how does this link to rise in upper middle class
6.68%-22.86%
40% upper middle class in cities so more likely to eat these as richer foods as more attractive and westernised
more protein consumed
What are the environmental impacts of Chinas changed
dietary habits
More cows and dairy exports grew by 44%
more methane in environment
