Impacts of digital communications and globalisation on culture

Question 1

What is cultural homogenisation?

Answer 1

The process by which all cultures are becoming the same

Question 2

What is cultural hybridity/glocalisation?

Answer 2

Cultures take on aspects of other cultures, but merge them with their own

Question 3

What is cultural resistance/defence?

Answer 3

National and other ‘local’ identities being strengthened by the resistance to globalisation

Question 4

What did Hall say about the effects of globalisation?

Answer 4

• Accelerated pace of globalisation brought about by digital communications
• Consequences: homogenisation, hybridity, resistance

Question 5

How is McLuhan’s global village linked to cultural homogenisation?

Answer 5

• Likened communications and media in 1960s to a giant CNS, which connects everyone in the world
• This could connect the world’s thousands of cultures into one ‘super culture’
• Predicted cultural homogenisation and the idea that cultural diversity will be replaced by cultural sadness

Question 6

How does Steven support the argument that cultural homogenisation is occurring?

Answer 6

• Despite differences in location and upbringing, much of the world’s population listens to the same music, and watches the same TV/film
• Predominantly American/Western European

Question 7

How does Seabrook criticise cultural homogenisation?

Answer 7

• Cultural homogenisation is a form of ‘cultural imperialism’
• Internet mainly controlled by Western-based companies
• Capitalist views spread:
  Consumerism being central/ increased individualism

Question 8

Give an example of cultural defence/resistance

Answer 8

-Indigenous tribes: Awa tribe
- Spend periods of time with no contact
- Globalisation leads to an increased demand for land

Question 9

Give at least two examples of glocalisation/cultural hybridity

Answer 9

Martell
1- Western media adapt products to appeal to local authorities (MTV adapts programming according to cultural likes/dislikes)
2- Local cultures select elements of Western global culture (Bollywood combines contemporary Western ideas with traditional Hindu myth)

Question 10

How does Giddens challenge the idea that cultural homogenisation is occurring?

Answer 10

• Less powerful countries dominate over Western ones
• E.g: ‘Mexicanisation’ of California (Mexican food, dress, music in Californian culture)