Issue 3: Cultural Impact of Globalisation Flashcards
What is Cultural Homogenisation?
The Process where local cultures are eroded by foreign cultures to become increasingly similar to foreign cultures
Example of Cultural Homogenisation
- Fast food chains like Mcdonalds, KFC and Domino’s Pizza have been set up in countries such as India. People prefer to eat fast food over local stores. India’s fast food industry is expanding at a rate of almost 40% every year
- English is the main language of communication worldwide in business, accounts for 80% of the world’s electronically stored information
Advantages of Cultural Homogenisation
- easy for foreigners to assimilate due to familiar products in other countries
- efficiency in purchasing goods
- variety of products available
Disadvantages of Cultural Homogenisation
- loss of unique identity
- lack of diversity makes countries appear less attractive to tourists
- loss of heritage
- loss of unique common ground between citizens
Protest in Italy in 1986 when the first Mcdonalds opened
Responses to Homogenisation
(making their stuff more attractive)
- China banned ‘Avatar’ in 2010 to reduce competition for its best-selling films
- France limited foreign television programmes to only 40% of television programmes screened
- Singapore has the Hokkien Huay Kuan Kindergarten where hokkien songs and food are introduced to children
potential suggestions to counter Cultural Homogenisation
- make local films cheaper
- organise local film festivals
- have something niche
What is Cultural Hybridisation?
mix of cultures to produce new and unique products. Elements from involved cultures are blended together, thus locals are more receptive to it
Examples of Cultural Hybridisation
- Blues-Rock -> Blues + Rock and Roll
- Rendang Burger -> American burger + Local Beef curry
- Chilli Crab Pizza -> Italian Pizza + Chilli Crab
Advantages of Cultural Hybridisation
creation of new products leads to an increase in variety of food
Disadvantages of Cultural Hybridisation
Inaccurate representation of local cultures by foreigners may result in accusations of racism. Kung Fu Panda boycott / Disney Siamese cats
