The media, globalisation & culture Flashcards
What is globalisation?
Globalisation refers to the process of increased interconnectedness of people and cultures across the world, enabled by advancements in communication and media technologies.
What is cultural imperialism?
Cultural imperialism refers to the dominance of Western culture over others, often through global media, making Western culture appear superior and suppressing local traditions.
What is cultural hybridity?
Cultural hybridity occurs when global media products are adapted and modified by local cultures, resulting in a blend of global and local elements.
What are the characteristics of mass culture according to Storey (2010)?
- Highly commercialised: Designed for sale to large audiences.
- Easy entertainment: Broad appeal, simple to understand.
- Fast turnover: Cheap and quickly produced.
What does Macdonald (1957) argue about mass culture?
Macdonald criticises mass culture for lacking meaning, appealing to the lowest common denominator, and failing to challenge audiences.
How do pluralists view globalisation and media?
Pluralists see globalised media as beneficial, offering people the opportunity to engage with diverse cultures and encouraging cultural diversity.
What does Flew (2002) argue about globalisation?
Flew claims that new forms of media create a global culture by connecting audiences instantaneously, enabling the spread of cultural diversity.
How do Marxists critique globalisation and media?
Marxists argue that globalisation spreads capitalist ideologies worldwide, promoting Western cultural dominance and creating cultural imperialism.
What does Fenton (1999) argue about globalisation?
Fenton claims that globalisation leads to cultural imperialism by spreading Western values, undermining local traditions, and reinforcing global inequalities.
What does Ritzer (2004) say about globalisation?
Ritzer argues that globalisation imposes Western practices on other societies, leading to cultural homogenisation and prioritising profit over cultural values.
What do postmodernists argue about globalisation and media?
Postmodernists argue that globalisation has created a media-saturated society, where media blurs the lines between reality and simulation, offering more choices to shape individual identities.
What does Baudrillard (1994) argue about globalisation and hyper-reality?
Baudrillard suggests we live in a hyper-reality where media constructs a simulated version of reality, making it hard to distinguish the real from the virtual.
What does Spencer-Thomas (2008) say about globalisation and activism?
Spencer-Thomas highlights how globalisation allows protests to gain international attention and justice through platforms like YouTube and Facebook.
How do functionalists view globalisation and media?
Functionalists see globalisation of media as promoting shared values and norms, strengthening global social cohesion.
What does Thompson (1995) argue about cultural hybridity?
Thompson claims that local cultures adapt global media products, creating unique hybrid forms that blend global influences with local traditions.
What is an example of cultural hybridity in media?
Bollywood combines global film styles with traditional Indian culture to create unique hybrid films.
What are the criticisms of globalisation?
Critics argue globalisation leads to:
1. Cultural homogenisation: Replacing local traditions with dominant Western values.
2. Loss of cultural diversity: Marginalisation of non-Western cultures.
3. Prioritising profit over cultural values.
What are Lechner & Boli’s (2012) views on globalisation?
They outline two views:
1. Globalisation connects people across time and space.
2. Globalisation enables capitalism to spread, reinforcing cultural dominance and profit motives.
