Definitions Of Globalisation

Question 1

Giddens

Answer 1

• argues globalisation is not a straight forward process of cultural homogenisation driven solely by the west
• introduced concept of reverse colonisation where western cultures are not dominating less powerful groups but reverse is occuring
• example of mexicanisation of California where median food, dress and music have become a key part of Californian lifestyle
• suggests due to the threat of cultural homogenisation a process of cultural defence is taking place as a form of resistance
• highlights glocalisation where global ideas are adapted to local practices with digital communication reflecting local issues as an example
• Furthermore, giddens argues that rapid pace of social change brought about by globalisation is a significant characteristic of our time
• sees globalisation as a complex and dynamic process involving mutual influence and adaptation between different cultures rather than simple imposition of western dominance leading to cultural uniformity and emphasises potential for local cultures to respond to and include global trends

Question 2

Friedman

Answer 2

• argues cultural homogenisation through globalisation is essentially a process of westernisation, or more narrowly, Americanisation
• globalisation has an American face due to the widespread presence of American brands and cultural icons around the world such as Mickey Mouse, Big Macs and coke
• implies that American culture and its capitalist values are being spread globally through the mechanisms of globalisation

Question 3

Spybey

Answer 3

• argues against the idea that globalisation leads to cultural homogenisation solely through western influence and sees globalisation as a chance for the exchange of practices between countries
• illustrates this with examples of Japan adopting Fordist mass production techniques, while in return, the US has adopted Japanese post Fordist practices that have led to further innovations
• suggests the mastery of processes connected to industrial and post industrial capitalism is not limited to western countries and can be directed from non western countries as well
• therefore, spybey views globalisation as a reciprocal process involving the interchange of ideas and practices rather than a simple imposition of western culture

Question 4

Fukuyama

Answer 4

• argues cultural homogenisation is occuring globally due to increasing dominance of western capitalist liberal democratic ideologies
• states that: historical trajectory of the world is moving towards the kind of civilisation found in western capitalist liberal democracies, world conflicts will persist as struggles to establish capitalism in areas where it’s absent, world will continue to be dominated by western, capitalist, democratic ideologies followijg the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of capitalism
• therefore, Fukuyamas perspective aligns with the idea that globalisation is leading to a more uniform global culture shaped by western political and economic systems