Globalisation Flashcards
Define globalisation
The increased interconnectedness of the world socially, politically and economically, due to higher rates of technology and transport/travel of people and goods.
What is the digital revolution?
The drastic shift from analogue technology to digital technology and the use of ‘new media’:
- online newspapers, a range of radio and TV channels
- the growth of computers, smart phones and tablets with various channels and apps
What did Ourworldindata.org show about the digital revolution?
In 2010, only 30% of the world’s population was online, but by 2020 this had doubled to 60%, highlighting the swift and widespread integration of digital technology in daily life
Define the Global Village
Digital communication has drastically increased interactions which do not occur on a face to face basis, allowing people to easily stay connected
What did Castells say about the digital revolution?
Says that in the digital era we are now in an ‘information age’ where being technically skilled is the best way to be successful in the labour market - businesses now use technology to communicate, money is in IT.
What did McLuhan say about the Global Village?
He predicted that we would be able to communicate at the speed of light due to being connected by an ‘electronic nervous system’. “Everybody lives in the utmost proximity created by our electric involvement in one another’s lives”
Define cultural homogenisation
The idea that different cultures, which may be separated geographically, politically and religiously have become more similar due to technological advancements in communication
What did Fairweather and Rogerson say about cultural homogenisation?
That globalisation reflects Western ideals, such as in advertising/computer software design with the west in mind
What did Friedman say about cultural homogenisation?
Said that globalisation has an American face due to the spread of Western global brands e.g. Mickey mouse - ‘“globalisation has a distinctly American face, it wears Mickey mouse ears…”
What did Fukuyama say about cultural homogenisation?
Said that globalisation is a political process because it is the spread of Western values like Liberal democracy and a free market capitalism
What did Giddens say about cultural homogenisation?
Discusses reverse colonialism where local groups resist the spread of Western norms by asserting their own culture, for example Latinisation in LA
What did Spybey say about cultural homogenisation?
Said that the East shares with the West, just as the West shares with the East, meaning it is not just the spread of the West e.g. Japanese work ethic and car manufacturing
What did Sreberni and Mohammadi say about cultural homogenisation?
Points out that the image of Western media and domination is exaggerated and ignores complex interactions which occur between cultures
What did Croteau and Hoynes say about cultural homogenisation?
They argue that global digital media companies have also been forced to take into account local practices
Define virtual communities
This is a social network of people who create an online communities which may or may not reflect their offline lives. They can be formed through message board, chat rooms, virtual worlds and group chats.
What does Carter say about virtual communities?
Discussed the virtual community ‘Cybercity’ whereby people could maintain friendships
What did Boellstorff say about virtual communities?
Discusses the virtual community ‘Second Life’, a forum which allowed people to create avatars in whic they could change their age, gender, name and appearance - this helpehd to break down barriers so that people could easily connect with others. However there were controversies with the abuse of anonymity when members raped or abused others on the website, showing that the internet is difficult to police.
