Globalisation and the digital social world

Question 1

What does Pountney observe about globalisation?

Answer 1

It is used to describe a process which dates back thousands of years- the migration of tribes across continents, the conquest and colonisation of much of Africa, Asia and South America by Europeans, the spread of Islam and Christianity across the world and slave trade are all features of early globalisation

Question 2

What do some sociologists say globalisation is?

Answer 2

All the processes by which the very different people and culture of the world have been incorporated into one single global society

Question 3

Why do sociologists say that globalisation accelerated in the 20th century?

Answer 3

Because of developments in in digital forms of technology

Question 4

What are the 2 different views of defining globalisation?

Answer 4

• a positive process that will eventually produce tolerant and responsible world citizens and raise the standard of living
• a negative thing as it sometimes results in cultural homogenisation

Question 5

What are examples of globalisation occurring at different speeds in different parts of the world?

Answer 5

The digital social revolution has resulted in a digital divide between the developed world and the less developed world (e.g. Africa) as people in the latter are less likely to have an internet connection or own smart phones

Question 6

What is an example of nation state mentality that contradicts the idea of globalisation?

Answer 6

Brexit

Question 7

What is meant by the ‘digital revolution’?

Answer 7

The transition from technical equipment to digital equipment that has taken place over the last 3 decades

Question 8

What has lead to an explosion of new types of digital communication devices?

Answer 8

The fact that all information, regarding format, can now be converted into binary code

Question 9

What is technological convergence?

Answer 9

Different types of information could be combined into a single delivery system in the form of communication devices such as laptops, tablets etc

Question 10

What does Pountney say digital platforms have developed?

Answer 10

New types of programmes called ‘apps’ which help people communicate more easily and help people manage their lives, relationships, health, diet and shopping. These apps can be highly individualised so that people can adapt them to their own particular needs

Question 11

What did McLuhan theorise?

Answer 11

He predicted the emergence of a ‘global village’ which means that the globe has become more interconnected and smaller and therefore more similar

Question 12

What does Castells argue about western societies?

Answer 12

They have entered a late-modern period of capitalism in which the main resource is information

Question 13

What effect does Castells say digital technology has on power?

Answer 13

It decentralises power- digital tech has resulted in more power in the hands of the people

Question 14

What is media convergence?

Answer 14

The process by which multiple media technologies are brought together into one computerised device e.g. the BBC website

Question 15

What can be another definition of media convergence?

Answer 15

Refers to ways in which social media platforms converge and are able to communicate with one another to share contacts

Question 16

What is meant by social media in terms of sociology?

Answer 16

Refers to a participatory culture or network of websites and applications which enable a community of users to interact and collaborate

Question 17

In January 2017, how many users were on Facebook?

Answer 17

Over 1.86 billion

Question 18

What does Dowd say regarding the elderly and digital communication?

Answer 18

The elderly are strangers in their own land- they struggle accessing technology and they feel marginalised by social media e.g. online banking, booking doctors appointments online, phone call interviews etc

Question 19

What did Berry say about digital communication?

Answer 19

There is a digital divide- there is a gap between the young and the old and how they access technology- but also poor and rich have a digital divide

Question 20

What is social capital?

Answer 20

Bourdieu says social capital is people’s social ties and connections they can use for their personal benefit

Question 21

What is a networked global society?

Answer 21

On the internet, interpersonal, organisational and mass communication come together

Question 22

What is Mcdonaldisation?

Answer 22

Rizter said that American culture is dominating and eradicating smaller culture

Question 23

What is cultural defence?

Answer 23

Hall said this was the rejection of globalisation- the want to preserve their culture and traditions

Question 24

What is cultural homogenisation?

Answer 24

Hall said this was when a culture accepted globalisation (cultural hybridity)

Question 25

What is glocalisation?

Answer 25

Robertson says it is the exploitation of local species/growing conditions for the global markets- often linking to green crime e.g. poaching

Question 26

What is cultural transition?

Answer 26

Some cultures are changing to become more homogenous - a lot of becoming more American and a lot of Chinese products are being purchased as well