Thinking Globally

Question 1

What is cultural globalization?

Answer 1

The emergence of new ideas, values and norms

Question 2

What is culture?

Answer 2

Culture is a fluid system that exists in interaction, not places

Question 3

What are the theories of global culture?

Answer 3

Cultural homogenization, Cultural heterogenization, Cultural hybridization

Question 4

What is Cultural homogenization?

Answer 4

Focus on global cultural convergence– highlight the rise of world beat, world cuisines, world tourism, uniform consumption patterns and cosmopolitanism

Question 5

What is the main argument of cultural homogenization?

Answer 5

Accelerating globalization (in the form of global media, information systems huge multinational organizations) is eroding local cultures and traditions– everywhere is becoming similar

Question 6

What is Cultural Differentialism?

Answer 6

Focus on continued cultural difference– highlight local cultural autonomy, cultural resistance to homogenization, cultural clashes and polarization

Question 7

What is the main argument of Cultural Differentialism?

Answer 7

Globalization brings culture into contact and proximity through global media and migration– creates friction and conflict

Question 8

What is cultural hybridization?

Answer 8

Stresses new and constantly evolving forms and identities produced by transnational processes – a cultural element blends into another culture by modifying the element to fit cultural norms