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5.2 - An Introduction to Cultural Globalisation
5.2 - An Introduction to Cultural Globalisation
The global spectrum of cultural traits, ethnicities and identities, and ways in which the spectrum of diversity is widening or narrowing at different scales (heterogeneity vs homogeneity)
The effects of global interactions on cultural diversity in different places:
the diffusion of cultural traits, and cultural imperialism
glocalization of branded commodities, and cultural hybridity
cultural landscape changes in the built environment (i.e. homogenisation?)
How diasporas influence cultural diversity and identity at both global and local scales
Case study of a global diaspora population and its cultures(s)
Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities
Differing evidence and perspectives on how diversity is changing at local, national and global scales
5.2a - The effects of global interactions on cultural diversity in different places:
the diffusion of cultural traits, and cultural imperialism
Resources:
BBC Article to Read - Are we all becoming the same culture?
Storymaps from Grade 10 - Are we becoming the same - Example 1 Example 2
Do all minority languages die out - A case study for the however - Cornish language resurgence story from the BBC.
Click here for some fantastic cartoons about Cultural diffusion that uses terminology you should refer to. - Relocation and expansion diffusion in relation to Culture
Japan is using its culture as a political tool - The conversation
- 5.2b glocalization of branded commodities, and cultural hybridity
When Discussing the role of global interactions on Culture there are 3 possible perspectives.
1. Culture is becoming homogenised
2. Culture is becoming hybridised
3. Culture is not changing and is still strong.
TNC's utilise the power of glocalisation to enter markets. As such they look for what is a part of the local culture to market their product. The result is a hybrid. Hybridisation is seen in many aspects of culture from language, through clothing, food and music.
Task associated with this section :
Cultural Hybridisation and Glocalisation from Geographyalltheway
- 5.2c cultural landscape changes in the built environment (i.e. homogenisation?)
How global interactions bring cultural influences and changes to places
Resources:
Page 64 and 65 of Oakes
Page 593 and 594 of Nagle and Cooke
Homogenisation of cities chapter
Why every city feels the same - The Atlantic (article)
Now that you know what a homogenised landscape is, answer the questions below using the 'Global Interactions' textbook by Guinness, Pages 132-138.
Also Page 64 and 65 of Oates book (smaller green one)
After this lesson. you should have the following understanding.
What four examples given in the textbook to show that homogenisation of landscapes are occurring across the world.
Why do cities become homogenised?
What is a world city?
Give two examples of world cities with evidence to illustrate why these areas deserve the title.
For the same cities you have chosen in question four, suggest what keeps these areas distinct.
What is the CBD and what do you expect to see within it?
How does retail help to shape the urban landscape?
Describe the other examples of features in cities which make the areas homogenised. Think about the shopping centres, modes of transport and where people live.
Housing is something that can make areas distinct, particularly in poorer nations. Describe the differences in the housing between rich and poor neighbourhoods.
Describe what a gradient of homogenisation is.
5.2d How diasporas influence cultural diversity and identity at both global and local scales
5.2d How diasporas influence cultural diversity and identity at both global and local scales
Case study of a global diaspora population and its cultures(s)
Case study of a global diaspora population and its cultures(s)
This is a Geographyalltheway Exercise designed to get a good case study of the Chinese Diaspora
Think about what the Chinese diaspora brings to the host culture of countries in terms of diffusion of culture.
Also think about ways in which Chinese diasporas try to retain their culture.
Concepts: Diaspora have the power to influence cultural diversity and identity at both global and local scales.
Important Document to read- Chinese Diasporas
Example Questions
(a) Using examples, analyse the influence of diaspora populations on the cultural identity of different places. [12]
(a) Using one or more examples, analyse the impact of diasporas on local cultures. [10 marks]
(b) “International interactions always result in the homogenization of culture.” Discuss this statement. [16]
(b) “International migration is the main reason for the loss of distinctive local cultures.” Discuss this statement. (May 15) [16]
Using one or more examples, analyse the impact of diasporas on local cultures. [10 marks]
“Diaspora” describes a scattered community of common ancestry. Diaspora can be a product of migration or of territorial disintegration leaving a cultural group straddling different national borders. Likely examples for analysis will include: Polish, Chinese, Jewish, Indian, Irish, Scottish, English, Caribbean, Nigerian diasporas – but there are of course many other possibilities. Credit should be given to answers that provide clear details of the global diaspora pattern(s).
The preservation of migrant culture is a common diaspora trait, albeit in hybridized or fossilized forms, both of which may be explored, depending on the view taken of what “local culture” means. The adoption of minority diaspora traits by a host country culture (e.g. US “melting pot” ideas) is another approach.
The answer could discuss how the local culture of the origin country (e.g. Ireland, Poland) may have been affected e.g. “fossilization” of the tourist industry. Another approach might be to address the great variability in local cultural forms for different parts of a diaspora (e.g. comparing Jewish culture in the UK with that of the USA).
At the border of band C/D, the focus on diaspora may still be insecure (e.g. concept of scattered population is not fully understood, or the answer is more concerned with the impacts of a simple migration flow), but the focus on cultural impacts should be secure (alternatively, the response may have a good grasp of what diaspora is but fails to focus on culture).
At the border of band D/E, expect some range of impacts to be addressed for a named and understood diaspora. At band E, the diaspora concept ought to be handled well (may consider cultural impacts for source and various hosts, or compares the cultural traits of different regional communities within the global diaspora).
(b) “International interactions always result in the homogenization of culture.” Discuss this statement.
The nature of international interactions should be made explicit. Pathways for cultural exchanges include the movement of workers, tourists, commodity flows, and military and imperial ventures, all of which can be accelerated by membership of multi-governmental organizations, such as the EU, ASEAN etc.
It is not true that homogenization is an inevitable outcome. Possible obstacles include nationalism and anti-globalization movements, as well as a range of local responses that challenge cultural imperialism or at least negotiate “glocalized” outcomes.
There is plenty of scope to discuss arts, music, cuisine and other fields of cultural expression, and to investigate hybridized outcomes – or to look at the obduracy of cultural traits amongst diaspora groups, meaning that cultural diversity is not lost in global hubs such as New York or Toronto.
In support of the statement, expect TNCs to feature, with some mention of “McDonaldization” or a similar argument using Starbucks, Disney etc. as examples; or broad observations about the spread of English and Spanish perhaps employing the concept of cultural imperialism. The strongest answers may critique the notion of glocalization – and question whether the innovation of a “curry burger” for the Indian McDonald’s franchise is truly symptomatic of heterogeneity. [Guide 3 and 5]
The role of technology and the internet in fostering homogeneity through the relation of shrinking world / global village may also be a feature. [Guide 2]
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