Cluster 6- Social Science

THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

Topic: THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

Task 1: Create a concept map which features your ideas on the contemporary world. Create a
write up about your work.

CULTURAL
GLOBALIZATION

SPORTS
FOOD POPULAR MUSIC FASHION
Olympics
Herbs and Spices Rock and Roll Business Suit
World Cup
Fast Food Hip-hop Power Suit
NBA

CAUSES
Advancement in Technology
Increase in Consumer Demand
Reduction of Cross-Trade Barriers
Cheaper Transportation Costs

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Stronger Global Ties Conflict Between Countries

Diminishing Cultural Barriers Cultural Homogeneity

Increased Marketability and

Employment Opportunities Cultural Erosion / Identity Blur
on Global Level

Cultural Imperialism
Promotes Creativity and
Innovation
Cut-throat Competition (Local
Better Product Quality at Market and Work Force)
Cheaper Price

Cultural Globalization
 Today’s fast-paced society is a definition of the contemporary world, and in this society,
globalization has become common-place. It is very evident in our daily lives and it plays an
important role making our lives more comfortable too. But what is globalization and how does it
impact our lives? In the succeeding discussion, I will tackle an aspect of globalization that we
obliviously encounter daily – cultural globalization.
By definition, globalization is the process by which the world, previously isolated through
physical and technological distance becomes increasingly interconnected. It is manifested by the
increase in interaction between people around the world. Similarly, culture is defined as the
beliefs, customs, traditions and arts of a particular society or group. Thus, combining these
together, cultural globalization refers to the transmission of world views, ideas, values and other
aspects of culture across the world in such a way that it extends and intensifies social relations.
This phenomenon explores the intensification and expansion of cultural flows in an
international and worldwide level.
One of the oldest examples of cultural globalization is through food consumption. It has
started in the colonization and imperialization periods wherein the search for exotic herbs and
spices was rampant. Due to the uniqueness of a certain spice, it was brought back to the
mother country of a colonizer where it was integrated to his home cooking and has further
made its way to different tables across the globe. In the modern times, food consumption
geared towards fast food. While most societies in the world have diets unique to them, the
global eating trend and love of fast food has greatly affected local cuisines. The spread of global
food corporations such as McDonalds and Starbucks has led to the decline of local diets and
eating traditions.
Another fairly obvious example of cultural globalization is the field of sports.
International sporting events like The Olympics, the World Cup and the National Basketball
Association (NBA) bind together in a globally shared leisure experience.
One more manifestation of cultural globalization is through popular music. Rock and roll
has swept the heart of millions across the globe regardless of the walk of life especially during
the times of Elvis Presley and the Beatles. In the present day, hip-hop music which was
popularized in the United States of America is prevalent among teens in all corners of the Earth
including Japan and Thailand.
Yet another instance that shows cultural globalization is seen in the world of fashion.
People across the globe dress up today in an almost uniform way. It is common place to see
men in business suits. This has become universal in such a way that it is worn just about
anywhere including the Arabian Nations. Similarly, we are used to seeing women in their own
power suits comprised of stylized trousers paired with colourful blouses. It has now become the
worldwide symbol of modernity, independence and competence.
So what causes cultural globalization? Cultural globalization is driven or caused by
several factors. Among these are the advancement of technology, increase in consumer
demand, reduction of cross-trade barriers and cheaper transportation expenses. The
advancement of technology especially in the field of communication has facilitated the
exchange of goods and services, resources and ideas, making geographical location not an issue.
Over the years, with the increase in the level of income and standard of living, the demand of
consumers for various products from other countries has also increased. The reduction of cross-
trade barriers and cheaper transportation expenses made it easier for trading of products and
travelling to and between different countries.
Like any other emerging phenomenon, cultural globalization has its own advantages and
disadvantages. Starting with the positive effects brought about by cultural globalization is
stronger global ties between nations. More and more countries engage in trade relations with
each other in order to boost their economy, leaving behind bitter experiences, if any. Another
positive outcome, cultural barriers are diminished too. Interaction across boundaries leads to
the appreciation and understanding of cultures different from that of ours. In connection,
employment and selling opportunities are not limited solely to local levels but has opened
globally. Moreover, cultural globalization encourages creativity and innovation; thereby
products produced are of greater quality and are of cheaper price.
 On the contrary, cultural globalization has several drawbacks, too. First off, cultural
globalization incites conflicts between countries. Each country wants to be at the top spot and
be the leader. It has given rise to terrorism and other acts of violence. Another is cultural
homogeneity or the reduction in uniqueness of a local culture giving way to assimilation and
hybridization of two or more cultures. This also promotes cultural erosion where people tend to
adapt and follow foreign culture more, forgetting their own roots, therefore creating identity
blur. Yet another negative effect is the dominance of one culture over others where the ideals of
a powerful nation are falsely established as universal, overriding local traditions. This is called
cultural imperialism. And lastly, cultural globalization means cut-throat completion that causes
less opportunity for local market and work force. This affected the local markets dramatically.
The local players suffer huge losses as they lack the potential to advertise or export their
products on a larger scale. Also, it impoverishes the domestic labor market with the influx of
foreign workers.
In conclusion, cultural globalization is a trend that may influences the whole human race
however unbeknownst to us it may seem. It is important to keep thinking about the issues
related to globalization and cultural change. It has such heavy impact in our daily lives that we
should know and weigh the pros and cons of this phenomenon.