Joey A. Geadah SOCL 201- GLOBALIZATION & WORLD CULTURES ~ Globalization of Culture & The Communication Aspect Overview Scholars, theorists & researchers all do not agree on a general definition of culture. 4 The notion of culture primarily holds two major components: + an integrated set of values, norms & behaviors pertained to individuals as members of a given society. ~ Artistic & symbolic creations alongside heritage products. + Culture is an element of identification within a given group of individuals & an element of differentiation vis-a-vis other groups. Definition & Scope + refers to the swift movement of ideas, attitudes, meanings, values & other cultural products across. International borders. + refers particularly to an idea that there’s somehow a global & a common mono-culture; a culture transferred & thereafter reinforced by the mass media, internet, popular entertainment, global marketing of brands & international tourism; all of which transcend local traditions, norms, lifestyles. They shape perceptions, aspiration & tastes. Ultimately, affecting individuals’ daily activities & standardizing experiences. 4 Ideas & information circulate more freely than conventional products. Historical Phases 1) Pre-modern Phase (early cvilizat isto 1500 AD) ‘© Early human migration (faclitation of trade & initiation of social networks) ‘* Emergence of global religions ‘+ Development across regional trade networks (long-distance trade/ early forms of globalization, specific: with the Silk Road) 2) Modern Phase ‘© European imperialism (the rise of the West & thereafter the emergence of European expansionism, especially with Columbus’ encounter with the New World which allowed goods & people to cross the Atlantic) ‘* Initiation of primitive international economy ‘+ Developments alongside international migration outside of the Western region ‘© Diffusion of modernity ‘¢ Medical advancement that aided populations ‘+ Development of freedom of movement & cultureJoey A. Geadah Rise of the nation-state notion Industrialization (demand for raw materials to supply industries) 3) Contemporary Phase Due to the cold war, the cultural flow slowed but remained steady! The flow encompassed people, ideas, good & symbols Cultural interconnectedness started to take more space! Development in transportation; led to deeper migration & more tourism ‘The term “Global Village” was introduced in the early 1960s by the theorist Marshall McLuhan The term “Globalization” became way more popular amidst the 1980s Perspectives > Hybridization ‘Theorists suggest that cultural globalization isa long-term & historical process of interrelating various cultures. The process involves integration & hybridization > Homogenization Culture is not static; it grows out of reverence for selected customs & habits. Cultures are constructed by people. People make culture, culture makes people. Transforming global diversity into a uniformed & westernized consumer culture! Human monoculture! Cultural imperialism — associated with the destruction of cultural identities. ‘Advocates of anti-globalization claim that the world is being homogenized in the new global era Advocates of globalization, claim that people are not passively accepting, as they have great freedom to select the way of their lives. They can choose their own favorites, regardless of the external factors. The slobal tendency could not eliminate culture diversity, because people have the right to stick to their cultures. People are not mere objects of cultural influences, but subjects who can select various influences & reject or Integrate them, ‘They have great subjectivity & freedom to change & create culture.Joey A. Geadah Conflict Intensification Asa result of cultural globalization, a “Clash of Civilization” might take place. A concept coined by Samuel Huntington (will be discussed later on). He emphasized the fact that while the world is becoming smaller & interconnected, the interactions among people of different cultures, will enhance a civlization’s consciousness in order to stimulate differences hence a source of conflict. Friction ‘Theorists argues that friction makes global connections between cultures, more effective yet prevents a smooth globalization process. Friction is perceived as a force taking place between the local & global layers! Friction among social groups, might offer risks of both potential destruction & progression. Friction among various cultural groups is what keeps global dynamic in continuous motion, Overview A thesis that people’s cultural & religious identities will act as the primary source of conflict the post-Cold war era. According to Samuel Huntington, wars would be fought among cultures not countries. "The most important distinctions among peoples are [no longer] ideological, political, or economic. They are cultural Historically, struggles took place between monarchies, nations & ideologies. He identified three prominent groupings: 1+ Western Christianity (Roman Catholicism & Protestantism) 2. Orthodox Christianity (Russian & Greek) 3+ Islam (with additional influence from Hinduism & Confucianism) The end result would be a “multipolar world” Conversely, significant ethnographic & demographic evidence, showcase the opposite! Sociologists & Anthropologists, refute the notion of clash of civilization; instead, they suggest a quick diffusion of cultural & religious systems across the globe Examples: ~ Islam - one of the fastest-growing religions in the US, France & Germany (countries that are considered the main pillars & defenders of Western Christianity) ~ Indians & Pakistanis across the UK ‘Turks in Germany.Joey A. Geadah of former member states of the Soviet Union (e.g. Roman Catholic States s tic states, Armenia) Chinese, Buddhist, Hindus (der in these cultures, some cout ‘The Sinic Cvlizaiton ~ com Koreas, Muslim world of the Greater Mid Ukraine, French Guiana, Nigeria, Kenya, Sudan among others) Additional Observations > Wars post the breakup of Yugoslavia, in Chechnya, India & Pakistan are all inter-civlizational conflict. > The West built the international systems & drafted its laws ~ e.g. the UN Anticipation of Sinic Power (most prominently China} > He argues that the Islamic civilization has experienced a massive population explosion - fueling instability both on the borders of Istam & in its interior.Joey A. Geadah > Islamic civilization as a potential ally to China, both having more revisionist goals & sharing common conflicts with other civilizations, especially the West. Specifically, he identifies common Chinese & Islamic Interests across the areas of weapons proliferation, human rights & democracy ~ all af which conflict with those of the West. Accordingly, within those areas, both civilizations will collaborate. A "Sino-Islamic connection’ is emerging in which China will cooperate more closely with Iran, Pakistan & other states to augment its international status. > In parallel, he perceives Russia, Japan & India as ‘swing civilizations’, They may favor either side. For Instance, Russia clashes with the Muslim ethnic groups on its southern border (i.e. Chechnya) but cooperates with Iran, Reasons for Clash Huntington offers six explanations for why civilizations will clash: 1. Differences among civilizations are too basic (i.e. history, language, culture, tradition & most importantly, religion.) These fundamental differences are the product of centuries & the foundations of dissimilar civilizations, 2. The world is becoming a smaller place. Asa result, interactions across the world are increasing, intensifying “civilization consciousness" & the awareness of differences & commonalities between civilization 3. Economic modernization & social change, separated people from enduring local identities. As an alternative, religion replaced this gap & filed the vacuum. It became the basis for identity & commitment that transcends national boundaries & unites civilizations. 4, Adual role ofthe West, enhanced the growth of civlization-consciousness. On one hand, the West is at the peak of its power. Simultaneously, a “return-to-the-roots” phenomenon is occurring among non- Western civilizations. Accordingly, @ powerful West, confronts non-Western countries which have @ rowing desie, intentions & resources to shape the world in its own way. 5. Cultural characteristics & differences are less fluctuating; hence, less easily compromised & resolved than political & economic ones. 6. Economic regionalism is increasing, reinforcing civlization-consciousness.Joey A. Geadah ‘The Emerging Order of Civilizations Regional organizations have been formed, reflecting political & economic alliances, such as: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ‘The European Union (EU) ~The North American Fair Trade Agreement (NAFTA). -Part 1-