Globalization: Local Cultures PDF

GLOBALIZATION: LOCAL CULTURES SPRING 2023/2024 LOCAL CULTURES Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of countries and cultures around the world. This interconnectedness is driven by advances in technology, transportation, and communication, as well as trad...

GLOBALIZATION: LOCAL CULTURES SPRING 2023/2024 LOCAL CULTURES Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of countries and cultures around the world. This interconnectedness is driven by advances in technology, transportation, and communication, as well as trade and economic integration. While globalization has brought many benefits such as increased economic growth and improved access to goods and services, it also has a significant impact on local cultures. LOCAL CULTURES Local culture is the set of behaviors, beliefs, and customs that exist in a country. Everything from how people eat and dress to the way they work and communicate. EFFECTS OF GLOBALIZATION ON LOCAL CULTURES One of the most obvious effects of globalization on local cultures is the spread of popular culture. With the rise of global media and the internet, cultural products such as music, films, and television shows are now easily accessible in even the most remote corners of the world. This has led to the homogenization of cultural tastes and the erosion of traditional cultural practices. For example, many traditional music styles and instruments are being replaced by Western pop music and electric instruments. This can lead to a loss of cultural identity and a sense of disconnection from one's own heritage. EFFECTS OF GLOBALIZATION ON LOCAL CULTURES Another effect of globalization on local cultures is the erosion of traditional languages. As people become more exposed to global media and travel more, they are more likely to adopt the language of the dominant global culture, often at the expense of their own traditional languages. This can lead to a loss of linguistic diversity and a sense of disconnection from one's own heritage. In some cases, it can also lead to the extinction of languages that are not passed down to future generations. EFFECTS OF GLOBALIZATION ON LOCAL CULTURES Globalization also has an economic impact on local cultures. As countries become more integrated into the global economy, they are more likely to adopt Western-style capitalist economic systems and consumer cultures. This can lead to the displacement of traditional livelihoods and the erosion of traditional economic systems, such as farming. In addition, the spread of multinational corporations can lead to the displacement of local businesses and the loss of traditional ways of life. This can lead to a loss of economic security and a sense of disconnection from one's own heritage. EFFECTS OF GLOBALIZATION ON LOCAL CULTURES Another impact of globalization is the erosion of traditional gender roles and family structures. With the increasing exposure to Western ideas and culture, traditional gender roles and family structures are often challenged and replaced by more liberal and individualistic models. This can lead to social and cultural tensions as people struggle to reconcile their traditional beliefs with the new global norms. This can also lead to a sense of disconnection from one's own heritage and a loss of traditional values. EFFECTS OF GLOBALIZATION ON LOCAL CULTURES Another significant effect of globalization on local cultures is the impact it has on food choices. As countries become more connected, people have access to a wider variety of food options from around the world. However, this increased access can also lead to the erosion of traditional food cultures. EFFECTS OF GLOBALIZATION ON LOCAL CULTURES One of the most obvious effects of globalization on food choices is the spread of fast food and processed foods. With the rise of multinational food corporations, fast food and processed foods have become increasingly available in even the most remote corners of the world. This has led to a decrease in the consumption of traditional foods and a rise in the consumption of unhealthy, processed foods. For example, the traditional diet of a rural community in Africa may be replaced by a diet of fast food and processed snacks, which can lead to health problems such as obesity and diabetes. Can you think of communities that were not affected by globalization? THE HADZA OF TANZANIA The Hadza of Tanzania are the world’s last full- time hunter-gatherers. They live on what they find: game, honey, and plants, including tubers, berries, and baobab fruit. Berries like these Kongolobe are picked by the Hadza during their trips and eaten on the spot, rather than being collected to eat later. After chewing off the berries’ thin flesh, the Hadza spit the pits onto the ground, sowing seeds for the next generation of berry bushes. THE BAJAU OF MALAYSIA The Bajau of Malaysia fish and dive for almost everything they eat. Some live in houses on the beach or on stilts; others have no homes but their boats. The Bajau may wear Western clothes such as skinny jeans, but they still fish as they have for centuries. THE INUIT OF GREENLAND The Inuit of Greenland survived for generations eating almost nothing but meat in a landscape too harsh for most plants. Today markets offer more variety, but a taste for meat persists. The 64 residents of the remote east Greenland village of Isortoq still hunt and fish but combine traditional Inuit foods with purchases from the supermarket. A favorite dish: seal dipped in ketchup and mayonnaise. What’s not eaten right away will stay frozen in outdoor sheds; one family’s ‘freezer’ holds the meat, ribs, and jaw of a killer whale and the liver of a bearded seal. EFFECTS OF GLOBALIZATION ON LOCAL CULTURES Another effect of globalization on food choices is the erosion of traditional food production and farming practices. As countries become more integrated into the global economy, they are more likely to adopt Western-style agricultural practices, which can lead to the displacement of traditional farming methods and the loss of traditional crop varieties. For example, the traditional method of farming using traditional seeds and techniques may be replaced by commercial farming using genetically modified seeds and chemical fertilizers, which can lead to a loss of biodiversity and a decrease in the nutritional value of food. POSITIVE IMPACTS However, globalization also has the potential to positively impact food choices. For example, globalization can lead to the preservation of endangered traditional foods and cuisines by providing a platform for their promotion and celebration. Example: The Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance. The movement advocates for a return to the Native foodways that existed before colonization. It supports the self-determination of tribes to access healthy and culturally meaningful foods produced by Native Americans. Tribal leaders, elders, native chefs, and healers have endorsed this movement, which promotes the return to healthy and thriving communities to preserve culture and traditions for future generations. POSITIVE IMPACTS Additionally, globalization can lead to the sharing of food ideas and practices, promoting mutual understanding and respect between different cultures. In this way, globalization can lead to a greater appreciation of food diversity and a sense of connectedness to the world. POSITIVE IMPACTS Despite these negative effects, globalization also has the potential to positively impact local cultures. For example, globalization can lead to the preservation of endangered cultures and languages by providing a platform for their promotion and celebration. Example: Preservation of the Amazigh and Berber culture and language on social media. Additionally, globalization can lead to the sharing of cultural ideas and practices, promoting mutual understanding and respect between different cultures. In this way, globalization can lead to a greater appreciation of cultural diversity and a sense of connectedness to the world.