Globalisation - Enriching Our Lives and global culture?

Superpower Geographies 2 Superpower Geographies 2. Impacts and influences of Superpowers a) The changes from colonial rule to indirect neo-colonial rule b) Key roles in international decision making, policy and action c) Control of trade d) Superpower influence in the idea of developing a ‘global culture’ Learning Objectives: Understand that the superpower influence extends to the idea of a developing ‘global culture’ Identify the issues that this has created in some groups

What is “Global Culture”? Is global culture simply…… American cultural imperialism? the spread of American consumer culture? the McDonaldization of the World? YES, AND NO

Global McDonalds McDonald's franchises and operates more than 32,000 fast-food restaurants in over 100 countries. Europe ... $7,072 (35% of total company revenues) United States ... $6,955 (34%) Australia/Asia Asia-Pacific ... $2,815 (14%) Latin America ... $1,327 (6%) Canada ... $948 (5%) Other ... $1,343 (6%)

McDonald’s Culture McDonaldization refers to "the principles of the fast-food restaurant coming to dominate more and more sectors of American society as well as of the rest of the world. world.” (Ritzer Ritzer) McDonald’s Emphasizes Efficiency Calculability Predictability Control

Advantages of McDonaldization (Ritzer) A wider range of goods and services is available to a much larger portion of the population. People are able to get what they want or need almost instantaneously. Fast, efficient goods and services are available to a population that is working longer hours and has fewer hours to spare. In a rapidly changing, unfamiliar, and seemingly hostile world, there is comfort in the comparatively stable, familiar, and safe environment of a McDonaldized system.

Task Produce a fact file on McDonaldisation to include the following information: - global distribution map of McDonald’s restaurants (www.princeton.edu/~ina/infographics/starbucks.html) - History - Adaptations of products to different cultures and countries - Impact on culture - Problems that have risen

Plenary Is there any parts of your life or culture that you would not want to be Mcdonaldised?