Intercultural Communication: Globalization and Social Justice Chapter 1: Opening the Conversation

Chapter Objectives Identify the opportunities and challenges of intercultural communication in the context of globalization. Describe three definitions of culture that influence intercultural communication in the global context. Explain how our social location and standpoint shape how we see, experience and understand the world differently. Describe the goals and six points of entry into intercultural praxis.

Intercultural Communication in the Context of Globalization Globalization is changing the ways we engage in intercultural communication Do you have examples of this? Our lives are increasingly interconnected through technology and the global economy How do you experience this? The gap between the haves and have-nots is widening. Is this evident where you live? Intercultural communication is studied here within the context of political, economic, and cultural globalization We emphasize the role of history, power, and global institutions.

What is Culture? High Culture Low Culture Popular Culture Culture of the elite class i.e. Opera, ballet, literature Low Culture Culture of the working class i.e. Folk art, popular theater Popular Culture Culture of common everyday people i.e. TV, magazine, movies, fashion, music

1. Culture as a Site of Shared Meaning Anthropologic Definition Culture is passed down from generation to generation through symbols . Culture allows us to make sense and understand the world. Culture allows us to express ourselves. When you share the system of meaning, you become part of the culture.

2. Culture as a Site of Contested Meaning Cultural Studies Definition Culture is not shared by everyone, but contested and negotiated. Focus on representations of class, race, gender, sexuality, and nationality in the media. Culture as an apparatus of power, system of domination. Culture is a site where power relations are negotiated. Hegemony : Domination through consent

3. Culture as a Resource Globalization Definition Culture is used as resource for economic growth in global trade (movies, music, etc.) Resource for political movement. Resource for educating people: literacy, health campaigns, etc. Resource for collective resistance and social change

Cultural Identity A situated sense of self that is shaped by our cultural experiences and social locations How do you define yourself in terms of cultural identity? Do you have multiple cultural identities? How does your cultural identity shape your perspectives, beliefs and relationships with others? Is the way you identify culturally related to issues of power? For example, dominant groups identities are often not as salient as non-dominant group identities

Positionality A term that describes how we are socially positioned in relation to each other. One’s social location shaped by differences--race, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, and physical abilities i.e. I’m a woman, of Mexican descent, upper class, and deaf i.e. I’m a White American male who is in a committed relationship with another man, educated, from working class, and non- religious

Standpoint Theory Standpoint: A place from which to view and make sense of the world. Your positionality gives you a particular standpoint. Different realities depending on the position from which to view it. People with less power in society often have a fuller and more comprehensive view—both the dominant and marginalized view.

Standpoint Theory and Positionality We may see, experience, and understand the world quite differently based on our different standpoints and positionalities . Knowledge about ourselves and others is situated and partial. Knowledge is always and inevitably connected to power. Oppositional standpoints can be formed to challenge and contest the status quo.

Ethnocentrism Ethno: group or nation Kentron: center Idea that one’s own group’s way of thinking, being and acting is superior to others. How can we overcome ethnocentrism? Ethnocentrism can result in dehumanization, prejudices, discrimination, conflict, and violence.

Intercultural Praxis Praxis: Action & Reflection A process of critical analysis, reflection, and action for effective intercultural communication in the context of globalization. To raise our awareness, increase our critical analysis, and develop our socially responsible action. There are six ports of entry: Inquiry, Framing, Positioning, Dialogue, Reflection, and Action.

Social Justice The intercultural praxis model provides a blueprint for joining our knowledge and skills with our ability to act in the world to create greater equity and social justice. Social justice: Both a goal and process “The goal of social justice is full and equal participation of all groups in a society that is mutually shaped to meet their needs” (Adams, Bell, & Griffin, 2007, p. 1). The equitable distribution of resources where social actors experience agency with and responsibility for others. the goal of social justice should be “democratic and participatory, inclusive and affirming of human agency and human capacities for working collaboratively to create change” (Adams et al., p. 3).

Intercultural Praxis

Summary In this chapter, we addressed: 3 Definitions of culture: Culture as shared meaning Culture as contested meaning Culture as resource Key concepts Positionality Standpoint theory Ethnocentrism Intercultural praxis