Globalization and Culture The global culture debate –globalization might surmount cultural barriers that divide people and lead to more peaceful world –or it might lead to homogenization of cultural diversity and dominance of one particular culture

Readings

Global Culture? What is spreading? –Consumerism; culture of capitalism grows out of world capitalist theory as capitalism spreads, it redefines values and ways of life luxuries transformed into necessities via marketing, changes in social institutions, and shift in values evidence counter-arguments

Global Culture? What is spreading? –Western culture components evidence –states - dominant legitimate form of political organization –individual rights counter-arguments –“West” does not exist in abstract –not necessary to become Western to become modern

Diffusion of Ideas Mediums of transfer –TNCs –Media –Power, imperialism –Socialization, global norms Outcomes –Homogenization, convergence –Indigenization, creolization, adaptation –Rejection, backlash –Coexistence of global, regional, and local

Key Questions Is a global culture desirable? Is a cosmopolitan identity desirable? Is it possible? –Can it surmount national identity? Is convergence of values and beliefs about how to structure social activity happening?