Local vs. Global: Globalisation
Local
- Globalisation tends to emphasise similarities, whereas local emphasises difference. The relationship between the individual and the group is dynamic in that both depend upon and interact with each other. The cultural context in which this occurs is what distinguished societies from one another. Retreat from the intense, irrevocable impact of the Global, is the desire to retain roots, traditional structure, autonomy, local authority and the belief in a cohesive value system. Stereotypes & Connotations: Tradition, comfortable, known, pastoral, basic, community, isolated, borders, singular, hesitant, culture, differences |
Global
- "Globalisation is the process whereby individual lives and local communities are affected by economic and cultural forces that operate world-wide. In effect it is the process of the world becoming a single place. Globalism is the perception of the world as a function or result of the processes of globalisation upon local communities." (Ashcrost,B., Griffiths,G. and Tiffin,H. (1998) Key Concepts in Post-Colonial Studies, London: Routledge.) Stereotypes & Connotations: Experimentation, communications, technology, hybridity, unknown, many, new, lack of borders, interaction, ease, erosion |
Globalisation: 'A New Culture'
- The increasingly rapid and dramatic movement of goods, capital, information and people across ever more permeable geographical, cultural, and political boundaries, bringing practical application to "universal truths" of human behaviour. |
Values of Globalisation
- Economic efficiency, the view of everything as commodities - Commercialisation - International trade and sharing (technically the end of all poverty) -Individualism, self-advancement - Encourages a sense of globally shared experiences and a greater grasp of commonality rather than differences |
Implications of Globalisation
- Widening the gap between the rich and poor. It tends to favour developed countries who can access the benefits, while developing nations can be exploited - Decreased state sovereignty - Small business being pushed out by transnational corporations - Assimilation of culture, Americanisation - Kyoto Protocol - A "global economy", a shared "global identity" - An increased need to assert national identity - Alienation of non-conformists - Tolerance, global peace and cooperation - Hybridation |
Responses to this 'Changing Reality"
- Fear, due to lack of knowledge and understanding - Calls for greater government regulations, stringent environmental controls or greater local production - Transnational Corporations capitalising on opportunism - People's Global Action (PGA): Coordination of anti-globalisation groups |
How can the new global culture be seen as a 'culture about cultures'?
- Interconnectedness of cultures leads to cultural exchange, assimilation and curiosity - Cultures are more readily accessible, and can be an invitation for intercultural exploration - As cultures interconnect and adapt with globalisation, the quest for a "global culture" is asserted. Hence, many cultures are being exposed and appreciated - "Knowledge is power": We want to learn about each other given we are more interconnected and accessible than ever |
Is globalisation inevitable?
- It is already functioning around the globe with global economies and cultures - The separations of the rich and poor as a result of concentrations of wealth within nations and poverty in others could mean globalisation is selective and only accessible to some - Widespread control and influence of transnational corporations - Globalisation cannot progress without cooperation amongst all nations to form a global community |