Culture and Globalization Content Provided by: Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), visited on Sept. 3, 2005 PowerPoint Presentation by: Robert McCarthy, BSBM Culture and Globalization Culture and Globalization text (.pdf)

Introduction As outlined to the right, this presentation will examine the impact of globalization on the world with an emphasis on the impact of the American culture in relation to the rest of the world. We will begin by examining local cultures and the influence of American Corporations. Then we will look at how the American market dominates among other markets causing culture clashes in many cases. Three cultural impacts will be presented before moving on to culture and trade disputes that will cite Canadian, Asian, and Islamic examples and finish with a few final thoughts from the facilitator. This presentation will be of interest to anyone who is planning to do business with people or organizations in other parts of the world. Globalization vs. Local Cultures The Influence of US Corps on Local Mores The Dominance of the American Market Cultural Impact #1 Cultural Impact #2 Cultural Impact #3 The Canadian Magazine Dispute Globalization vs. Asian Values Western Values and Islam Final Thoughts

Globalization vs. Local Cultures Globalization offers people access to products they would not otherwise have Also increases availability of publications, video, and exposure to foreign cultures. Some are concerned that globalization threatens local producer viability Many people believe that globalization will undermine their own cultural identity A P photo copied from

The Influence of US Corps on Local Mores Principle concerns in globalization of culture is homogenization or world culture and “Americanization” American corporations abroad have had varied effects on local cultures Most obvious examples are fast food and Hollywood films Since change is driven by the choice of consumers the elements of a given culture will reflect consumer choice

The Dominance of the American Market Factors that help America dominate cultural globalization include the size of the US market, wealth of the US economy, & relatively homogenous culture Allows for the integration of cultures Allows for the reaffirmation of local culture “the dominating source of conflict will be cultural” in the future. – Huntington (1993)

Cultural Impact #1: New Global Professions New class of people who are well educated, trained professionals with a common global culture Proficient in English As at home in Hong Kong as they are in New York or London Think of themselves as citizens of the world

Cultural Impact #2: Pop Culture Pop culture is the form of globalization that people object to because it is associated with “Americanization” This because America is biggest producer of pop culture products America spreads pop culture through TV, movies, publications, internet, and corporate holdings Pop culture carries values others object to

Cultural Impact #3: The Global Village Critics of globalization argue that it will cause a homogenization of all cultures (AKA Americanization) Proponents, however, argue that globalization offers to enrich the world culturally (the Global Village) Positive cultural values are spread by agencies (like UOP) through mass communication

The Canadian Magazine Dispute The Canadian government has identified magazines as part of its national identity In 1965 Canada prohibited the importation of foreign magazines into the country In 1993 Sports Illustrated got around this prohibition by electronically sending its publication to its Canada office for printing and distribution This situation caused a trade dispute between the US and Canada that almost became a broad trade war An agreement was reached that averted the trade war

Globalization vs. Asian Values Asian values are said to be embodied in the Confucian ideals of respect for authority, hard work, thrift and the belief that society is more important than the individual Local experts credit these values with the recent economic success in countries like China Critics argue that this concept is an excuse for autocratic governance and corruption.

Western Values and Islam Globalization is causing concerns in Muslim countries about the infusion of foreign cultural values on their own ancient cultures Many of the conservative Muslims have had violent reactions to this perceived intrusion of foreign culture To them, it is a matter of the future of their eternal soul and those of their entire families طلب

Final Thoughts Anyone interested in doing business on an international scale or with people from foreign countries should understand that other people will think and do things differently than they do. When entering a new market, know that market inside and out. Have respect for other cultures the same way you expect others to respect you. Offer your products or services to the local taste or success will always elude you. Good luck!