Globalization and Culture AP Human Geography

What is globalization? Globalization refers to the process by which something involves the entire world and becomes global in scope. Opposite of global is local. Globalization makes the world “smaller” Ex. Mc D’s used to sell their food only to people a small area…now it is available across the globe. Ex. American cars used to be made in America….how the parts are made across the globe and assembled in America.

Globalization…… Makes communication easier – Internet, cell phones, Makes contact between groups of people more likely – Cheaper travel, fewer barriers Allows ideas to travel faster – Internet, TV, teleconferencing Facilitates the spread of culture – TV, internet, trade Increases trade between countries – “Outsourcing”, NAFTA, maquiladoras Creates “haves” and “have nots” Makes places more uniform, less unique.

Economic Globalization The integration of national economies into the international economy through trade, foreign direct investment, migration, and the spread of technology. Primarily responsible for economic globalization are transnational corporations. – An American owned company has headquarters in 3 different cities (NY, London, Tokyo). Raw materials are from Africa, products are assembled in Asia, and sold to people in Europe.

Call Center in India

Toyota in the U.S.

Chinese Factory

Cultural Globalization The spread of cultural elements from the local to global level. – Ex. English language, television shows, products Many things that are part of American culture are also a part of a global culture as well. Foreign cultures are becoming less foreign as globalization spreads….PEOPLE ARE BECOMING LESS DIFFERENT AND MORE SIMILAR!

“Pop” in SE Asia

Hip-hop in Dem. Republic of Congo

Mc Donalds in Romania

Cultural Globalization

What is culture? Refers not only to music, literature, art, etc. Can include all features of a way of life of a group of people… Dress Food Architecture Language Education, government, law Values and beliefs (religion) Rituals

Two Categories of Culture What people care about… Ideas Beliefs Values Ex. Religion, systems of government, rituals, traditions What people take care of… Food Clothing Shelter Art Music

Cultural Traits A single attribute of a culture. Examples: Sushi in Japan, Turban in Islam, Kente cloth in Western Africa.

Cultural Hearth An area where cultural traits develop and then diffuse. Example: Christianity originated in the Middle East, but over time diffused to Europe, the Americas. What was the cultural hearth for hip-hop culture?

Cultural Diffusion The spread of an idea or innovation from its cultural hearth to other places.

Types of Diffusion Expansion diffusion- idea/ innovation develops in hearth, stays strong at hearth, expands to new turf (McDonalds) Relocation diffusion- idea/ innovation originates in hearth, then originators move bringing the idea/ innovation with them (ethnic neighborhood in city)

Time-Distance Decay The farther an idea/ innovation gets from the hearth, the less likely it is to be accepted. Also, the longer it takes to reach a target, the less likely it is to be accepted. Example: A certain fashion may be popular in a major city, but once it reaches a rural area very few are aware of it.

Cultural Barriers Can also prevent the diffusion of ideas/ innovations. Ideas/ innovations are not allowed to spread to certain areas because they are viewed as unacceptable, taboo, or against tradition. Example: Women's Rights in Saudi Arabia or beef hamburgers in India.