Globalisation and culture
Goods, images, and people now cross the world faster than ever. Does that make every culture the same?
What globalisation is
Globalisation is the growing interconnection of the world through trade, communication, travel, and migration. Its roots lie in centuries of colonialism and long-distance trade, but digital media and cheap transport have sped it up enormously. It affects what people eat, wear, watch, and believe.
Homogenisation or hybridity?
Some fear globalisation produces a single global culture dominated by powerful countries. Anthropologists usually find a more complex picture: people adapt global products to local meanings. Fast-food chains change their menus for local tastes, and musical styles blend into new genres. This mixing is called cultural hybridity.
Transnationalism
Many migrants today live transnational lives, maintaining strong economic, social, and political ties across borders. They send remittances, money sent home to family, vote in home elections, and video-call relatives daily. Diasporas, communities spread far from an original homeland, keep shared identities across generations.
Flashcard
Growing worldwide interconnection through trade, media, and movement
Check your understanding
A global burger chain sells a vegetarian menu in India and rice dishes in Indonesia. This illustrates: