The definition and components of culture

Culture refers to the shared customs, practices, and identity of a group of people, which can evolve over time due to various influences such as events, processes, and globalisation. As globalisation strengthens, cultures adapt, sometimes blending or shifting in response to external pressures.

Key components of culture

• Traditions
• Behaviours and values
• Religion and beliefs
• Languages
• Clothes
• Music
• Art and symbols
• Accepted norms
• Dance
• Shared history
• Architecture
• Aspirations

Types of cultural states in a globalised world

Some argue that globalisation promotes cultural homogeneity, a state in which everyone follows the same set of cultural norms, resulting in a distinct lack of cultural diversity. However, other cultural states highlight coexistence or blending rather than uniformity.

Definitions of cultural states

• Cultural pluralism - A state in which more than one culture coexists, and each culture retains its defining characteristics, allowing diversity without full integration
• Cultural hybridism - A state in which more than one culture has mixed together to form an entirely new culture, combining elements into something unique

Factors and players driving cultural diffusion

Cultural diffusion describes the way in which western culture has spread around the world. Globalisation has accelerated this process, often creating a more westernised global culture based on norms and values from western countries, which are seen as key drivers of globalisation. For example, economies worldwide increasingly adopt capitalism and emphasise democracy. Where someone lives may no longer define their cultural identity, as people can adopt different cultures fluidly.

Ways cultures change through diffusion

1. Force - Using hard power, such as military might, to impose a new culture on people
2. Coercion - Applying soft power, like education or political persuasion, to pressure people into adopting new cultures
3. Free will - Individuals voluntarily choosing cultures that appeal to them or suit their lifestyle

Key players in cultural diffusion

Americanisation specifically refers to the spread of US culture worldwide.

Transnational corporations (TNCs):

• The biggest TNCs, often from the USA or Western Europe, spread western values through their goods, services, and practices, sometimes unintentionally.

• They manufacture products uniformly but may adapt them for local markets, a process known as glocalisation (adapting global products to suit local tastes and needs).

• For example, Coca-Cola® is produced consistently but packaged differently, such as with Arabic script for certain markets.

Media corporations:

• Global media corporations create visual, audio, and online content that spreads quickly worldwide, influencing cultural and political views.

• They reach wide audiences, potentially promoting a dominant culture if that is the main content shown.

• A few corporations from developed countries dominate mainstream media, which could lead to greater cultural homogeneity.

Tourists:

• Tourism plays a role in cultural exchange as destinations adapt to attract visitors.

• Resorts often blend local and western traits to feel familiar, such as offering western food or mimicking facilities from other places.

• Tourists' behaviours can influence locals, while souvenir shops may commercialise local culture to appeal to visitors.

Migrants:

• Migrants bring their cultural traits with them.

• They often adapt to host cultures, sometimes creating hybrids through relationships or marriage.

• Large-scale migration can alter host cultures to accommodate newcomers, fostering diverse communities with extensive cultural influences.

Negative impacts of global culture

A shift towards a global culture based on western values often encourages higher consumption levels, which can harm the environment through unsustainable resource use and ecosystem degradation. This culture supports the growth of TNCs, potentially increasing pollution if regulations are lax, and boosts demand for fast global transport of goods.

Case study: Asia's changing diet

Traditional Asian diets focused on vegetables and fish with low meat intake, but globalisation spread western-style processed and fast foods, combined with rising middle- and high-income groups.

Impacts of dietary change:

• Increased consumption of red meat and sugar has raised obesity from 0.9% of adults in South East Asia in 1990 to 4.3% in 2015.
• This has led to higher rates of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
• Agricultural shifts to livestock reduce food efficiency, as raising animals uses more land than growing crops, accelerating emissions of carbon dioxide and methane.

Positive impacts of global culture

Globalisation can generate wealth and knowledge to support environmental conservation and sustainable development. It also amplifies voices of marginalised groups, fostering diversity and equality. For instance, laws like the UK's 1995 Disability Discrimination Act prohibit discrimination based on disabilities.

Case study: 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro

This case study shows how global events can promote equality for marginalised people, especially those with disabilities from developed and emerging economies. The Paralympic Games feature sports for athletes with disabilities, with growing participation and media coverage since the 1980s.

Key developments and impacts:

• Athlete numbers rose from just over 3000 in 1988 to more than 4400 in 2020, with the highest number of parasports included.
• Increased coverage has made some athletes famous, inspiring more participation and drawing attention to disabilities.
• The Games act as a catalyst for reducing stigmas around disability, though progress varies by country, promoting a more inclusive global culture.