TITLE OF LESSON: Culturalism, Multiculturalism, and Globalization

I.​ Globalization

Globalization is the process by which ideas, knowledge, information, goods and services
spread around the world. In business, the term is used in an economic context to describe
integrated economies marked by free trade, the free flow of capital among countries and easy
access to foreign resources, including labor markets, to maximize returns and benefit for the
common good. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globalization can be defined
as ”the increased interconnectedness and interdependence of peoples and countries. It is
generally understood to include two interrelated elements: the opening of international borders
to increasingly fast flows of goods, services, finance, people and ideas; and the changes in
institutions and policies at national and international levels that facilitate or promote such flows.”

Globalization is driven by the convergence of cultural and economic systems. This

convergence promotes -- and in some cases necessitates -- increased interaction, integration
and interdependence among nations. The more countries and regions of the world become
intertwined politically, culturally and economically, the more globalized the world becomes.

George Herbert Mead, a sociologist, argued that both individuals and societies have evolved
through an interactive relationship between the human mind and culture. Over time, people
have thought, believed, and behaved in diverse ways across different physical and social
spaces, making it difficult to define a singular "globalized culture," especially in terms of
intangible aspects like language, beliefs, and rituals.

The key idea in this context is that globalization is not about uniformity but about interaction,
interdependence, and shared elements that exist within a vast sea of cultural diversity.
Cultures have always interacted and learned from each other through processes like:

●​ Acculturation: The adoption of elements from one culture by another.

●​ Adaptation: Cultural adjustments to new conditions.
●​ Diffusion: The spread of cultural elements across societies.
●​ Assimilation: The gradual integration of a minority group into the dominant culture.
In the age of globalization, these processes have accelerated, making local cultures more
connected to global influences and vice versa. As a result, the lines between the local and
global have blurred, with each impacting and reshaping the other in new and faster ways.

In essence, globalization fosters more cultural exchange and transformation rather than cultural
homogeneity, highlighting a dynamic interplay between diverse cultural practices worldwide.

II.​ Culturalism

The concept of culturalism is commonly viewed as the idea that individuals are
determined by their culture, that these cultures form closed, organic wholes, and that the
individual is unable to leave his or her own culture but rather can only realize him or herself
within it. However, it cannot become a generalized concept for all disciplines because when
defined from the point of view of philosophy and sociology, culturalism is an organizing force
that eliminates the binaries between nature and culture (Chowdhury, 2024).

Culturalism highlights the importance of meaning-making, where individuals interpret symbols

and behaviors based on cultural frameworks. This process of understanding is not static but
evolves over time as social contexts change. Culturalism also emphasizes the tacit nature of
cultural knowledge—the things we "just know" without being explicitly taught, like why haggling
is acceptable in some places (e.g., markets) but not in others (e.g., supermarkets). This kind of
knowledge is embedded in practice, meaning that learning happens through engagement in
everyday activities, not just through theoretical instruction.

Historically, intercultural communication theories, especially those introduced by Edward Hall in

the 1950s, were shaped by the context of diplomats adjusting to foreign societies. However, in
today's globalized world, intercultural encounters are far more complex. Migration, multinational
workforces, and hyperconnectivity have transformed the nature of these interactions. Rather
than simply adapting to another culture, individuals now need to navigate a diversity of identities
and factors in dynamic settings.

Culturalism brings people together at a fundamental level and helps individuals safeguard their
identity against being overshadowed by dominant or mainstream cultures. Beyond just
knowledge, preserving one's culture is crucial. In this sense, cultural globalization can be
detrimental, as it seeks to make the world uniform and standardize everything through the
power of virtual networks.

III.​ Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism refers to a system of beliefs and behaviors that acknowledges and

values the presence of diverse groups within an organization or society. It emphasizes the
importance of recognizing and appreciating socio-cultural differences while fostering an
environment that supports ongoing contributions from all groups. This inclusive cultural context
aims to empower everyone. As a "system," it consists of interconnected elements—beliefs and
behaviors—that shape how individuals perceive and engage with the world today. It includes
people's attitudes toward others, their perspectives, and how these beliefs influence and are
influenced by their actions (Rosado, 1996).

Multiculturalism is a concept rooted in social, political, and cultural principles that advocates for
the coexistence of diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious groups within a society. It highlights the
importance of mutual respect, understanding, and acknowledgment of cultural differences while
promoting equal involvement in civic and political activities. Often, it aims to safeguard the rights
of minority groups and strengthen social unity through policies and practices that appreciate
diversity. According to Parekh (2000), multiculturalism revolves around cultural diversity and
embedded differences, recognizing that individuals are shaped by their unique cultural
backgrounds. In a multicultural society, public policy should aim to accommodate the cultural
beliefs and practices that enrich and give meaning to people's lives.

Comparison of Main Differences:

Culturalism Multiculturalism Globalization

The idea that people Promotes the Worldwide

Definition are defined by their coexistence of diverse interconnectedness of
culture. cultures in society. cultures, ideas, and
economies.

Cultural identity is fixed Celebrates and upholds Blending and exchange of

Focus and important. cultural diversity. cultures and ideas globally.
 Individuals are shaped People can have Identities are influenced by
Identity by one culture. multiple cultural global connections.
identities.

Cultures should be Encourages cultural Cultures mix and influence

Cultural preserved and remain harmony and respect each other.
View distinct. for diversity.

Political Often linked to Supports equal rights Promotes global trade,

Impact nationalism or cultural and protection for all economy, and cooperation.
preservation. cultures.

Three Effects of Globalization on Culture:

1.​ Heterogenization Scenario

Cultural Heterogenization refers to the coexistence of diverse cultural

expressions, practices, and identities within a given context, emphasizing that, despite
globalization, cultures do not merge into a single global culture but remain
distinct and often fragmented. It highlights the persistence of cultural diversity,
fragmentation, and distinctiveness in the face of globalization, offering a counterpoint to
homogenization and hybridization. It encourages the preservation of cultural diversity,
fosters intercultural dialogue, and allows for the celebration of varied cultural
expressions.

Cultural heterogenization is part of a broader landscape that includes cultural

homogenization (the blending of cultures into a uniform global culture) and cultural
hybridization (the mixing of different cultural elements). While homogenization may
threaten diversity, both hybridization and heterogenization can be seen as responses
that preserve and celebrate cultural uniqueness in a globalized world.

Some examples of cultural heterogenization include:

Preservation of Traditional Practices: The Maasai, an indigenous ethnic group

in East Africa, have managed to preserve many of their traditional practices
 despite the pressures of modernization and globalization such as traditional
ceremonies, clothing, art and craftsmanship.

Maintenance of Local Identities: The Basque people, who live primarily in the
Basque Country, which spans parts of northern Spain and southwestern France,
have actively preserved their local identity despite historical and modern
pressures to assimilate. It includes their language, cuisine, traditional sports, and
cultural anatomy.

Localized Cultural Expressions: The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a traditional

ritual that involves the ceremonial preparation and drinking of matcha (powdered
green tea). While tea culture is widespread globally, the Japanese Tea Ceremony
remains a deeply localized cultural expression, rooted in Japanese history,
aesthetics, and spiritual values.

2.​ Homogenization Scenario

●​ Globalization, characterized by increased interconnectedness and the rapid

exchange of information and media, plays a significant role in cultural
homogenization. The advancements in transportation, communication, and
technology have facilitated the widespread dissemination of cultural products,
ideas, and values. This interconnectedness has enabled dominant cultures to
exert influence on a global scale. Western culture, particularly American culture,
has been at the forefront of this cultural dominance, shaping global norms,
consumerism, and popular culture.

1.​ Social Media and Technology

●​ Dominated by a few major global brands, with the majority being
American (e.g., YouTube, Facebook).
●​ Chinese companies like TikTok, Alibaba, and Xiaomi also have
significant influence.
●​ This leads to a globalized tech landscape, where many people
access similar platforms and technologies regardless of location.
2.​ Styles of Dress
●​ Different cultures have unique traditional attires influenced by
climate, religion, and history.
 ●​ However, cultural homogenization is causing more people to adopt
similar global fashion trends, such as jeans and t-shirts, which are
now common worldwide.
3.​ Education and Curriculum
●​ Western higher education models, particularly those from the U.S.
and Europe, dominate globally.
●​ Textbooks and curriculums often reflect Western perspectives,
particularly in social sciences, humanities, and sciences.
●​ This trend fosters cultural homogenization in educational systems
around the world.

3.​ Hybridization Scenario

●​ The hybridization scenario in globalization represents the mixing and blending of

cultural elements from different countries resulting in new, hybrid cultural forms.
●​ It is a complex blend or mixture of heterogenization and homogenization (Robertson,
2001).
●​ Moreover, It contradicts the concept of cultural homogenization, suggesting that
globalization promotes unique exchanges resulting in a variety of outcomes instead of
erasing cultural differences.
●​ In cultural studies, hybridization has also been linked to the concepts of glocalization and
creolization. (Hannerz, 1987). The word “Creole” refers to people of mixed race. While
glocalization, which is at the heart of hybridization, refers to the interpretation of the
global and local to produce distinct results in various parts of the world. (Giulianotti and
Robertson, 2007).
Examples:
●​ McDonald’s regional menus - Adaption of McDonald’s to local tastes and cultural
preferences such as McAloo Tikki in India, Teriyaki burger in Japan and Panzerotti in
Italy.
●​ K-pop music - A genre of popular music from South Korea that blends various musical
styles, including pop, hip-hop and R&B. Represents the globalization of South
Korean culture, influencing and being influenced by international music trends.
●​ Tex-Mex cuisine - m Popular dishes include nachos, and chili con carne, showcasing
the fusion of flavors. Reflects the cultural exchange between Mexican immigrants
and American society, evolving over time.
Graphic Representation on the Relationship between the Three

Culturalism - Focuses on preserving cultural heritage and identities

Multiculturalism - Highlights coexistence and diversity in societies
Globalization - Emphasizes global interconnectedness and exchange

The overlapping circles and map of the world in the background shows how these concepts
influence and interact with each other in shaping societies worldwide

Conclusion
Globalization, multiculturalism, and culturalism are important concepts that influence our

relationships in an interconnected world. Globalization encourages the interchange of goods,

ideas, and cultures, increasing interdependence among nations. It promotes ongoing

communication and progress across civilizations, allowing people to identify themselves, adhere

to shared principles, and contribute to society via culture. Culturalism stresses the value of

cultural identity and the preservation of cultural variety, whereas multiculturalism advocates for

inclusive policies that promote equality and social cohesion while also celebrating diversity and

tolerance for diverse religious, ethnic, and cultural origins. Despite globalization's propensity to

bring civilizations closer together, these ideas ensure that cultural variety is valued and

protected, resulting in a more accepting and peaceful society.

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Globalization
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Culturalism
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Multiculturalism
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