Dear Debi,

Regarding the appearance of nationally influenced internationally distributed kitsch products as well as the – mainly American - movie clichés, we bear witness to the evolution of an internationally mixed junk culture.  

My answer is "No". There is a fast growing number of "subcultures" which have in common that their members reject globalized culture and business phenomena - including big "brands" or "styles" in all parts of the consumption and life style arenas, including social networks like RG. Some reject mainstream phenomena on purpose ("a party with more then five people becomes a cliché - hence I shall leave!"), and will move on to a new one as soon as the current one becomes fashionable. Most of us are slower than that, of course. It is an interesting study object - many want to be unique, but they also need mates with whom they can ridicule the majority ("the others"); so how many individuals can this sub-culture contain before there is a need for a sub-group to be thrown out, or another sub-group to realize that they have become mainstream and move on to something else? In Sweden we had this sort of "propagation by division" among communist political parties in the 1960s and 1970s. It was fun to watch, because the motivations for a split was clearly contrived.

Debi,

I mostly agree with your analysis of a future global culture. However, ethnic culture is tenacious. I can point to 3rd, 4th, 5th, even 8th generation immigrants in the US that still speak their mother tongue and/or keep to their cultural traditions. Often the ethnic differences in a region are sources of intense pride. Some ethnic conflicts have roots deep in our history. Maybe in a few thousand years we can be a global culture, but I believe even then there will be regional variations. One of the first steps toward a global culture is a common language used by all. Many sci-fi writers have foreseen this as "Spanglish", a blend of Spanish and English, the two major language groups.

Globalisation is just the latest face of the western modernity capitalism economic transformation of societies.  It was global from the very beginning, it was then called colonisation.  In its globalisation face, this phenomena correspond to a financial domination of the economy and societies.  It necessarily profoundly erode all native cultural forms but not like ancient empire domination that always were bringing competing religious faith.   Globalisation is superficially religiously neutral and culturally neutral but it is very naive to believe that it is so.  Globalisation is profoundly and rapidly transforming China and India now because they are not in the periphery anymore but are themself center of propagation of this capitalistic culture.  It sounds like good news; it is in a certain way but it also means that they transform themself along this money culture; it is not the westerner doing it to them.  It is themself and it will be much faster and quicker and efficient way to burn their own tradition as the westerner did and still do.  This is a very quick process of elimination of traditions, all traditions.   Since the physical limits of the planet to sustain such mindless capitalistic development are now hitting us, this will force us to question this type of developments.

Essentially a culture is a set of values into which the youth is enculturated.  The essential value of globalisation is : MONEY.  Gradually this unique value erace all the others unless these are defended by people noticing the erosion.

Thank you for sharing.

No, I don't think so. In my opinion, the impact of globalization policies is not the same on each culture. Some cultures may be more willing to be globalized, others not. The convergence of cultures is more likely to take place by forcing them. But, even in this case, I wish it would never happen, the result would be doubtful.   

Debi:

Globalization can help us to understand each other's cultures better, but when we allow some cultures to dominate us, then we are at risk of preserving our own unique cultures. I attach an article to show the negative effect on education that I hope would shed light on the issue. 

Many thanks,

Debra

Data Curriculum Inclusiveness Challenge: Responding to Multicultu...

Dear Michael,

If only you were right. Looking at Hungarian women I think on the attached photo-montage Mona Lisa after having spent a week in the US...

Dear Debi

Thanks. Its the matter of fact that Globalization itself sounds for arising of a one unanimous culture by mixing of diversity of culture and new knowledge for progressive set of living, fulfillment of smooth supply & demand chains along marketing;  as one key reason behind Globalization is performance of specified functional aspect and for it socio-economical forces are at lead rather than cultural heritage conservation. Wise-Set of Market Ethics will make difference and it is serving as trend-factor for many aspects of next arising Global culture.

Regards,

Thanks, Debi. Yes indeed, I do believe that globalization will lead, and has already been leading, to a convergence of cultures. All you have to do is travel internationally, to see that this has already happened.

I also believe that this is generally a good thing. There are, no question, certain cultural traits that will prevail. Even such relatively innocuous ones as table manners, or appropriate business attire, and less innocuous ones like ethics, environmental concerns, and how other human beings should be treated. But again, I don't think this is bad, as long as these new conventions happen naturally. As they have been, for the most part.

So for example, just so we don't wax too sentimental about these things, in some cultures, if a worker is not being as productive as he is expected to be, the boss would not hesitate to whack him about the head and shoulders. As globalization expands, do we see such practices expanding everywhere, or do we expect such practices to cease? What do people prefer to see?

So, in response to these questions, I always ask, "as opposed to what?" As opposed to cultures remaining isolated? As opposed to "developing" countries never catching up? As opposed to people not being able to communicate with one another on an equal basis? That's why I don't understand the angst about cultural convergence. The days of isolated cultures are long gone, and this is generally a Very Good Thing.

Dear Debi:

As you say, this is an intensely debated topic among many scholars. I think we can expect some convergence, especially among the most internationalized or cosmopolitan groups of the different countries. However, my view is that each culture leaves its own mark in every cultural trait that it imports. So each society follows a distinctive path, which is a product of the interaction between its cultural tradition and the globalization forces. 

Debra,

I think most of us would agree that this is the preferable outcome, and that it could have significant benefit to all. However, there are separate ideologies that see emergence of a multicultural society as a detriment to their preferred status quo. Be they of religious, economic, political, or any other absurdly antiquated ideology, "they" are fighting against any form of progress.

Simply refer to the antithetical political process in the United States; the ongoing fight to eliminate universal health care; livable wages; protection of private firearm ownership; and a plethora of other issues. The concept of right and wrong has been supplanted by the inane "I got mine, so screw you" mentality.

Eventually, if humanity survives long enough, we will have to evolve into only having a single government. Nation-States are no longer the ideal way of controlling resources or providing for the masses. Unfortunately, the entrenched bureaucracy and the hypocritical agendas will take a long time to dislodge. The judicial system has been rife with corruption, so basic legal challenges are rendered moot before they are even heard.

Here in San Francisco, while it is purportedly a liberal city, the police kill more people than all the combined gangs and other murdering factions; undocumented aliens can obtain driver's licenses, but returning prisoners who have been in state custody for over a decade are forced to endure mind-numbing hypocritical delays; "Affirmative Action" has devolved into an effective "Reverse Apartheid"; et cetera...

Worldwide, discrimination based on religion, gender, ethnicity, language, sexuality, age, disability, and a slew of so many other arbitrary divisors, has resulted in a universal "Us v. Them" mentality that is so deeply embedded that it may take centuries to reduce enough to make legitimate progress.

That may not answer your question, but there are so many angles to the problem that I doubt any definitive answer will be provided that is not couched in personal prejudice.

Best wishes,

Gary Hallford

Debi,

My belief is that there will be some convergence that will be particular to each type of culture as it is exposed more each day to globalization policies. Though I would not characterize this exchange as attacks on cultural specificities but as non conflictive evolutionary changes (at least for the most part, though conflicts usually take first page while the other 90% takes the backstage).

Great food for thought, Thanks!

Globalization is expected to unite peoples and cultures of the world, amicably. Commercialization, however, sucks, despite being the driving force of globalization. Likewise, the previous attempt of globalization (after world wars), via U.N.O., too shall become stronger, if the veto wielders are phased out.

Estimado Debi S. Saini 

Gracias por invitarme nuevamente a participar en esta discusión, la cuestión ¿Will globalization policies lead to convergence of cultures? trae a mi mente una obra de Tomás Moro escrita en 1516, titulada "Utopía". En este libro describe el estado ideal de una república en una isla llamada Utopía.

El libro está escrito en dos partes. La parte I se refiere a la situación política, filosófica y económica de Inglaterra en la época del siglo XVI. En la parte II describe un país y una comunidad ficticia con ideales filosóficos y políticos diferentes a los de las comunidades contemporáneas de su época. Diferentes en cuanto a que el sistema de gobierno es por elección popular, los habitantes del país ficticio tienen derecho al voto y los bienes son comunales a diferencia de la propiedad privada de Inglaterra. Hace referencia a los escritos fiolosóficos de Sócrates y a la obra de Platón donde describe una sociedad idealizada "La República".

Que tal se parece este antecedente de hace 5 siglos a lo que pretendemos como ideal en el mundo actual del siglo XXI y más allá hasta el siglo XXX. La globalización tecnológica, en especial las telecomunicaciones tienden a homogeneizar la cultura, formas de organización, política, económíca y educacional; sin embargo, a lo más a que se ha llegado con la política mundial de globalización es al modelo de economía del libre mercado, donde el capitalismo a ultranza a vencido barreras étnicas y culturales, particularmente en los países desarrollados.

Esta globalización económica en forma del liberalismo ha propiciado la especulación y las grandes ganancias monetarias de los capitales financieros internacionales, beneficiando a unos cuantos países del mundo desarrollado, empobreciendo las expectativas generales de la clase media y llevando a la miseria a los países subdesarrollados o del tercer mundo. 

La tecnología vía los "mass media" como Internet han difundido estilos de vida de los países occidentales (Estados Unidos, Canadá, Inglaterra, Unión Europea) y también parte de su cultura, como la "MacDonalización" y la "Burguerización",  el consumismo y el hedonismo, amén de la búsqueda desenfrenada del estatus (statu quo) y de satisfacer la necesidad del tener bienes materiales en lugar del ser (espíritu, auto-realización) y de la solidaridad (apoyo y ayuda a los más necesitados o marginados)

Este cambio materialista globalizado y la especulación financiera junto con la demanda de grandes ganancias económicas de capitalistas inversores, ha llevado a la explotación de los países subdesarrollados y en vías de desarrollo, por los países del primer mundo, beneficiando a una oligarquía del poder, empobreciendo al país sede de dichos negocios y sumiendo en la miseria y enfermedad a sus pobladores (industria de la extracción principalmente: minería, petroleo, etc.).

En todo este proceso, no existe inversión sustentable, hay destrucción y contaminación del medio ambiente (Ecocidio), incluyendo polución del aire, aridez de los campos de cultivo, tala ilegal e inmoderada de los bosques, destrucción de la fauna y la contaminación de los mantos freáticos (agua de fuentes subterráneas, lagos, ríos y mares). 

Por supuesto que sigue existiendo el ideal y la utopía de llegar al Nirvana, o por lo menos a ser y tener todos los seres, independientemente de su raza o religión, una misma consideración y trato humano e igualitario. Y hay que seguir trabajando para lograr este ideal o llegar muy cerca de la meta.

Es muy probable que la globalización no llegue a todos los lugares del mundo, y que no todos los sistemas de gobierno sean democráticos ni que los gobernantes sean elegidos por el voto popular. Probablemente en estas "Islas de Poca Comunicación" y alejadas de la civilización, predomine una cultura propia y característica del lugar (como sucedió hasta recientemente en los naturales de Australia, los indígenas de la selva del Amazonas o los aborígenes del África negra), 

Saludos

Atentamente

Dr. José Luis García Vigil

Dear Debi S. Saini

Thanks again for inviting me to participate in this discussion, Question Will globalization lead to convergence of policies cultures? It brings to mind a work of Thomas More written in 1516, entitled "Utopia". This book describes the ideal state of a republic on an island called Utopia.

The book is written in two parts. Part I relates to the political, philosophical and economic situation in England at the time of the sixteenth century. Part II describes a fictional country and a community with different political and philosophical ideals to contemporary communities of his time. Different in that the system of government is elected by popular vote, the inhabitants of the fictional country have the right to vote and property they are communal unlike private property in England. Fiolosóficos refers to the writings of Socrates and Plato's work describing an idealized society "The Republic".

Such that resembles this history of 5 centuries ago to what we want as an ideal in today's world of the twenty-first century and beyond to the XXX century. Technological globalization, especially telecommunications tend to homogenize the culture, forms of organization, political, economic and educational; however, as it has come with globalization of world politics is the model of free market economy, where capitalism extreme to overcome ethnic and cultural barriers, particularly in developed countries.

This economic globalization in the form of liberalism has led to speculation and large monetary gains of international financial capital, benefiting a few countries in the developed world, impoverishing the general expectations of the middle class and bringing misery to underdeveloped or countries Third World.

The technology via the "mass media" such as the Internet have spread lifestyles of Western countries (United States, Canada, England, European Union) and also part of their culture, as the "McDonaldization" and "Burguerización" consumerism and hedonism, not to mention the unbridled pursuit of status (status quo) and meet the need of having material goods instead of being (spirit, self-realization) and solidarity (support and help to the needy and marginalized)

This globalized materialistic change and financial speculation along with the demand for large economic gains of capitalist investors, has led to the exploitation of the underdeveloped countries and developing, by first world countries, benefiting an oligarchy of power, impoverishing the host country of such businesses and plunging into misery and disease to their people (mainly mining industry: mining, oil, etc.).

Throughout this process, there is no sustainable investment, there are destruction and pollution of the environment (ecocide), including air pollution, aridity of the fields, illegal and excessive logging of forests, destruction of wildlife and pollution of groundwater (water from underground sources, lakes, rivers and seas).

Of course there remains the ideal and utopia reach Nirvana, or at least to be and have all beings, regardless of race or religion, the same consideration and humane and equal treatment. And we must continue working to achieve this ideal or get close to the goal.

It is very likely that globalization does not reach all parts of the world, and that not all systems of governance are democratic or that the rulers are elected by popular vote. Probably in these "islands of Little Communication" and far from civilization prevails own culture and characteristic of the place (as was the case until recently in the natives of Australia, the indigenous people of the Amazon jungle or the aborigines of Black Africa)

regards

Sincerely

Dr. Jose Luis Garcia Vigil

'Globalization policies lead to convergence of cultures',

how pleasant to hear the dialogue. Theoretically we imagine more but I believe practically it is impossible as mentioned by our scholars "lead to a growing cultural exchange but will not damage the specificity of each individual culture". Probably in certain aspects it works but not all.

Very simple example what about BREXIT!! 

What is Globalization? Six Principles of Global Manipulation.

https://antioligarch.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/what-is-globalization-six-principles-of-global-manipulation/

As globalization promotes the flow of cultural practices and norms along with cross-border exchanges of products and goods, both societies and organizations need to understand cultural implications of these flows in hopes for better interaction with other cultures and more efficient management of international organizations. In addition, while resorting to standardized practices across cultures, organizations need to adapt these practices in light of local cultural specificities.

http://www.intechopen.com/books/globalization-approaches-to-diversity/globalization-and-culture-the-three-h-scenarios

Globalization as such will not lead to convergence of cultures, and we may not expect it, as every part of the globe has its own culture and value system. What is desirable is the mutual enrichment of cultures through process of integration. A global multinational company involved in fast food chains, operating in a particular country must recognize the local tastes and needs. The product mix and offerings must be organized accordingly, to suit the local needs. Successful globalization is a process of integration and localization. 

The latest inventories in telecommunication and technology has found the possibility of a global culture. These technologies have swept away cultural boundaries. A common culture may lead the way to more shared values all over the world.

Few examples of cultural convergence are the use of technology, participation in global sports, the English language and doing business across countries. Cultural convergence occurs when multiple cultures become more like one another through exposure to traditions, ideals and languages. Comparatively such things happen more in globalized world.

Technology has definitely grown to have a global culture to all of us.  It can lead to Macdonaldization  but , the deep roots of individual culture will remain the same. Some changes are always observed as a part which are necessary for growth. With a change only; new things are possible. If you are stuck ; you will not be able to do any progress. Cultural globalization will have to accepted .

Definitely, there are pros and cons of cultural convergence, as many colleagues have mentioned. But more people are concerned about the cons. For example, parents in oriental culture may not like that their children become other-culture-centered in their ways of thinking, value-orientation, habits and beliefs.

Yeah sure Debi . The cons are felt more . But I see people want their choices everywhere. For progress if you have globalize do yourself you have to accept the facts which come with it. You want to stay for years but don't want to be like them. It is difficult for those who are born in own country . But, think of those who are born n brought up tin those countries!! How you can expect them to follow the culture unless exposed?           I

Dear Debi & Dear Anjali

Its culture, norms or set of habits, practices which become difficult to adopt Change Trend due to the well developed investment of time, satisfaction, resources along easiness of routine chores?

Regards

I can say simply yes. Everybody already explain this. It is sure.

Dear Debi,

In a paper I wrote last fall on "women, education and wealth equity" and which is forthcoming in an edited anthology, I noted the counter-evidence to the claim that there is a "MacDonaldization" or homogenization of cultural values around the world. There is such a convergence in most democratic, capitalistic, industrialized countries where laws concerning what is considered morally acceptable sexual behaviour and life-style choices has become much broader and the protection for various behaviours and life-styles is not only tolerated but legally entrenched. In those countries, there are also more legally articulated rights to education, property and equality of opportunity (which doesn't guarantee the actualization of those rights).

Having said this, there are also strongly held values which are contrary to all of these newly entrenched rights about what counts as moral lifestyle choices within those countries which frequently results in violence and angry demonstrations among those with different values and beliefs. So even within capitalist democracies there is not a universally held set of cultural values although there are legally sanctioned norms which are radically different than those of some other countries and cultures around the world.

There is also counter-evidence to the claims that these rights and cultural beliefs have been more universally adopted. There is still a significant gap in attendance at schools by girls in many countries and the gap grows when one looks at advanced education. While abortion, adultery and homosexuality have been decriminalized in many western countries, this is certainly not universally the case. Women's access to wealth and property certainly varies by country and culture although the relationship is complex and varies across cultures, religions and customs.

I have chosen certain values-based life-style behaviour as a means to discuss this issue. I could have chosen more economic variables such as taxation, distributive justice and redistributive justice. These vary significantly across nations based on a balance of political ideology and cultural values. One could also looks at how culture impacts constitutional rights, benefits, duties and obligations.

This is necessarily a discussion that depends on a lot of empirical data and familiarity with the specificity of laws, beliefs, cultures, religions and customs around the world so it is difficult to say anything for which there is not also evidence to take the opposite position in arguments. A challenging topic.

I guess when I think about the issue, I am more concerned with the fact that 1 percent of the world's population owns about 80 percent of the world's wealth. I am more concerned with massive economic inequity and global poverty than cultural assimilation. The product of such gross inequality is violence, illness, disease, lack of education, lack of equality of opportunity and lack of quality of life for billions of people.

Deborah

Por lo que veo la cuestión ha disparado gran cantidad de opiniones que expresan ideales y vivencias de los participantes, según si el país, idioma y cultura nativa son predominantes por venir del mundo desarrollado, o dispares por emanar del tercer mundo.

Difícil pero no imposible clasificar tal cantidad de respuestas para identificar alguna tendencia (por fortuna ya existe un software codificado y programado con inteligencia artificial que puede ayudar, a organizar y darle sentido a toda esta información se llama "Minería de Opiniones"),

En términos generales encuentro una tendencia a lograr los objetivos y metas de la globalización de ciertos países, quienes difunden hasta la saciedad su cultura, debido a que tienen los medios necesarios para hacerlo, partiendo de los países del primer mundo, capitalistas, ricos y poseedores e inventores de "tecnología de punta". 

Sin embargo hasta el momento, pese a estandarizar hábitos y costumbres por medio del poder de los medios, la tecnología de punta y la riqueza de todo tipo (financiera, intelectual, económica, científica), no se ha logrado el ideal de homogeneizar en un nivel alto y deseable, la cultura considerada como la más deseable por los grupos de poder. Existen y seguirán existiendo las desigualdades y dificultades para que se pongan de acuerdo los dirigentes o clase política de los diferentes países o regiones del mundo (América, Unión Europea, Europa Oriental, Medio Oriente, Asia, África e Indonesia).

Un ejemplo actual de apertura o cierre de fronteras por temor a los otros (inmigrantes de diferente raza a la Gran Bretaña), a propósito del ejemplo con el que inicié mi disertación en este foro (Libro de Tomás Moro "Utopía") que hace referencia a un país ideal  (una isla) comparando con Inglaterra del siglo XVI (isla real).

Inglaterra país con sistema de gobierno llamado "Monarguía Parlamentaria", el cual en la práctica se maneja como todo país democrático, donde se gestó y luego se generalizó hacia Europa del Este y Norte América, la teoría y política de la "Liberación Económica o del Libre Mercado" que por el voto popular de las personas de la tercer edad y conservadoras ganó el referendum "BREXIT"para decidir si sale Gran Bretaña "GB" (Geográficamente una isla que incluye Inglaterra,Escocia y Gales) o todo el Reino Unido"RU" (Los países ya mencionados además de Irlanda del Norte). Menudo problema pues sólo los ingleses viejos votaron y no todos los habitantes de la Gran Isla (GB y RU).

En resumen, un país Inglaterra, o conjunto de países (GB o RU) promotores de la modernidad, globalización económica y hasta cierto punto de parte de su cultura, que ahora no se pone de acuerdo con los países vecinos de si continúan unidos y globalizados a la Unión Europea o cierran sus fronteras, levantan muros y se aíslan como en la Edad Media.

Saludos

José Luis García Vigil

So I see the issue has exploded lot of opinions they express ideals and experiences of the participants, as if the country, language and native culture are predominant come from developed or disparate for third world emanate world.

Difficult but not impossible to classify so many responses to identify any trends (fortunately there is already a software coded and programmed with artificial intelligence that can help organize and make sense of all this information is called "Opinion Mining"),

In general terms I find a tendency to achieve the objectives and goals of the globalization of certain countries who broadcast ad nauseum their culture, because they have the means to do so, starting from the first world countries, capitalists, wealthy and possessors and inventors of "technology".

But so far, despite standardize habits and customs through the power of the media, technology and wealth of all kinds (financial, intellectual, economic, scientific), has not achieved the ideal of homogenizing in a high and desirable level, culture considered the most desirable by the power groups. Exist and continue to exist inequalities and difficulties to agree or political class leaders of different countries or regions of the world (America, European Union, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa and Indonesia).

A current example of opening or closing of borders for fear of others (immigrants of different race to Great Britain), concerning the example that started my dissertation in this forum (Book of Thomas More "Utopia") referred an ideal country (an island) compared to sixteenth-century England (royal island).

England country steering system called "Monarguía Parliamentary" which in practice is handled as any democratic country, where it was created and later expanded into Eastern Europe and North America, theory and policy of "economic liberation or free Market "by the popular vote of the people of the third age and conservative won the referendum" BREXIT "to decide whether to leave Britain" GB "(Geographically an island that includes England, Scotland and Wales) or across the UK" RU "(the aforementioned countries plus Northern Ireland). Often problem because only the old English voted and not all the inhabitants of the Big Island (GB and UK).

In short, a country England, or group of countries (GB or UK) promoters of modernity, economic globalization and to some extent part of their culture, which now agrees with neighboring countries if they continue united and globalized the European Union or close their borders, build walls and isolated as in the Middle ages.

regards

José Luis García Vigil

Globalization results in the creation of a common global culture. This is occurring due to air travel, newspapers, television, telecommunications, and the Internet.

In a highly net worked world, Netizens’ and frequent jet flyers' habits may certainly get influenced, but culture is distinctly different. Culture is discrete , value based and localized. Cultural ingress requires perfect integration, which is difficult in a culturally diverse world. Technology may be one of the enablers. Social enabling factors are more important. Remember that more than a century ago Rudyard Kipling wrote " East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet ". I feel, he wrote it in the cultural context.

Globalisation is driven by maximizasion of money on accounting sheets.  This is the dominant rational concern of this global social phenomena and it is where the convergence is leading, a leveling of all other concerns.

Regarding the globalization ,unfortunately the MacDonaldization is increasing against the concept of the Mediterranean diet necessary to maintain the wellbeing of our body and mind.Hiwever,I hope that the school at the different levels  will be able to help the pupils all around the world to find the right way for organizing a better future for young and old people also. My hope is that the oriental culture for a more holistic way of living may  influence positively the actual philosophy of living based on the money for money!