Sociocultural exchanges
Cultural diffusion: the process
Culture: A set of shared ideas, actions, principals, beliefs and values.
Cultural diffusion: The spread of cultural ideas from their place of origin to other regions, groups or nations.
In an increasingly globalized World, culture has become fluid and may adapt and change because of new influences. Some might say culture has become more homogenised because of this, while others may say that culture has diversified because of the increased choice and variety. Some ways that culture has converged, changed and adapted are below:
- Language: It is estimated that there is over 6,500 spoken languages in the world today. Countries with a large number of indigenous groups tend to have the most languages. In Papua New Guinea that only has a population of about 5 million, there are over 800 languages. Other countries like Belgium (French and Flemish) and Canada (English and French) are officially bilingual, while others have one predominant language and some minority languages e.g. in France about 500,000 either speak Corsican or Breton. The most widely spoke language in the world is Mandarin, followed by English and Spanish. The UN has six official languages; Arabic, Mandarin, English, French , Russian and Spanish. However, despite the wide variety of languages, many languages are being lost. English has become an international language. It is the first language used in many international conferences, in business transactions, in media, and in transport. It is also the language most commonly taught as a second language. Despite many languages being lost, there is a fight to preserve others. In wales there have been many laws introduced to protect the language, including making it compulsory up to GCSE level in all Welsh school.
Source: http://greenfieldgeography.wikispaces.com/Cultural+diffusion+-+the+process
- Customs: These are common patterns of behaviour found with particular countries or regions that are then passed down through generations. Examples may include bowing to elders, not tipping, taking of shoes inside houses and celebrating certain days e.g. St. Patrick's (Paddy's) Day. Some of these customs may get diluted as young people see different behaviour in the media, while others may grow. St. Patrick's Day is a classic example. Not only are there now Irish bars around the World, but also the day is celebrated around the World, New York actually has a St. Patrick's Day parade.
Source: http://greenfieldgeography.wikispaces.com/Cultural+diffusion+-+the+process
- Religion: There are five major religions in the World i.e. Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Taoism. Out of these probably only Islam and Christianity can be regarded as truly global. However, even these world religions have many different sects e.g. Islam has Sunni, Shia, Wahhabi, etc., while Christianity has Roman Catholic, Baptist, Church of England, etc. However, despite the growth of some religions e.g. Islam, many are seeing a reduction in the number practicing. Secularism is also on the rise in many countries like France and the UK.
Source: http://greenfieldgeography.wikispaces.com/Cultural+diffusion+-+the+process
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Prevailing_world_religions_map.png
- Dress: Most countries have traditional dress e.g. the ao dai in Vietnam and the sari in India. However, globalisation has meant that in many countries traditional dress is worn less as global fashions take over e.g. jeans. Some cultures though do follow strict dress codes either by choice or by law in Saudi Arabia women have to wear an abaya and head scarf, in Afghanistan women also had to wear a full burka (although these restrictions have now been slightly relaxed). At the other end of the extreme the French government has decided that the burkha is a sign of repression and banned its wearing in public.
Source: http://greenfieldgeography.wikispaces.com/Cultural+diffusion+-+the+process
- Images: Images can now be spread around the world via the internet. These images can be from the past or the present. Images can help break or reinforce stereotypes. Traditional stereotypes of the English may be suited people with bowler hats and brief cases, but more images show that it is much more diverse. The internet can be used for positive purposes e.g. to spread images of environmental damage or political repression or more negative purposes e.g. promoting racism. Therefore images may not necessarily change our culture, but it may change our understanding and opinions of others.
Source: http://greenfieldgeography.wikispaces.com/Cultural+diffusion+-+the+process
A google search for the word "Brazil" made on 29/07/2016
- Music: Most regions have traditional styles of music, traditional instruments and national or regional songs e.g. Italy is very much associated with opera. However, the growth of the internet, TV and radio mean that people are exposed to different styles of music. The power of TNCs to sell their artists means that certain styles of music e.g. rock, pop, rap, R&B have become dominant. Many countries managed to retain some of their national music style through their national anthems. TV shows like Eurovison may also promote music styles from some countries, not normally exposed to an international audience.
Source: http://greenfieldgeography.wikispaces.com/Cultural+diffusion+-+the+process
- Food: Most countries have traditional dishes that they are famous for e.g. pupusas in El Salvador and pho in Vietnam. Many countries also have regional dishes e.g. Staffordshire in the UK is famous for oat cakes, Lancashire for Lancashire hot pot and Yorkshire for Yorkshire pudding. However, with increased migration global foods have spread around the world and most cities will now have Indian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Italian and French restaurants. Most cities also have fast food restaurants like Burger King, KFC and McDonald's. With the globalisation of food there has also been the development of fusion food e.g. the mixing of food from two or more countries and the development of seemingly foreign dishes in surrogate countries e.g. Chicken tikka masala which is seen as a Indian dish was actually invented in Birmingham, UK. As well regional foods there are also foods associated with religions e.g. Hindu's will not eat beef while Muslims will not eat Pork. Muslim and Jews also specify that their food should follow strict criteria for slaughter, preparation, etc. For Muslims this is known as Halal food for Jews Kosher food. In short globalisation has probably increased the variety of foods available and reduced the consumption of traditional dishes. It has also changed people's diet, which has caused health problems in some countries e.g. the growth of fast food in Asian countries has increased obesity and heart disease.
Source: http://greenfieldgeography.wikispaces.com/Cultural+diffusion+-+the+process
The spread of McDonnald's
Source: http://freerefillsamerica.com/2010/03/05/the-spread-of-mcdonalds-across-the-globe-map/
- Technology: The development of technology can certainly change culture. The development of agricultural equipment e.g. tractors and combine harvesters has meant that the number of agricultural societies around the world has decreased. The development of contraception and the medical procedure of abortion has brought about debate in the Catholic church. Also the development of computers and phones has possibly reduced face-to-face contact both in social and business settings.
Source: http://greenfieldgeography.wikispaces.com/Cultural+diffusion+-+the+process
Source: http://www.everythinggsm.com/
Economic Migrants
As the world has become more globalized and transport and communications have improved, the global workforce has become more footloose. Both professional e.g. teachers and doctors and manual e.g. construction workers increasingly travel to where jobs are available and demanded. Some countries like Australia have fairly strict quotas and requirements for people migrating their. However, others like the UAE who have worker shortages actively advertise (through third parties) for migrants. In places like Europe the movement of workers has also increased with the EU's common labor market. The exact figure of international migrants is not fully known because many are illegal or temporary, but the figure is somewhere between 100-200 million.
When migrants move to other countries (either temporarily or permanently) they often take aspects of their own culture with them and introduce them. In El Salvador and Vietnam expatriates introduced cricket and established cricket leagues. In the UAE churches and temples were built by expatriates. Expatriates also take with them other aspects of their culture like:
- Language
- Clothes
- Food
- Entertainment
In some countries there are so many migrants that areas develop that carry many of the cultural traits of migrants. For example many cities have 'China Towns' and in Miami there is a 'Little Haiti' and a 'Little Havana'. In these two areas of Miami you are more likely to hear Spanish been spoken than English and more likely to see Central American restaurants rather than American.
external image Expatriates-worldwide.png
Source: http://greenfieldgeography.wikispaces.com/Cultural+diffusion+-+the+process
International Tourists
As transport has improved along with people's disposable income and leisure time, the amount of international tourists has rapidly increased. There are now probably about 1 billion international tourist trips a year. Not only are there more tourists, but tourists are going to more and more remote locations e.g. Antarctica, Siberia, Tibet, Mongolia and the Amazon Rainforest. At the moment the majority of tourists are from developed countries and they tend to visit developed tourist centres. However, tourists can still have an impact on local cultures. Some of the most common ways include:
- Availability of drugs, alcohol and tobacco: Many tourists demand these substances while abroad. Their increased circulation inevitably mean locals start to use them.
- Sex: Unfortunately many tourists demand sex while they are away increasing the number of prostitutes and possibly conflicting with local beliefs on sex and marriage.
- Dress: Many tourists wear clothes that are different to the local country's traditional dress, some of which may be inappropriate or offensive e.g. bikinis and swimming shorts in the Middle East.
- Materialism: When tourist arrive with hard currency, cameras, etc. locals previously unexposed to material goods, develop a sense of materialism. This can lead to jealousy, crime, etc.
- Privatisation: With the arrival of tourists and tourist facilities places can become privatised e.g. ruins, National Parks, beaches, etc. denying the locals access to culturally important sites. Things like National Parks may also forbid traditional activities like hunting.
- Global brands: Global hotel chains, airlines, restaurants, etc., also emerge where there are tourists to make money from. This may mean local shops, restaurants, and hotels are forced out of the market. This may change tastes in food, clothes, music, etc.
- Second homes: Some tourist destinations attract foreign buyers. This changes the nature of the area as many properties sit empty and can force locals out of the market.
- Inflation: Increased demand from tourist can force the price of land, property, transport, products, etc. to increase. These may mean that some locals e.g. fishermen can no longer afford to live in the area.
Source: http://greenfieldgeography.wikispaces.com/Cultural+diffusion+-+the+process
Source: http://www.coolgeography.co.uk/GCSE/AQA/Tourism/Tourism%20growth/Tourism%20Growth.htm
Commodities
What is a 'Commodity'
A commodity is a basic good used in commerce that is interchangeable with other commodities of the same type. Commodities are most often used as inputs in the production of other goods or services. The quality of a given commodity may differ slightly, but it is essentially uniform across producers. When they are traded on an exchange, commodities must also meet specified minimum standards, also known as a basis grade.
Source: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/commodity.asp#ixzz4FnZ7dPge
As globalization has increased TNCs have attempted to sell their products to an ever growing global market. This has meant that many countries have global brands been sold in their shops and global franchises opening. In El Salvador fast food restaurants e.g. McDonald's, Burger King and Starbucks already have a strong hold and other global shops like ZARA, Sears, Payless, Pull and Bear, Apple and Benetton have opened (and GAP is opening soon). Commodities do not only mean food sold in restaurants and clothes sold in shops, but may also mean things like furniture, electronics, cars and books. The presence of global commodities can change individuals:
- Diet
- Fashion
- Music and film tastes
- Methods of transport
- Shopping practices
Source: http://greenfieldgeography.wikispaces.com/Cultural+diffusion+-+the+process
Source: http://www.shareswatch.com.au/blog/economic-indicators-charts-and-graphs/
Source: https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres15_e/pr752_e.htm
Consumerism and culture
Advertising: The act of promoting a product or service.
The growth of mass media, aided by improvements in communication and technology has allowed TNCs to reach new markets and further consumerism. Technology has meant that TNCs advertise in a growing variety of ways and a growing variety of places, including:
- Cinema
- TV
- Radio
- Magazines and newspapers
- Internet (included targeted adverts through mediums like Google, Hotmail and Facebook). Companies are able to target adverts by looking at things like your internet search history, location and credit card transactions.
- E-mail (spam)
- Cold calling (sales phoning your mobile or house phone)
- Product placement (products being used in films or TV e.g. an actor using a Blackberry in a film - TNCs will pay for this to happen). Product placement might be regarded as subliminal, because people are not aware that products are being advertised or promoted.
- Stadiums, arenas (adverts and branding) e.g. Emirates Stadium
- Billboards
- Product giveaways in the street
Advertising is now a multi-billion dollar industry, with current expenditure close to $300 billion (over 1% of global GDP). Through advertising and product placement certain brands have become associated with certain aspects of culture e.g. Adidas became linked with hip-hop culture.
Because advertising has become more targeted and it can encourage the consumption of harmful products, some attempts have been made to control advertising. In the UK controls have included:
- Banning cigarette advertising
- Restricting alcohol advertising
- Restricting the advertising of products aimed at children
- Having an advertising standards agency to ensure all claims made in adverts are genuine.
Source: http://greenfieldgeography.wikispaces.com/Consumerism+and+culture
Sociocultural integration
Diaspora
A diaspora is a large group of people with a similar heritage or homeland who have since moved out to places all over the world. The term diaspora comes from an ancient Greek word meaning "to scatter about."
Source: https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/diaspora
Source: http://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/11/diasporas
Source: http://www.geographyalltheway.com/in/ib-global-interactions/diaspora.htm
Chinatowns
Source: http://www.movingpeoplechangingplaces.org/locations/chinatowns.html
Source: http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/tourist_maps/map-2-chinatown_static_map.html
Cultural diffusion and indigenous societies
Source: Guinness, Paul. Cambridge Geography For The IB Diploma Patterns And Change. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010. Print.
Cultural Imperialism
Cultural imperialism: The practice of promoting the culture values or language of one nation in another.
Cultural dilution: Local cultures becoming less pronounced as they are influenced by outside (foreign) cultures.
In the past cultural imperialism has been associated with colonialism. When the UK colonised large parts of the world they took with them their language (English), their sports (rugby and cricket), their forms of transport (railways), their dress (suits), their legal system, police system etc. and imposed it upon their colonies. Now cultural imperialism is more associated with economic forces, although former colonial powers often have some influence over many of their former colonies e.g. The Queen is still head of state for many Commonwealth countries including Australia, Jamaica, Canada, Belize and New Zealand. The US currently has the World's largest economy and has been able to export its control and influence through the commodities of its TNCs e.g. Google, Ford, McDonald's, Walmart. America's cultural imperialism has sometimes be described as Westernisation and/or Americanisation. Cultural imperialism may also take place via global institutions like the IMF, WTO and World Bank (many of which are heavily influenced by the US and Western Europe). Five common areas that are often studied to look at the impacts of cultural imperialism are:
Language: There are currently over 6,000 languages spoken around the World, but half my disappear by 2100. Although Mandarin is spoken by the most people, English is becoming the dominant international language.
Tourism: Tourism is one of the World's largest industries and at the moment it is mainly citizens from developed countries (US, UK, Germany, Japan) that can afford to travel internationally and spread their culture (although they also experience new foreign cultures).
Global Brands: Apple, Google, Coca-Cola, McDonald's are all brands recognised and used around the World.
The Media: Disney, Time Warner, HBO, BBC , CNN, etc. all have enormous influence in terms of the television programmes made and aired as well as the music played and the news reported.
Democracy: The US as well as organisations like the World Bank and the UN have often promoted Democratic Capitalist systems over systems like Communism.
As well as controlling culture through the economy and media, it has also been suggested that some countries impose culture and ideas through their military and/or electronically. This maybe through occupation, many people claim that the US and its allies are trying to impose their ideals of Afghanistan and Iraq through occupation. China has also been accused of imposing its ideas through its military presence in Tibet and its state wide censorship of the media.
Source: http://greenfieldgeography.wikispaces.com/sociocultural+integration
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