Question

choose one of the drivers of globalization, define it and explain how it might affect a given culture.  For example, how might technology in the form of cellphone use help farmers in developing economies? The answer here would be that cellphones can deliver huge value to farmers in the form of weather forecasts, current prices for supplies they need to grow their crops and providing market prices for their output so that they can sell at the best possible prices.

Answer 1

As far as the term Globalization is concerned, we can express it as an activity where the businesses and organizations develop international influence and make their mark over the global trading. We all are aware of the fact that the theory of globalization made international trade more easier and convenient rather every country is dependent on one or the other nations for goods and services. The Global business also raised the theory of competitive behavior among the nations and Competitive advantage started building the concept of focusing into core areas and let the others focus on non-core areas.

Well if we discuss about the Drivers of Globalization we can consider the following -

1. Technological Advancements.
2. International Trade.
3. International Investments.
4. Economic Relations.
5. Outsourcing.
6. Offshoring.
7. Transportation.
8. Telecommunication.

A driver can be defined as the contributing factor which can change the scale of economy, resulting into growth. As mentioned above the driving forces that are most commonly responsible for an economic development of the country.

The above mentioned question is to how a driver of Globalization affect a given culture?

As of my answer I am picking up International Trade because it Directly affects the Economic, Social, Political environment of a nation as exchange of Goods and services majorly affects the lives of the Citizens residing in the country.

International Trade has made the nations think about more competitively and explore new markets for the consumer goods. Trading partners are always aware of the fact that they should export only those products which are in need and specific to the cultural and geographical value. The determining the Social and cultural dimension while trading is as much important because businesses should know the desired need of the consumers available into different Geographical regions. For Example - You Can't sell Burger as early morning breakfast substitute in China because Chinese Breakfast culture is of taking Noodles and Rice in the morning.

Another Example - French people consume packaged Spaghetti and Italians prefer handmade fresh Spaghetti. Because it is the cultural acceptance of the Italian people.

Though International Trade gives access to a variety of products available to the consumers as of they would either have. Culture whether inherited or chosen affect economic activity of a Nation. There are various cultural layers in the society such as - Ethnic Background, Religion, Language, Orientation and Self Interests. And the Trading partners should consider the National Culture, Industry Culture and the Individual behavior.

Advantage of International Trade with respect to the Cultural advancement -

1. It Brings in competitive priced Goods and services into the market and provides choosing options.
2. Multicultural awareness and acceptance can be gained.
3. International trade brings in new opportunities. New ideas related to products, businesses and projects can be generated.
4. It further Improves the quality of life of a number of citizens.
5. Orientation to new and advanced products upgrade the technological know how.
6. Cross cultural mobility connects people from different ethnicity. The level of tolerance is increased. More peace between the races gates established.
7. Cross border trade motivates in breaking up various cultural barriers prevalent in the society. In a broader context it pulls out isolated mindsets and gives an exposure to the new advances in the society. As it is necessary to unite for a common good.
8. Awareness to new languages and Publications brings down the communication gap between the two cultures. International trade allows people to get self motivated and self interested maximizing their earning potential. As large number of cultures are available general acceptance increases and cultural improvements takes place. As it is a mode of breaking Taboo.
9. International Trade brings in people of different languages and expand their ability to travel and communicate to the other community of people. Exposure to Food, Art, Clothing, and music can be seen.
10. The new generation becomes more worldly and cultured as accepted according to the prevalent situations.
11. International trade motivates learning of new culture and their ways of life.
12. As of Economic Growth is concerned if both the trading countries have wide cultural acceptance to the products and services of each other both the trading partners will be in benefit.

Effects/Disadvantages of International Trade on Culture of a Nation -

1. International products threatens the viability of the locally manufactured products and the people involved in producing the products. For Example - Availability of Ready-made garments and Imported products in India have directly affected the demand of Khadi and Handmade garments which were once the part of Indian Culture.
2. International goods also affects the local procedures of manufacturing the product.
3. Exposure of cultural products frequently brings changes into Local Culture . For Example - Valentines day is not a cultural festival of India, but its a planned game of Archie's to introduce such stuffs that are accepted to the youngsters and we can see now Valentines day is a widely accepted festival in India. We can take another example - Pizzas and Burgers are not staple foods in India. We are habitual of taking wheat Bread and Rice as our staple food. As youngster are more attracted towards these kind of stuffs Fast food has become a part of our daily diet and again reason of various kinds of diseases.
4. Global trends directly undermines the local values, cultural believes and somehow cultural Identity of the local citizens.
5. A continuous threat to the cultural products that appeal to the lowest common people of the society.
6. Eliminates local businesses and lifestyles.
7. The tribal societies face detrimental effect on their cultural values.As they are stick to maintain their historical background and least interested on modern amenities.