Question

This week, you read about globalization and sushi and saw how sushi transformed from a local tradition, held in skepticism by other cultures, into a worldwide phenomenon. Conduct some research and find another example of a practice, food, or behavior that has become embraced globally. Describe the history and transformation of this practice from its local roots to the global stage. How has the globalization of this practice helped define, reinforce, or recognize the culture? How has globalization impacted this culture negatively? Explain your thoughts. Provide references.

Answer 1

Globalisation is the Increase in interconnectdness due to movement of capitals, commodities, services & humans from one country to another which integrate the world (culturally, socially, politically, economically & technologically)

History of globalisation

• Ancient times: trade between Indus Valley Civilization & Mesopotamia, Greeks and Romans. It was very prosperous.
• 14-18C: Imperialism/colonialism in which European countries which colonise a country takes raw materials from the colony and exports finished goods here. It was exploitative for example - slave trade.
• Rapid globalisation starts after world war 2 and established of global institutions like WTO, WB, IMF etc.

Effects of globalisation

• Effect on Culture
  • MacDonaldisation: fast food has replaced the local food habit. This resulted in increase in the homogeneity & decrease in diversity.
  • Westoxification: 3rd world countries believe that western countries' products are superior quality than 3rd world. eg. 3rd smartphone choice, same sex companionship (showoff)
  • Hybrid Culture: Hybrid culture is more more tolerant. For example - eg. In a family, the father is American, mother is Indian & child lives in Brazil.
  • Effect on Religion: Increase in competition results in Increase in anxiety which means less time for religious prectices. eg. Online Darshan (less time to stay, instant blessing)
  • Language: Dominance of English over native languages which may threaten the extinction of native language.
  • Festival: Dominance of secular festivals over religious festivals. eg. Father's day
• Effect on Society:
  • Marriage: Dominance of civil/court marriages over ritualistic marriages. Increase inter-religious marriages, live in relations etc.
  • Family: Joint families transforming into nuclear families. This may negatives impact the elders.
  • Effect on Women -
    • Positive impact -
      • Increase in public participation
      • Increase in awareness about rights
      • Increase in social status
    • Negative impact -
      • Increase in commodification (models to sell products)
      • Glass ceiling (No Promotion)
  • Education: Increase in commercialization of education, Increase in ornamentation of degree.
• Effect on Economics:
  • Liberalisation: which resulted in decrease in role of state & Increase in efficiency & Competition.
  • Privatisation: selling public assets to private players.

Effect on Politics:

• Increase in voting
• Increase awareness about legislation. This resulted in inclusive decision making.
• Criminalization of politics and politicisation of criminals.