The Cultural Flow of Globalization

  

The evolution of globalization has generated a massive velocity of new information all around the world. Globalization did not start from the digital age. It has been an on going process that determined the survival of the stronger nations eg; the Spanish and the Incas.  A more accurate description of this phenomenon that has basically become a fluid effect-constantly molding and shaping into the demands of its society-can be described as ‘the intensification of worldwide social relations, which link distant localities in such a way that local happenings are shaped by events occurring many miles away and vice versa’ (Rantanen 2005, p6).  

My dad has continuously been involved in overseas projects that help with the development of third world countries. He rarely accepts jobs in countries that are economically stable. I asked him for his thoughts on the notion of cultural globalization in China, which is where we spent 7 years of our lives. Srivastava mentions that cultural flows of globalization ‘refer to the objects, skills, beliefs and practices that travel around the world’ (2010, p4). My father’s description of Shanghai when he first went there was being an undeveloped and struggling nation that lacked proper infrastructure for sustainable living in some parts. However, his work entailed him to revisit the city 15 years later. He was astounded by the extent of economic growth that had infiltrated the city. The International impact had transformed the city into a metropolis, filled with different cultures and ambitions. The ambition of the country, and the ideas from the western world had transformed the city.

                            

                                                        Courtesy of Google Images

                           

                                                         Courtesy of Google Images

My father recognized that the impact of cultural globalization had changed the way in which the organization he worked for operates.  He described how one Chinese company he previously worked for had adopted many western values in terms of health and safety and strategic management in order to be recognised in the global market. He states that no wonder China is one of the leading capitalist nations that are achieving grand economic success. However he strongly believes that cultural globalization has not always had positive effects. He believes that due to the US escalating economic power, which resulted in political and cultural strength, has infiltrated many societies and influenced their culture into being consumerists, obsessed with having designer brands, top end technology, and neglecting the more traditional ways of receiving information, such as reading books which he strongly suggests I never neglect. 

 Reference List

Rantanan, T 2005, ‘Theorizing media and globolisation’, Media and globolisation 2005, SAGE Publications, London, pp. 6

Srivastava, S 2010, 'Globolisation and the Media study guide', Deakin University, Geelong VIC, pp.4