Globalization: Theoretical framework
Globalization is defined as the diffusion of goods, technology, knowledge, and employment across national borders and cultures. Economically, it describes the interdependence of nations all over the world encouraged by free trade (Kopp 2020). Globalization is not a new conception. In ancient times, merchants traveled long distances to buy uncommon and expensive goods for sale in their homelands. In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution brought advances in transportation and communication that alleviated trade across borders.
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According to Kopp (2020), globalization is a legal, social, cultural, and political sensation. Specifically, on the legal term, the way international law is established and enforced has been altered by globalization. Furthermore, globalization is a cultural representation of the exchange of ideas, values, and artistic expression between cultures. Globalization also symbolizes a phenomenon towards a single world culture. Socially, globalization leads to greater interaction between the different populations. Finally, globalization has diverted focus in political terms to intergovernmental bodies such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
Figure 1: Reproduced from: China Daily 2019
The globalization of production and distribution of merchandise and services is a hopeful sign for many people that it allows them access to products they would not otherwise possess (Daghrir 2013). Some are concerned, nevertheless, that the changes brought on by globalization threaten the viability of goods produced domestically and the people who manufacture them. Globalization does more than simply improve the supply of global consumer goods and challenge conventional producers. Global trade in cultural products and services such as films, music, and publications is also on the rise (Daghrir 2013). The expansion of commerce in cultural products causes all societies more exposed to foreign cultures and it frequently generates changes in local cultures, values, and traditions.
Figure 2: Americanization. Reproduced from: Story Maps 2019
Figure 3: McAloo Tikki. Reproduced from: McDonald's blog 2018
One of the main concerns about the new globalization of culture that it contributes not only to a homogenization of world culture but also to the "Americanization" of world cultures. The globalization of American businesses worldwide has varying ramifications for local communities, some very noticeable, and others more subtle (Pells 2002). For instance, the effect of American businesses on the cultural identity of other countries can be seen with food, which matters at two levels. According to Vesajoki (2002), firstly, for many countries, the food itself is an important part of the culture and secondly, restaurants can affect the norms and habits of the societies in which they operate. The worldwide influence of McDonald's is an example. Globalization has brought McDonald's to foreign shores, affecting foreign diets. They have around 300 outlets in India, attracting a great number of customers daily. McDonald's has wisely adapted to the host country's eating habits with McAloo Tikki which is specially made for the Indian market and is nowhere near the McDonald’s original cheeseburger (Joshi 2018).
In contrast, the United States population was accumulated on immigration from other countries due to globalization. According to Zimmermann (2017), every 33 seconds, there is a new immigrant who moves to the USA. This is the reason why the US is one of the world's most culturally diverse countries. The United States is often identified as a "melting pot" where various cultures have contributed to American culture with their own distinct "flavors". Just as cultures from all nations in the world have been affected by American culture, American culture has been influenced by the world as well.
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Reference:
Daghrir, W 2013, ‘Globalization as Americanization? Beyond the conspiracy theory’, Journal of Applied Physics, vol. 5, iss. 2.
Joshi, S 2018, ‘Americanization of food’, Indian Folk, 28 August, viewed 23 May 2020, < https://www.indianfolk.com/americanization-food-edited/>
Kopp, C.M 2020, ‘Globalization’, Investopedia, 30 April, viewed 23 May 2020, <https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/globalization.asp>
Pells, R 2002, ‘American culture goes global, or does it?’, The Chronicle of higher education, 12 April, viewed 23 May 2020, < https://www.chronicle.com/article/American-Culture-Goes-Global/23671>
Vesajoki, D 2002, ‘The effects of globalization on culture: A study of the experiences of the globalization among Finnish travellers’, Masters Thesis, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, viewed 23 May 2020.
Zimmermann, K.A 2017, ‘American culture: Traditions and customs of the United States’, Live Science, 14 July, viewed 23 May 2020, <https://www.livescience.com/28945-american-culture.html>
Image reference:
Lei, W 2019, 'Committed to promoting globalization', image, China Daily, viewed 23 May 2020, <https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201911/05/WS5dc0b0ada310cf3e3557560e.html>
Hamberg, B 2019, 'Americanization: Is globalization causing us to all become the same culture?', image, StoryMaps, viewed 23 May 2020, <https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7c347c915d0a47f48cdf562e0c919051>
McDonald's 2018, 'The Wholesome McAloo Tikki Burger', image, McDonald's blog, viewed 23 May 2020, <https://mcdonaldsblog.in/2018/05/the-wholesome-mcaloo-tikki-burger/>