Cultural homogenization

Cultural homogenization is an aspect of cultural globalization, identified as one of its main characteristics, and planned to a reduction in cultural diversity through the popularization as well as diffusion of a wide format of cultural symbols—not only physical objects but customs, ideas as well as values. O'Connor defines it as "the process by which local cultures are transformed or absorbed by a dominant outside culture". Cultural homogenization has been called "perhaps the nearly widely discussed hallmark of global culture". In theory, homogenization could draw in the breakdown of cultural barriers and the global assimilation of a single culture.

Cultural homogenization can affect national identity and culture, which would be "eroded by the impact of global cultural industries and office media".cultural heterogenization.

Some scholars like Arjun Appadurai note that "the central problem of today's global interaction [is] the tension between cultural homogenization and cultural heterogenization". The Arab's World was found to be uncomfortable with the former as numerous of them perceived it as either a real or potential threat to their political, economic, and cultural independence.

Perspectives

The debate regarding the concept of cultural homogenization consists of two separate questions:

John Tomlinson says, "It is one thing to say that cultural diversity is being destroyed, quite another to lament the fact."

Tomlinson argues that globalization leads to homogenization. He comments on Cees Hamelink, "Hamelink is right to identify cultural synchronization as an unprecedented feature of global modernity." However, unlike Hamelink, he believes in the image that homogenization is non a bad thing in itself and that benefits of homogenization may outweigh the goods of cultural diversity.

Appadurai, acknowledging the concept of homogenization, still enable an selection argument of indigenization. He says that " the homogenization argument subspeciates into either an parameter about Americanization or an argument about commoditization.... What these arguments fail to consider is that at least as rapidly as forces from various metropolises are brought into new societies, they tend to become indigenized."

Although there is more to be explored on the dynamics of indigenization, examples such(a) as Indonesianization in Irian Jaya and Indianization in Sri Lanka show the possibility of alternatives to Americanization. He remarks over this that "One man's imagined community is another man's political prison.

Generally homogenization is viewed negatively, as it leads to the "reduction in cultural diversity." However, some scholars construct a positive image on homogenization, especially in the area of education. They say that it "produces consistent norms of behavior across a manner of modern institutions, thus tying institutions such(a) as the sophisticated nation state and formal education together in a tight political sphere."

Teaching universal values such(a) as rationality by mass schooling is a component of the positive benefits that can be generated from homogenization.

Torre Ejecutiva Pemex in Mexico City, Mexico.

Hudson's Bay Centre in Toronto, Canada.

Sun Hung Kai Centre in Hong Kong.