W6. Cultural Globalization / 2013052034 Park Sang Jun

1. Summary

 Defining globalization can be defined as a complex, accelerated and globally connected integration process. This definition is abstract, but it is a network that characterizes material, social, economic and cultural life in modern society. The characteristics of this network are interconnected and dependent. Globalization includes capital, goods, information and ideas, diseases, fashion, and beliefs.

 This increase in connectivity is an important part of our lives. The development of communication has increased our connectivity. Smartphones, computers, and the Internet have made people connect faster. It also made possible a wider range of connections. These connections made entertainment in other countries enjoyable and made it possible to travel. It also affected the style of food and the way of life. On the contrary, it also affected social and material anxiety, including global warming, flu, taxes and terrorism. This linked example has historically been unprecedented.

 Therefore, understanding globalization as a process to connectivity must be understood at various levels. Complexity must be considered. While many elements are complex, the most important is the economic realm. But as much as the economic realm, the cultural realm is also a very important factor. The economic factor is the most crucial in the world of capitalism, which means that it can dominate cultural elements. But the economic and cultural spheres are not completely causal. The economic and cultural domains are independent. Of course, they are related but not dependent. In addition, over - dominant views on the economic realm can distort the understanding of the cultural realm. Culture is widely recognized in people's daily lives and has a unique domain. Therefore, it cannot be seen as an economic area.

 The common assumption of scholars in the process of globalization is that it will lead to a single global culture. In particular, integration in the integrated economic system of the world economy can create connections and integration in other areas. However, connecting and integrating globally does not mean that the world's economy, politics and culture will be unified. Developed countries and developing countries are now participating in globalization, but some 'Third World' countries and Africa are not involved. In other words, it is difficult to say that African economic development and political development are part of a unified world. Therefore, the concept of globalization should be said to be an uneven process. In other words, there is a separate focus and a different one.

 However, it is assumed that cultural globalization is now integrated into a single culture. In particular, Hollywood culture in the United States seeks to monopolize world culture at present. There are many criticisms of this tendency. In particular, scholars should avoid confusion about simple cultural products and culture itself. For example, eating a hamburger at McDonald's does not necessarily mean that it is integrated into Western culture. In fact, many people think that as the connection continues, the globalization of the economic realm will lead to globalization in other areas. However, this is not necessarily true. McDonald's, Marlboro, Coca-Cola, and other products from multinational companies dominate the world's culture. However, it is a dangerous idea to regard such a simple product as a culture. Therefore, the value of culture cannot be discussed only with products.

 Another concept of globalization is the de- territorialization. This is considerably more radical and progressive than the traditional way of understanding culture. The concept of culture inherently connects with territory through specificity and location. In a functionalist tradition that pursues the purpose of social integration through culture, culture appears to exist in a limited space. However, the complex connectivity of globalization is contrary to this position. Rather, it is seen that the diverse cultures of the region interfere with the union with other cultures. In the long run, many people think the relationship between territory and culture is getting weaker. However, de-territorialization does not necessarily eliminate local culture. The peculiarities, differences, and unique cultures of local cultures do not completely disappear. Despite globalization, the majority of the regions have maintained their cultural specificity. London, Madrid, Tokyo and New York have different feelings and cultures. In other words, de-territorialization means that the culture of the region is not necessarily the most important factor.

 An interesting interpretation of globalization is that globalization is one of the factors that create and propagate cultural identity. It means that globalization does not seem to be a threat to cultural identity. The identity of a particular area should be viewed as a structure, not a possession. In other words, we can create another identity through the change of new structure. Therefore, we need a more flexible and progressive cultural concept, not a current cultural concept.

2. What was interesting?

 What I saw impressed when I read this cultural globalization is not necessarily globalization. Many cultures now exist and keep their own. McDonald's, or Coca-Cola, have entered the market in many countries, but they are not considered culturally absorbed. Various multinational corporations such as McDonald's, Coca-Cola, etc. are also in Korea, but Korea's unique culture is maintained. And so are the other countries. In Africa, there are many countries where globalization has not yet progressed, and there are many areas that are not concentrated. It was also impressive that the cultural sphere is not a subordinate to the economic sphere. In fact, I think that the economic realm is still the most important, and I think that cultural globalization will proceed. However, this article showed different perspectives, and I had another idea.

3. Discussion Point

 What I want to discuss in this article is the relationship between economic and cultural areas and how they will change. In fact, it is clear that the economic and cultural domains are closely related. However, it is hard to see which is superior yet. Although the economic realm is still relatively superior, the importance of the cultural realm can not be overlooked. So, one day, the cultural realm can be seen as superior to the economic realm. I would like to discuss whether the cultural domain will be more important than the economic domain.