CultureAP Human Geography

What is globalization?• Globalization refers to the

process by which something involves the entire world and becomes global in scope.

• Opposite of global is local.• Ex. Mc D’s used to sell their

food only to people a small area…now it is available across the globe.

• Ex. American cars used to be made in America….how the parts are made across the globe and assembled in America.

Mc Donalds in Romania

Toyota in the U.S.

Economic Globalization

• The integration of national economies into the international economy through trade, foreign direct investment, migration, and the spread of technology.

• Primarily responsible for economic globalization are transnational corporations.– An American owned company has headquarters

in 3 different cities (NY, London, Tokyo). Raw materials are from Africa, products are assembled in Asia, and sold to people in Europe.

Cultural Globalization

• The spread of cultural elements from the local to global level.– Ex. English language, television shows, products

• Many things that are part of American culture are also a part of a global culture as well.

• Foreign cultures are becoming less foreign as globalization spreads….PEOPLE ARE BECOMING LESS DIFFERENT AND MORE SIMILAR!

Cultural Globalization

What is culture?

• Refers not only to music, literature, art, etc.

• Can include all features of a way of life of a group of people…

• Dress• Food• Architecture• Language• Education, government,

law • Values and beliefs

Two Categories of Culture

What people care about…

• Ideas• Beliefs• Values

What people take care of…

• Food • Clothing• Shelter• Art• Music

Cultural Traits

• A single attribute of a culture.

• Examples: Sushi in Japan, Turban in Islam, Kente cloth in Western Africa.

Cultural Hearth

• An area where cultural traits develop and then diffuse.

• Example: Christianity originated in the Middle East, but over time diffused to Europe, the Americas.

• What was the cultural hearth for hip-hop culture?

Cultural Diffusion

• The spread of an idea or innovation from its cultural hearth to other places.

Types of Diffusion

• Expansion diffusion- idea/ innovation develops in hearth, stays strong at hearth, expands to new turf (McDonalds)

• Relocation diffusion- idea/ innovation originates in hearth, then originators move bringing the idea/ innovation with them (ethnic neighborhood in city)

Time-Distance Decay

• The farther an idea/ innovation gets from the hearth, the less likely it is to be accepted.

• Also, the longer it takes to reach a target, the less likely it is to be accepted.

• Example: A certain fashion may be popular in a major city, but once it reaches a rural area very few are aware of it.

Cultural Barriers

• Can also prevent the diffusion of ideas/ innovations.

• Ideas/ innovations are not allowed to spread to certain areas because they are viewed as unacceptable, taboo, or against tradition.

• Example: Women's Rights in Saudi Arabia or beef hamburgers in India.