Over the past six weeks, Globalisation has taken many forms - globalisation as a people mover, as a social equaliser and as a process of discrimination. From a cultural standpoint, Globalisation can be seen as a 'penetration... among a variety of different cultures and identities' (Ankara Papers, 2004), a phenomena that is diluting or enhancing cultural behaviours beyond the control of nation-states.
Of particular interest is the notion of 'culture shock', and whether this phenomena is being diluted by the processes of globalisation. Culture shock, defined as 'the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture' (Wikipedia, 2010), has long been a phrase used by many travellers to explain their experience in a foreign environment. However, as the flows of globalisation infiltrate the borders of nation-states, are we still exposed to a dramatically different cultural environment? one that disorientates and shocks?
In India for instance, the 'massive entry of electronic media and communication technology have introduced many changes in the traditional modes of cultural expression' (Ghosh, 2011). Similarly, Kasongo (2010) explores changes in African family structures and the modes of production as a result of globalisation. These cultural changes are all complimented by the rise of western products that have become commonplace in every society: the can of coke sold at the local village or the toshiba computer used to connect to the internet at the internet cafe. As a result, these are different environments to what they were 20 years ago, environments influenced in some way by globalisation.
While travellers may still experience different cultural environments as they enter foreign lands, is it enough to 'shock and disorientate'?
Culture 'shock'? More like 'Culture mild arousal'...
Reference List:
Ghosh, B 2011, 'Cultural Changes and Challenges in the Era of Globalization',Journal Of Developing Societies (Sage Publications Inc.), 27, 2, pp. 153-175, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 8 August 2012
Kasongo, A 2010, 'Impact of Globalization on Traditional African Religion and Cultural Conflict', Journal Of Alternative Perspectives In The Social Sciences, 2, 1, pp. 309-322, Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 9 August 2012
"Globalization, Modernization and Cultural Effects." Ankara Papers 15, no. 1 (December 2004): 8-20. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed August 10, 2012)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_shock - Definitions
Hi Will. Another excellent post. Great use of references and a clear and concise theme. I agree with you that as Globalisation takes a stronger hold and continues to dilute the differences between nation states there is likely to be a diminished response for travellers when travelling around the world. From my own experience travelling to Malaysia in 1987 it was a huge culture shock for me. Language, religions, scenery, climate, money all emphasised a huge clash between the culture I was accustomed to and what seemed to be an exotic location. I wonder if it would be as shocking 25 years later? Another great post Will well done.
ReplyDeleteThis post mentioned really good point. I came to Australia 3years ago and there were already a lot of Japanese culture such as Sushi so I did not really have culture shock. I heard that first sushi roll sold in 1987 in Australia. I guess before 1987, many Japanese people were in trouble because of food. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your perspective - I totally agree that culture shock has been subsided because of globalisation. You had heaps of references (even good old wiki). A minor grammatical error in your post, ie, capital letters. Very clear and concise writing which got your point across well. Well done!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post, you have argued strongly and questioned traditional idea of ‘culture shock’. I agree that material environment is being Westernised in the world so foreigners may not so feel isolated when they travel overseas. However, I also guess that culture linked to more mental aspects, such as unconscious behaviour or manner and the way of communication with local people are still distinct, so some of foreign travelers might still feel upset and confused at first when they enter different land. Overall, nice work!