What is the relation between culture and globalization? - Kim Yewon

 

1. Summary of the Material (in my own words)

Globalization connects the world and deepens interdependence among countries. As globalization progresses, the elements unique to each nation spread across borders. Culture is no exception. Cultural globalization refers to the process by which ideas and meanings are transmitted worldwide, expanding social networks and connections. This expansion goes beyond mere material exchanges, extending to the dissemination of shared knowledge and collective identities. Symbols, behavioral norms, and values are transmitted across national boundaries, while commodities and ideologies become increasingly standardized. This process is facilitated through the Internet, mass media, and sometimes through travel to other countries.

Historically, culture has also spread through the exchange of goods and colonial influence, and the development of trade networks contributed to cultural globalization. For example, music genres often transcend their countries of origin to gain popularity abroad. Since the rise of popular culture, and more recently with the development of the Internet, it has become easier to access cultural products from other countries. We can now view daily life in other countries through vlogs on YouTube, enjoy foreign music charts, and watch independent films from abroad on OTT platforms—films that might not be screened in local cinemas—while discussing our impressions with friends from other countries. Technology has been a key driver in accelerating globalization and has greatly influenced contemporary trends.

From a more specific perspective, cultural globalization can be explained through concepts such as cultural homogenization, cultural hegemony, Westernization/Americanization, and, conversely, Orientalism. In practice, phenomena such as K-pop, Japanese animation, and Hollywood films coexist in the everyday lives of people around the world, illustrating the global interconnection of culture.

2. New or Interesting

Cultural globalization is not merely a phenomenon of material interconnectedness but a highly complex process that also encompasses issues of national identity and social integration. With the development of modern transportation systems and the increasing ease of human mobility, along with the rise of OTT services, the pace of cultural globalization has accelerated dramatically, resulting in the gradual blurring of cultural boundaries. Historically, cultural exchange was not limited to the simple trade of goods; human migration through colonial expansion also served as a crucial medium for the dissemination of culture. Similarly, in contemporary society, migration, refugee movements, and tourism have become major driving forces in the transnational transmission of cultural elements.

For instance, the influx of Middle Eastern refugees into Europe cannot be viewed solely as a matter of demographic relocation. This phenomenon has triggered renewed debates regarding European values, identity, and religious norms. On the surface, such transformations seem to represent a transition toward multiculturalism and cultural enrichment. However, while diversity brings vitality, it simultaneously generates cultural tensions, exclusivism, and even xenophobia within societies that are attempting to adjust to new cultural dynamics.

Moreover, cultural globalization exerts a profound influence on social structures and patterns of thought. It is not confined to the transmission of products, music, or films but extends to reshaping patterns of consumption and systems of values. Through OTT platforms such as Netflix, audiences are no longer limited to the consumption of films produced within a single nation. Instead, films from diverse cultural backgrounds are algorithmically recommended without regard to national boundaries, allowing viewers to select content purely according to their personal preferences. This phenomenon establishes a foundation upon which individuals engage with global trends rather than with specific national cultures. Consequently, cultural capital has become a defining factor in shaping individual identity in the contemporary globalized world.

3. Questions for Discussion

Cultural globalization refers to the phenomenon in which the world becomes increasingly interconnected, cultural boundaries become blurred, and people across different nations consume similar content and share comparable lifestyles. However, within this process lies an intriguing paradox: the closer the world becomes, the more people tend to recognize and emphasize their differences.

In this globalized cultural landscape, individuals are constantly exposed to diverse cultures through media, travel, and digital communication. As a result, people have become more conscious of their own cultural uniqueness and have developed a stronger desire to preserve and protect their native traditions. This illustrates that cultural globalization is not merely a blending or mixing of cultures; rather, it represents a complex coexistence of both integration and differentiation occurring simultaneously.

For example, Korean culture—including K-pop, K-dramas, and K-beauty—has gained immense popularity around the world. Yet, paradoxically, within Korea itself, discussions about what truly defines “Korean identity” have become more active. Modern reinterpretations of traditional culture, such as contemporary hanbok designs, fusion gugak (Korean traditional music), and creative reinventions of Korean cuisine, can be seen as efforts to protect and redefine cultural identity amid the forces of globalization.

Ultimately, this paradox raises a critical question: Does cultural globalization bring humanity closer together as one unified community, or does it make our differences more pronounced than ever before?

This dual structure—where cultures both merge and distinguish themselves—deserves deep reflection and discussion in understanding the true nature of globalization today.



AI Assistance: I used GPT to help with translation and sentence refinement.

Comments

  1. Hong DahyeonOctober 22, 2025 at 7:31 PM

    Through your writing, I gained a deep insight into cultural globalization. In particular, your analysis of the complex aspects of cultural globalization and its social impacts was very engaging.
    I completely agree that the development of media and technology has transformed the way people consume culture. Today, people seem accustomed to fast-paced and stimulating content, showing less interest in deep and reflective thinking. Moreover, large OTT platforms such as Netflix tend to prioritize popularity over diversity. For these reasons, cultural globalization seems to move closer to standardization rather than genuine cultural exchange. Therefore, I believe that cultural globalization should aim not to unify the world into a single culture, but to promote understanding and coexistence among diverse cultures.

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  2. Kim younggyunOctober 24, 2025 at 5:48 AM

    I think you organized the culture and globalization very well. And I think you also pointed out that with globalization, discussions about what the true "Korean identity" is becoming more active within Korea. However, you wrote that as globalization progresses, people tend to preserve and protect indigenous traditions, but there is a part that is different from what I think. I think people are more eager to go beyond preserving indigenous traditions and to create a new culture.

    And the question you asked about cultural globalization is really fundamental and important. It's a really difficult question. I think if technology advances further and language barriers are eliminated, cultural globalization can be an important variable that will make humanity one unified community.

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