What is the relation between culture and globalization - Kim Dongha


1. Summary

Culture and globalization influence each other in many ways. As globalization connects societies more closely, cultural elements such as music, food, and communication styles move across borders. At the same time, culture shapes how globalization works because cultural choices express meaning and identity, not just economic needs.

According to John Tomlinson’s Globalization and Culture, globalization is a multidimensional process of global connectivity that transforms everyday cultural experiences, while cultural practices themselves help generate this process. In addition, Gerard Delanty and Chris Rumford in Political Globalization explain that globalization also includes political aspects, as global communication and human-rights norms begin to influence national politics. This shows that culture and politics are strongly connected in global society.

Overall, the relationship between culture and globalization is complex because each continuously affects the development of the other.

2. Interesting Points

One interesting point is that globalization does not simply erase cultural differences. Instead, it creates cultural hybridity. For example, K-pop combines global pop styles with Korean identity and spreads through worldwide fandoms. Culture changes creatively as it travels and is re-interpreted in different regions.

Tomlinson also emphasizes that everyday cultural activities—like shopping, watching media, or using fashion—can have global influence because what people choose reflects cultural meanings and shapes global trends. Another important idea is deterritorialization, meaning culture is no longer fixed in one location. Because of technology such as social media and streaming services, people can experience foreign cultures instantly from their homes.

Delanty and Rumford add that global networks form a global civil society, where individuals and groups can actively participate in international discussions and social movements. Therefore, globalization makes culture more mobile and increases participation from people around the world.

3. Concerns and Problems

However, globalization also brings challenges. One concern is cultural imperialism, where powerful cultures dominate media and economy. Tomlinson warns that Western-centered global consumer culture may become too strong, causing smaller cultures to lose their visibility or uniqueness.

There are also political issues. As Delanty and Rumford point out, globalization can reduce the sovereignty of nation-states and create unequal power relations, especially when global corporations and strong countries influence local decision-making. These concerns show that fairness and cultural diversity must be considered carefully in the globalization process.

4. Points for Discussion

These issues lead to several important questions:

• How can we protect cultural diversity while still embracing cultural exchange?
• What systems or agreements are needed to reduce cultural and political inequality worldwide?
• What responsibilities do global platforms and individuals have when spreading and consuming culture?

Finding answers to these questions could help support a more respectful and balanced form of cultural globalization.

5. Conclusion

Culture and globalization interact closely. Globalization spreads culture and increases worldwide connections, while culture gives meaning to globalization and shapes how it develops. To ensure positive results, societies should remain open to new cultural experiences while also preserving the unique traditions that make each culture distinctive. When this balance is maintained, globalization can become an opportunity for understanding, creativity, and cooperation among different cultures.

References

Delanty, G., & Rumford, C. (2005). Political globalization.
Robertson, R., & White, K. E. (2003). What is globalization?

Use of AI

Helped with organization and language refinement.

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