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5: The Multicultural World

  • Page ID
    13465
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    Learning Objectives

    At the end of the module, students will be able to:

    1. understand the influence of globalization on culture and cultural identity
    2. differentiate between the social patterns of cultural homogenization and cultural heterogenization
    3. explain the role of technological advancements on cultural creation and transmission
    4. summarize the process for creating cultural awareness and building cultural intelligence
    5. demonstrate methods and approaches for working with others in a culturally diverse society

    Everyday production of culture centers on local and global influences (Giddens 1991). With the advancements in technology and communications, people are experiencing greater social forces in the construction of their cultural reality and identity. The boundaries of locality have expanded to global and virtual contexts that create complexities in understanding the creation, socialization, adaptation, and sustainability of culture.

    • 5.1: Globalization and Identity
      This page examines the dual effects of globalization, highlighting the creation of global economic networks and the interconnectedness of individuals. It discusses how technology breaks communication barriers, promoting cultural similarities through capitalism, primarily via transnational corporations. While homogenization occurs, cultural diversity also persists, leading to intricate social relationships beyond geographical bounds.
    • 5.2: Culture Today
      This page explores globalization and technology's effects on cultural identity, showing how individuals develop complex identities through local and global interactions. With a significant portion of American adults online, "cultural creators" have emerged, influencing cultural narratives. The fragmentation of postmodern culture challenges traditional connections and blurs reality and fiction, altering perceptions of history.
    • 5.3: Building Cultural Intellegence
      This page highlights the significance of cultural intelligence and self-awareness in engaging with diverse cultures, addressing biases, and managing conflicts through effective communication and reframing techniques.
    • 5.S: The Multicultural World (Summary)
      This page covers essential terms and concepts in cultural studies and globalization, such as cultural bias, global consciousness, and the interplay of cultural homogenization and heterogenization. It emphasizes the significance of cultural intelligence and transnational interactions, while listing foundational texts from sociology and globalization theory for further understanding.

    Thumbnail: Women Falling in Line Holding Each Other. (CC BY 4.0; mentatdgt).


    This page titled 5: The Multicultural World is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Vera Kennedy via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.