Ch 4.4 Why does globalization of
popular culture cause problems?
Threat to Folk Culture
Loss of Traditional Values and dominance of Western
culture
Rising incomes fuels the demand for all-things
popular culture (globalization). People want to
dress, eat, talk, etc. like people in MDCs where
popular cultures are dominant. Folk culture
groups oppose this, especially in areas like the
Middle East and rural parts of Asia.
Ch 4.4 Why does globalization of
popular culture cause problems?
Threat to Folk Culture
Loss of Traditional Values WOMEN
Popular culture threatens the traditional roll of women in
LDCs (where gender inequality is prominent)
Muslim fundamentalists
Taliban in Afghanistan – prohibit girls going to school,
enforce strict modest dress .
There is generally a low view of women held in
traditional societies. This has also led to rape and human
trafficking and forced prostitution, esp. in Asia.
Ch 4.4 Why does globalization of
popular culture cause problems?
Threat of Foreign Media Imperialism
LDCs feel their social customs are threatened (cultural
imperialism) by USA media (American owned Associated
Press (AP) and British owned Reuters) which promotes the
social upward mobility & freedom for women
LDCs can’t afford their own reporters so they rely on MDC
reporters which they feel are Western-biased (check out
Al-Jazeera news, a growing-in- popularity non-western
media source).
Ch 4.4 Why does globalization of
popular culture cause problems?
Environmental Impact of Popular Culture
Modifies Nature
“made to look “natural”: golf courses, lawns, hedges
(“Over the Hedge” movie)
Uniform Landscapes
popular culture wants a uniform appearance to
generate “product recognition” and “greater
consumption” worldwide, makes global travelers feel
comfortable (i.e. McDonalds!)
(motels, gas stations, fast food restaurants)
Ch 4.4 Why does globalization of
popular culture cause problems?
Environmental Impact of Popular Culture
Negative Environmental Impact
Increased demand for natural resources
Increased meat consumption
90% less efficient than eating grain/vegetarian
(10kg grain needed to produce 1 kg beef,
3kg grain needed to produce 1 kg chicken)
Pollution
solid waste – “packaging” bulk used in our “consumerism”
We could do MUCH better with recycling