4BUS1060- Globalisation and Cultural Convergence

Speaker 1: Introduction of the topic where discussion will focus on the extent to which globalization leads to cultural convergence. The key definitions are presented from the offset. There is the first point stated that globalisation does lead to cultural convergence to a large extent due to the cultural imperialism resulting from the lowering of barriers between countries. Furthermore, the importance of brands and the ease at which they spread along with the theories of multi-directional cultural flows are reasons why cultural convergence is witnessed. Speaker 2: There are counter-arguments proposed that globalisation does not lead to cultural convergence to a large extent. Cultural differentialism and hybridization are the core theories proposed as rebuttals to the aforementioned points. Therefore, globalisation may in fact in some cases lead to cultural divergence. Speaker 3: There is conclusion provided that we are in favour of globalisation leading to cultural convergence after weighing in the different factors. Moving on to the latter part of the discussion, there is introduction provided to the consequences of cultural convergence. Speaker 4: The first consequences discussed were the impact of cultural convergence on values and societal attitudes towards religion and family. Theories have shown that it has not been converging over the past few decades, contrary to popular believes. However, the attitudes among the population are also highly correlated with different factors that have been dominating in the country. Speaker 5: The latter consequences discussed were with regards to trade and migration. Trade has been greatly enhanced and flows of financial activity have been increasing over time. The reduction of barriers around the globe has meant migration has been a significant by-product of globalisation. References World Values Survey (2015). WVS Database. http://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSContents.jsp?CMSID=Findings Harvard Kennedy School - Harvard University. (2008). Cultural convergence over time? https://www.hks.harvard.edu/fs/pnorris/Acrobat/Global%20Communications/Chapter%2010.pdf Ang, Ien. "Globalisation And Culture". Continuum 8.2 (1994): 323-325. Web. Guinness, Paul. Globalisation. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2003. Print. Orye, Lieve. "Globalisation, Society And Religion: From Mono‐Metastructural Theory To Metatheoretical Reflexivity". Culture and Religion 5.3 (2004): 383-400. Web Adams, F.G. 2008, "Globalization", World Economics, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 153. Marston, R.C. 1995, International financial integration: a study of interest differentials between the major industrial countries, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge Sarala, R.M. & Vaara, E. 2010, "Cultural differences, convergence, and crossvergence as explanations of knowledge transfer in international acquisitions", Journal of International Business Studies, vol. 41, no. 8, pp. 1365-1390. Andreicristinadragos. (2013) Globalization. George Ritzer and cultural Convergence Available at: https://globalizationritzer.wordpress.com/ [Accessed 20th October 2016] Mier, K (2001). Cultural Convergence examples the classroom Available at: http://classroom.synonym.com/cultural-convergence-examples-16778.html [Accessed 20th October 2016] Wang, Y. (2007). Gloabalization enhances cultural identity Available at: http://web.uri.edu/iaics/files/09-Yi-Wang.pdf [Accessed 20th October 2016] Mishra, G. (2008) Globalization and culture Available at: http://www.stateofnature.org/?p=6292 [Accessed 20th October 2016]