Sociology – Paper 4 – Globalisation: Key debates, concepts and perspectives | e-Consult
Paper 4 – Globalisation: Key debates, concepts and perspectives (1 questions)
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Model answer:
| Aspect | Glocalisation | Cultural Homogenisation |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Adaptation of global products, ideas or practices to fit local cultures, creating hybrid forms. | Spread of uniform cultural forms worldwide, leading to similarity across societies. |
| Identity Impact | Fosters mixed or hybrid identities; local traditions persist alongside global influences. | Promotes a dominant global identity, often marginalising local distinctiveness. |
| Examples | McDonald’s menu items tailored to Indian tastes (e.g., McAloo Tikki); Bollywood films incorporating Hollywood techniques. | Standardised fast‑food chains offering identical products worldwide; global pop music dominating local radio playlists. |
| Theoretical Basis | Robertson’s “glocalisation” concept; emphasizes agency of local actors. | Appadurai’s “global cultural flows” leading to “cultural homogenisation”. |
Thus, while cultural homogenisation suggests a one‑way diffusion of dominant culture eroding local identities, glocalisation highlights a two‑way process where global and local interact, producing new, context‑specific identities.