When we talk about globalization, we generally think of increased economic growth, improved trade relations, and better opportunities for individuals worldwide. However, we barely pay attention to the negative effects it has on cultural diversity.
Globalization may sound appealing for the countries that are leading this phenomenon, but it is a problem for countries and communities with smaller economies and weaker cultures. Globalization causes the emergence of ‘one-size-fits-all’ norms and standards of living, further eroding unique cultural identities.
One of the biggest worries in recent times is that globalization will lead to the disappearance of languages. The UNESCO Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger claims that over 3,000 languages across the globe are at risk of extinction. Languages are inherently tied to the culture that sustains them, so their gradual disappearance leads to a more significant loss of diversity in communities.
Cultural globalization also means that the entertainment industry, such as books, music, television series, or cinema, predominantly controlled by Hollywood’s mainstream media, has become more homogenized. This integration offers limited opportunities for expressing indigenous cultures, crafts, and folklore, reducing the prospects and popularity of these cultures, as well as their positive aspects, in exchange for westernized culture.
Furthermore, global food chains and global agricultural practices have a significant and detrimental effect on cultural diversity. Globalization has eliminated the diversity of the food that is accessible and grown across the world while simultaneously decreasing local food production, as less number of people now know how to grow their food or prepare traditional meals. This has resulted in a more standardized diet, lacking essential vitamins and minerals, depleting various cultural practices along the way.
Moreover, globalization has led to the concentration of economic power to a smaller number of specialized organisations in bigger corporations leading to the standardization of the workforce and leading to neglect of potential talent and cultures that do not follow the typical Western norms.
In conclusion, while globalization has its benefits, increased economic growth and improved trade relations can come at a cost: a loss of diversity in cultures. The effects of cultural homogenization lead to language extinction, entertainment homogenization, a reduction in biodiversity, and standardization of practices, eliminating the very essence of cultures worldwide. It is the responsibility of people worldwide to strive for a more diverse and culturally inclusive world while working towards sustaining unique and diverse traditions and practices.
