According to National Geographic Society (2019), in this fast-changing world, globalization has taken place in making nations connected and interdependent to one another. Globalization made a big impact in mobilizing economic growth, government communications, political activities, technological advancement, people interaction and integration, media and information exchange, tourism and culture awareness.
All of these are occurring simultaneously in a worldwide or global context. This global influence has contributed in making the world – better and closer. One of the interesting effects of globalization is either the homogenization or heterogenization of world cultures. Homogenization of cultures refers to the awareness and diffusion of a wide sector of cultural history, beliefs and practices (Jamali, 2015). As an example, in the Philippine context we do not only promote the Filipino culture but we also have embodied Western and other Asian practices. Today we see a fascinating widespread adoption of Korean lifestyle and culture most especially from younger generations. This cultural diversity is caused by homogenization. On the other hand, heterogenization pertains to the differences in cultural identity such as tradition, language, ethnicity, religion and practices. The gap of differences could either make people more or less comfortable to trust, communicate and cooperate with one another (Dartmouth College, 2022). To better understand these definitions, we have to know the advantages and disadvantages of Homogenization and Heterogenization in the context of globalization. The advantage of homogeneity is the efficiency of improved communication. Global collaboration and cooperation will be more effective because of the respect in values and awareness of each other’s vision and mission, leading them to have mutual goals for the betterment of the society. Being aware of each other’s humanity and cultural background, will allow people to be openminded, just and emphatic as they adopt cultural differences. However, its disadvantages may be far greater than without others’ homogeneity. For the traditional ones, they may be forced to change and adopt to the environment. The local communities and their rich cultures will more likely be less valued in time and become irrelevant compared to the major popular cultures widely dispersed in the society. While for Heterogeneity, cultures and traditions are preserved. However, people who have grown accustomed to old norms will still have the opportunity to access new and enlightening point of views from other existing cultures with respect to protecting their own. The differences are still there but the doors of new possibilities will always open for them to explore. The disadvantage is only if people are too closeminded to see and respect practices which may cause debate, feud or even misunderstanding, bringing more gap of heterogeneity (Sardona, 2022). Homogeneity or Heterogeneity, whatever it may be in the midst of active globalization, people of all nations and their cultures deserves recognition and respect.
References:
1. National Geographic Society (2019). Globalization. (Retrieved from: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/globalization)
2. Jamali, R. (2015). National Identity, Crises of legitimacy and penetration of social networks. ScienceDirect. (Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/cultural-homogeneity)
3. Dartmouth College (2022). Social-Ecological Systems Meta-Analysis Database. (Retrieved from: https://sesmad.dartmouth.edu/variables/6)
4. Sardona, J. (2021). What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of homogenization of culture? How about heterogenization? (Retrieved from: https://brainly.ph/question/11427905)
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