Exploring Tomlinson’s Three Theories of Global Culture in 1999

Exploring Tomlinson’s Three Theories of Global Culture in 1999

In 1999, cultural theorist John Tomlinson introduced three theories that aimed at understanding global culture. The three theories were cultural imperialism, cultural globalization, and cultural hybridization. These theories were developed out of the recognition that our world is increasingly becoming interconnected, and cultural production is no longer bounded by geographical boundaries. In this article, we will explore Tomlinson’s three theories of global culture and their significance in our contemporary world.

Cultural Imperialism

Cultural imperialism refers to the process of one culture imposing its values, beliefs, and practices on another culture. According to Tomlinson, cultural imperialism is enabled by global media flows, which transmit cultural products from more developed countries to less developed ones. For example, American movies and television shows are popular globally, and their influence extends far beyond their country of origin.

The impact of cultural imperialism can be seen in the loss of traditional cultural practices and the homogenization of cultural identities. Cultural imperialism is often criticized for perpetuating cultural stereotypes and furthering the divide between developed and developing countries.

Cultural Globalization

Cultural globalization, on the other hand, is the process through which cultures mix and borrow from one another. It is facilitated by the ease of travel, the internet, and the globalization of the economy. Cultural globalization does not imply the disappearance of local cultures but rather the emergence of a globalized, hybrid culture.

Cultural globalization can be seen in the rise of cosmopolitan cities, where a blend of cultures develops as a result of global migration and mixing. For instance, London and New York are some of the most cosmopolitan cities globally, where different cultures influence each other, and a hybrid culture emerges.

Cultural Hybridization

Cultural Hybridization refers to the blending of different cultures and the emergence of a new culture that incorporates elements of both. According to Tomlinson, cultural hybridization is a response to global cultural flows and the mixing of different cultures. Cultural hybridization breaks down the boundaries between cultures and results in the emergence of new cultural forms.

Examples of cultural hybridization can be seen in music, cuisine, literature, and fashion. For instance, the fusion of African and European culture gave birth to jazz music, while the blending of Asian and Latin American cuisine resulted in fusion cuisine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tomlinson’s three theories of global culture provide a useful framework for understanding globalization and its impact on culture. Cultural imperialism, cultural globalization, and cultural hybridization are not mutually exclusive but rather interrelated. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the complexity of our contemporary world and how different cultures interact and influence one another. By doing so, we can better appreciate the diversity of culture and the need to preserve it.

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