Understanding Cultural Dominance: Definition and Examples
As humans, we are shaped by the cultures that we grow up in. Our beliefs, behaviors, and values are a reflection of the environment we’re immersed in. Even though we may identify with particular subcultures, there are overarching cultural dynamics that exist within any given society. This is where cultural dominance comes in.
Cultural dominance refers to the way that certain societal groups, traditions, or discourses are deemed more valuable than others. This can be manifested in various forms, from the language we speak to the political system we have in place. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of cultural dominance and provide some examples to help you better understand how it works.
What is Cultural Dominance?
Cultural dominance occurs when one culture is privileged over others. This can happen in a number of ways, including through language, economics, politics, media, and social norms. For example, certain languages may be regarded as more prestigious than others, perpetuating inequalities between speakers of different tongues. In some societies, certain dominant groups may control the majority of economic resources, leading to economic inequalities based on cultural identity.
Moreover, cultural dominance can also manifest in the ideation and communication of certain values. The dominant culture’s values are often held up as the most desirable, normal or natural way of being, while alternative or minority cultural practices may be delegitimized or even oppressed.
Examples of Cultural Dominance
The following examples illustrate the different ways that cultural dominance can be seen in society:
Language dominance
Language dominance occurs when one language is deemed more important or prestigious than others. English, for example, has become the dominant language of business and media around the world. This gives native English speakers an advantage in the job market and access to a broader range of cultural resources than those who speak different languages.
Economic dominance
A dominant cultural group can also control the majority of economic resources. This is often the case in post-colonial societies where the colonizing power swallows up the wealth of the colonized country, which gets further reinforced through histories and narratives of the former. White capitalists in this scenario are often in the privileged position of those with access to funds, leading to unequal access to resources among other cultural or ethnic groups.
Media dominance
The media can reflect and reinforce cultural dominance through its representation of different groups. For example, Western media has perpetuated a narrow representation of what is deemed attractive and desirable, with an obsession with Western beauty standards and the complete obliteration of alternative cultural ideas. Colorism in India (a preference for lighter skin colors over darker tones) is another example where modern media perpetuates prejudices and beliefs among the masses.
Political dominance
In some societies, dominant cultural groups maintain political control over the state. This may lead to political decisions that prioritize the interests and cultures of those in power, to the exclusion of others. This makes it difficult for minority groups to have their voices heard and their needs considered, creating a culture of disenfranchisement and exclusion.
Conclusion
Cultural dominance is an insidious form of inequality that permeates modern societies. It is a dynamic process that is shaped and influenced by multiple social factors such as media representation or economic history. Understanding how cultural dominance works can help us challenge and create a more equal, diverse, and inclusive world that serves the needs of all groups in society. By recognizing and addressing cultural dominance, we can strive towards a more socially just and sustainable world.
(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)
Speech tips:
Please note that any statements involving politics will not be approved.