Lesson 1.3

Section 3 - Lesson 1

To what extent is globalization an opportunity and/or challenge to identity and culture?

The forces of economic, social, and political globalization will affect individuals and groups in varying degrees. In this lesson you will examine the impacts of these forces on culture and identity. From the perspectives of the group, is globalization a force of opportunities or challenges?

The impacts are often categorized as effects of acculturation, accommodation, cultural revitalization, affirmation of identity, integration, assimilation, marginalization, and/or homogenization.

To better understand these effects, click to view Identity and Changes(Learn Alberta). The slide show includes many terms about the effects on individual and collective identity. You may replay the presentation as many times as necessary.

Multimedia

Go to the Internet to explore the Karen website created to share the history and culture of the Karen people of Burma. Click HERE to be taken to the website automatically.  Click Culture in the menu of the homepage. Select Karen History. Explore how the Karen people have faced the challenges of assimilation by another cultural group. Research who the Karen people are and what are the issues they face with retaining their culture and identity.

Learn more about the Ami people of Taiwan.  Click HERE for more information options.

Read

Read pages 70 to 79 and pages 92 to 101 in Perspectives on Globalization

Lesson Summary

Whether globalization affects people economically, socially, or politically, the outcomes for a group’s culture or language will vary. Drastic economic, social, or political impacts of globalization may lead to language and cultural loss for a collective identity. There are also opportunities to embrace and sustain a unique culture and language through the technologies that globalization can offer.