Lesson Two

Intro - Forces of Globalization

Key Issues -
How do collectives express who they are?
How are identities connected through globalization?
To what extent do identity and the forces of globalization shape each other?

In a globalizing world, identities are shaped by many factors.  Pressures of homogenization and assimilation can challenge individuals and groups to give up parts of their identities, especially if they are a minority.  One position is that it is natural for minorities to be absorbed into a majority.  The issue of identity is more complex than a question of ‘fitting in’.  In this section, students will look at some of the issues surrounding homogenization and assimilation to discover what extent citizens should respond to the challenges that globalization poses to identity.
Students will also investigate the impact of globalization on Canada's founding nations and cultural communities by deciding whether globalization has enhanced or weakened community identities.