Running head: Globalization And Culture

Globalization and culture

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Globalization

One of the fundamental effect of the globalization process has been noted in the
manner in which the cultural practices of global communities are undertaken. The integration
of the world communities means that assimilation of cultures is likely to occur (Balko, n.d).
As shown in this paper, it is evident from the examples given that globalization indeed has a
very pertinent effect on human cultural indentations.
Globalization and the Chinese Culture
In many Chinese cities, globalization has been embraced. Prior to the globalization,
Chinese people and the whole nation were known to function on the tradition, respect of
heritage and adhere to their culture. This was marked with adherence to specific holidays,
traditional clothing, festivals, music and foods that were unique to the people of china. They
observed the cultural heritages that include opera, dance, and arts, uniquely performed. This
was what marked their tradition, and the children were taught to observe them (Akatsuka,
2013).
However, with both direct contact and other influences, China has now adopted the
western style of living. Though the Chinese may have adopted the influence slowly without
realizing it, its influence can be felt. For instance, its common to find a teen wearing the
same type of clothing as those of an American teen. Their hairstyle may be the same too,
something that was never seen initially (Grew, 2013).
Saudi Arabia and the globalization process
Perhaps the Saudi Arabia scenario presents one of the most interesting scenes of just
how strong the forces of globalization can be. Considered a highly patriarchal society, the
Saudis have practically barred women from steering wheels. The women were not allowed to
drive at all. This situation is gradually changing after the Saudi government yielded to
pressure from the global community to allow at least women who are above 30 years old to

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drive. This is a clear manifestation of change of cultural practice out of the pressures of the
globalization process.
Women drivers in Saudi Arabia: critical analysis
In Saudi Arabia, the question about women drivers has been a controversial one. The
relegation of the women to housewives in the society has received international attention
severally. Luckily, pressure groups from the Western world have been critical in ensuring that
Saudi Arabia espouses gender sensitivity in all its undertakings (Oonk, 2012).
American society, through the human right groups, has been engaged in a lot of
activists to pressure the ruling class of the Saudi Arabian society to take gender issues
seriously. The clamor for equal opportunities to drive was hatched by the Saudi women
themselves after noticing that their counterparts from the Western world were at liberty to
drive. Incidentally, they got support from the Western societies (Handerson, 2014).
Such influence was intentional. The media globally wanted to sensitize the women
all-around the globe that they have equal rights to venture into jobs activities considered to be
masculine. Saudi women intentionally allowed themselves to adopt the new wave of
civilization, and thats the why they had to start demonstrations so as to be granted the same
rights. It is quite evident that this influence is very positive within the Saudi society.
Granting the women their right to drive cars adds a lot of value to the society in terms
of economic capacity, and it's thus admissible that this kind of change was a very fruitful
change. It is also reasonable to admit in this work that the type of change is a very direct
change in the culture of the Saudi Arabians (Balko, n.d).
Response from the natives
Well, the change expected has not been fully achieved. There are still a lot of
preconditions before one is capable of graduating to drive. While the natives seem to have
accepted these new provisions, the conservatives seem to be flip-flopping over the idea of

Globalization And Culture

allowing women to drive. The women themselves are still putting in a fight to make driving
more liberal for the womenfolk

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References

Akatsuka, N. (2013). Pizza and Pizza Chefs in Japan: A Case of Culinary Globalization.
Food, Culture, and Society: An International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research,
161-164.
Balko, R. (n.d.). Global Policy Forum. Retrieved December 8, 2014, from
<https://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/162/27607.html>
Grew, R. (2010). The Globalization of Food (review). Technology and Culture, 210-211.
Henderson, B. (44, December 6). Saudi Arabia considers lifting ban on women drivers.
Retrieved December 8, 2014, from
<http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/saudiarabia/11218174/Sau
di-Arabia-considers-lifting-ban-on-women-drivers.html>
Oonk, G. (2012). Globalization and Culture, and: Globalization and Identity: Dialectics of
Flow and Closure (review). Journal of World History, 532-537.