Globalization of Non-Western Cultures Essay

Globalization is an important concept for many capitalist. It is the process of developing an integrated society where interchange of culture, products and world view are recognized. Globalization could bring advances in technology and economic development to many countries. It brings greater interdependence and awareness among the people of the world. Aside from these benefits, globalization could also affect any country’s interdependence for economy and culture. In this paper, examples of native non-Western cultures that have been impacted by globalization will be discussed and one of those examples will be further analyzed. China is an example of non-Western culture that has been impacted by the globalization. The impact of globalization in China mainly affected their economy. From a culture that mainly relied on economic self-sufficiency, China has transformed to a progressive economy that is more open to trade and foreign economy (Overholt, 2005). Another non-Western culture that has been impacted by globalization is India. Globalization altered the view and treatment to women within the male-dominant society. With globalization, there is the power to uproot the traditional views towards women so they can take equal stance in the society. Influence of Globalization in the Chinese Culture China is very rich in its cultural heritage. Their culture has survived for many centuries. Highlights of their culture include particular festivals, dresses, foods, music, etc (Bransteller, 2006). Chinese culture was once one of the most significant opponents of globalization. But as going from one country to another in search for better jobs and lifestyle, people meet other nationalities and results to cultural diffusion. Influence of globalization in the Chinese culture has caused by several factors. First to influence the Chinese economy and culture is the west. It has greatly influenced the Chinese culture, just like its impact all over the world. The free trade policies are also a factor. With these, more products of other  countries are imported by China, thus represent the culture of other nations. Diversity also immensely influenced Chinese culture with regards to its music, food, language, clothing and other traditions. Media plays a great role in manipulating many cultur es. Outside factors and ideas were brought into China which causes major changes in lifestyle of Chinese people. Effects of Globalization Globalization has had its major effects on the Chinese culture. Their ethics and economy is one of the major positive impacts. After experiencing globalization, the Chinese economy became one of the most prosperous economies in the world. The main factor that brought benefits for the Chinese economy due to globalization is that interchange of products which widens their international market. Due to globalization, a new dimension of trade was introduced and more Chinese products were exported to the markets all over the world (Gao, 2003). This earns them foreign exchange and gives other countries awareness about their heritage. And with diversification, Chinese culture was given new ways and options to do a certain job. The main effect of globalization to the Chinese economy is the widening of market. However, globalization has also had some negative effects. Adoption of western culture as their own and inclination to western cultural heritage were major effects. Chinese people misinterpret Modernization as Westernization. Westernization has altered some of the Chinese rich culture and other institutions. Education system of China was altered. The traditional Chinese curriculum was replaced by new curriculums and courses. Clothing was also changed. People preferred wearing jeans and t-shirts rather than wearing cheongsams and coats. Another major effect is on food. Globalization caused the replacements of traditional Chinese restaurants with fast food chains. China’s Response to Globalization Many of the major cities in China have quickly embraced globalization. The main evidence of Chinese response to globalization is the developing urbanization. Major cities of China have been massively populated due to the rapid interchange of products which brought many opportunities for trades and jobs. Although China has joined the globalization system late, this does not hinder their success in the world economy today. With much more  enthusiasm, China’s economy is more open than those of other countries. China adjusts its internal structures as it participates in the globalization. Indeed, with the integration into the world economy, Beijing pursuits the goal to play an active role in setting rules of world economy (Lardy, 1994). The Chinese policy towards globalization is also a power policy. It aims at increasing China’s influence on the world affairs. Today, China is sending missions throughout the world to seek for the best practice. Aside from foreign technolo gy and foreign corporate management techniques, China also adapts a wide variety of foreign institutions and practices. Though China entered the world economy that is dominated by the West, the Chinese leadership is apparently winning initiatives in creating a new world order (Lardy, 1994). A more active China is participating in the world trade because of this reason. Today, China influences the direction of globalization in a more intensive manner. References: Bransteller, L., & J. Lardy. (2006). China’s Embrace of Globalization. National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Gao, T. (2003). Globalization and China: Impact on Economy and People’s Quality of Life. Zarb School of Business, Hofstra University. Lardy, N. (1994). China in the World Economy. Institute for International Economics, Washington.Overholt, W. (2005). China and Globalization, RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.