Chapter 7

Global Media Cultures

The media have an important impact on cultural globalization in two mutually interdependent
ways: Firstly, the media provide an extensive transnational transmission of cultural products and,
secondly, they contribute to the formation of communicative networks and social structures.

Media as the “channel of communication” – a means through which people send and receive
information. In expanded discourse, social network can actually mean social media since the idea
of the term is under the function of the media itself.
a. Print Media – It is said to be the oldest type of mass communication, which includes
newspapers, magazines, booklets, and brochures and billboards. Earliest production of this type
was made possible through woodblock stamped on paper, although later development includes
the invention of the printing press for a more and efficient production.

b. Electronic Media – The usage of electronic media was first established when the radio was
invented by Marconi. Since then, radio was utilized as a source of entertainment and as a news
broadcasting tool. Decades later, another electronic media manifested, the cinema and television.
Overall, electronic media includes: radio, movies, television, and audio and video records.
(Pradeep, 2014)

c. New Age Media – This pertains to the newly applied means of communicating involving the
employment of non-traditional system; the development of the computer as a universal
information carrier (multimedia) and its combination with telecommunications hence the term
new media. Moreover, the term new media includes communication. In fact, five factors
constituting communication as initiator, recipient, vehicle, message and effect, include the
defining characteristics of the new media.

CULTURAL ASSIMILATION is a situation where one society borrows the culture of another
society and uses it as part of its culture.

The intriguing question is, “What happens when a particular idea or cultural item is confronted
with idea or cultural item of the same kind in another society”? This situation is known as
CULTURAL CONVERGENCE. In this situation, there are two possible scenarios. The first
scenario is the exportation of superior or dominant culture. This usually happens when a
particular idea or cultural item is being introduced to, and such is being accepted by another
society. The other scenario is the HYBRIDIZATION, which is the mixing of two converging
culture resulting to the emergence of the new culture.

The belief that one’s culture is relatively inferior compared to the culture of another society is
called XENOCENTRISM. People having this kind of belief are apparently more accepting and
accommodating of other culture, and would take outside culture as part of their own.

In the opposite, the belief that one’s own culture is relatively superior compared to the culture of
another is called ETHNOCENTRISM. The people who adhere to this belief are apparently
more skeptical to the introduction of another culture, stressing that there is no point to borrow the
culture of another. In fact, they believe that it is not only their culture that is more superior to
others, but their race as well.

A person may experience culture shock at the time he is exposed to the culture of another, and in
which he is not aware of the existence of such culture. CULTURE SHOCK is an internal
struggle experienced by an individual who encounters a culture radically different from his own,
which leads to his own confusion and disorientation. This is mostly experienced by a migrant, or
by a person who has a high sense of nationalism.

Chapter 8
The Globalization of Religion
Religion and globalization persistently engage in a flexible relationship in which the former relies on the
latter in order to thrive and flourish while at the same time challenging its hybridizing effects.

Globalization due to the advent of communication and transportation technology and the roles
played by the media – has contributed to the reterritorialization and the blurring of geographical
spaces and boundaries.

Religion, much more than culture, has the most difficult relationship with globalism. First, the
two are entirely contrasting belief systems. Religion is concerned with the sacred, while
globalism places value on material wealth. Religion follows divine commandments, while
globalism abides by human-made laws. Furthermore, “God”, “Allah”, or “Yahweh” defines and
judges’ human actions in moral terms. Globalism’s yardstick, however, is how much of human
action can lead to the highest material satisfaction and subsequent wisdom that this new status
produces.

Globalists are less worried about whether they will end up in heaven or hell. Their skills are
more pedestrian as they aim to seal trade deals, raise the profits of private enterprises, improve
government revenue collection, and naturally, enrich themselves. The religious is concerned with
spreading holy ideas globally, while the globalist wishes to spread goods and services.

Globalization has “freed” communities from “the constraints of the nation-state,” but in the
process, also threatened to destroy the cultural system that bind them together. Religion seeks to
take the place of these broken traditional ties to either help communities cope with their new
situation or organize them to oppose this major transformation of their lives.

While religions may benefit from the process of globalization, this does not mean that its
tensions with globalist ideology will subside. Some Muslims view globalization as a Trojan
horse hiding supporters of western values like secularism, liberalism, or even communism ready
to spread these ideas in their to eventually displace Islam. The Catholic Church and its dynamic
leader, Pope Francis, condemned globalization’s “throw-away culture” that is “fatally destined to
suffocate hope and increase risks and threats.”
Chapter 9
Global City

Sociologist Saskia Sassen popularized the term “global city” in the 1990’s. Her criteria for what
constitute a global city were primarily economic. In her work, she initially identified three global
cities: New York, London, and Tokyo, all of which are hubs of global finance and capitalism.
They are the homes, for instance, of the world’s top stock exchanges where investors buy and
sell major corporations.

Characteristics of a Global City

1. a variety of international services, notably in finance, insurance, real estate, banking,
accountancy, and marketing.
2. headquarters of several multinational corporations
3. the existence of financial headquarters, a stock exchange, and major financial institutions
4. domination of the trade and economy of a large surrounding area
5. major manufacturing centers with port and container facilities
6. considerable decision-making power on a daily basis and at a global level
7. centers of new ideas and innovation in business, economics, culture, and politics
8. centers of media and communications for global networks
9. dominance of the national region with great international significance
10. high percentage of residents employed in the services sector and information sector
11. high-quality educational institutions, including renowned universities, international student
attendance, and research facilities
12.multi-functional infrastructure offering some of the best legal, medical, and entertainment
facilities in the country
13. high diversity in language, culture, religion, and ideologies.

The Global Cities Negative to its Cosmopolitan Population

-surging prices of real state/falling houses affordability
-residential hypermobility
-long working hours
-competitive and precarious labor market
-traffic congestions/long commuting hours
-urban anonymity/relative social isolation
-crime incidence

Categorization of Global Cities

a. First tier “truly global cities” as the most powerful global financial articulations.
Example: London, New York and Tokyo

b. Second tier cities based on the level of their multinational articulations.

Example: Miami, Los Angeles, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Singapore

c. Third tier cities based on the importance of their national articulation.

Example: Paris, Zunich, Madrid, Sydney, Seoul, Bangkok, Taipei, Sao Paulo and Mexico City

d. Fourth tier cities based on subnational and regional articulations.

Example: Osaka-Kobe-Kansai in Japan and Hong Kong and the Pearl River in China

Chapter 10
Global Demography
Demographics – is the study of a population based on factors such as age, race and sex.
Government, corporations and non-government organizations use demographics to learn more
about a population’s characteristics for many purposes, including policy development and
economic market research.

Demography as the Study of Population

The word population refers to the number of persons occupying a certain geographic area,
drawing subsistence from their habitat, and interacting with one another. The scientific study of
population is called demography, and the person who specializes in the study of population is a
demographer. He gathers data about the size, distribution, composition, and change in population
in order to describe them. He also analyzes the structure of population in terms of factors such as
age, gender, race, ethnicity, and some other demographic variables.

The size, distribution, and composition are three components of the population.
 Size refers to the number of people while growth refers to the changes in number of
people over time.
 Composition, on the other hand, describe the characteristics of people comprising the
population, their age, sex, educational attainment, economic activities, ethnicity, religion,
etc.
 Distribution refers to how the population is distributed in a given geographic area. This
is best measured in terms of population density.

The change in the population size is determined by three demographic processes namely:
fertility, mortality, and migration.
 Fertility refers to the amount of reproduction among women of reproductive ages. This is
usually expressed in terms of number of children born by women in ages 15-49.
 Mortality refers to the number of deaths in a given population. According to
demographers, declining mortality, not the rising fertility, is the root cause of current
world population growth. This is because overtime, man is able to bring mortality under
control that most of the people are able to take and enjoy a long life. Finally,
 Migration refers to the relatively permanent movement of people with the purpose of
changing their residence.

The Theory of Demographic Transition

The theory of demographic transition can be viewed as one way to explain how the world today
experienced the rapid population growth. It is a global demographic phenomenon whereby the
population growth has experienced a pattern of transition from the high birth rate and high death
rate, to a modern pattern of low birth rate and low death rate. Using a historical approach, the
demographers found out that the world population is continuously undergoing a series of
transition in death rates and birth with the transition identified as follows:
Stage 1: Pre-Transition
Characterized by high birth and death rates with little population growth
Stage 2: Early Transition
Declining death rate, primarily the result of reduction in infant death, along with medium
fertility - resulting to significant population growth
Stage 3: Late Transition
Low birth and death rates with little population growth

Women and Reproductive Right

Reproductive rights supporters argue that if population control and economic development were
to reach their goals, women must have control over whether they will have children or not and
when they will have their progenies, if any. By giving women this power, they will be able to
pursue their vocations-be they economic, social, or political- and contribute to economic growth.

The Feminist Perspective

Feminist approach the issue of reproductive rights from another angle. They are, foremost,
against any form of population control because they are compulsory by nature, resorting to a
carrot-and-stick approach (punitive mechanism co- exist alongside benefits) that actually does
not empower women. They believe that the government assumptions that poverty and
environmental degradation are caused by overpopulation are wrong. These factors ignore other
equally important causes like the unequal distribution of wealth, the lack of public safety nets
like universal health care, education, and gender equality programs. Feminist also point out that
there is very little evidence that point to overpopulation as the culprit behind poverty and
ecological devastation.

Chapter 11
Global Migration
Migration is a key feature of our increasingly interconnected world. It has also become a
flashpoint for debate in many countries, underscores the importance of understanding the
patterns of global migration and the economic impact that is created when people move across
the world’s borders.

An individual who moves from one area or region to another is called a migrant. He/She is also
known as emigrant from the point of view of the place of origin and an immigrant from the
point of view of the place of destination. Migrants may be permanent, long-term or short term
according to the length of stay in the place of destination.

PUSH-PULL THEORY
The most popular theory explaining the reasons of migration is one propounded by Ravenstein
(1889) known as the Push-Pull Theory. This theory states that some people move because they
are pushed out of their former location (push factors), or because they have been pulled or
attracted to some places elsewhere (pull factors). Examples of push factors are the scarcity of job
opportunities, poor medical care, poor housing, natural disasters, famine, loss of wealth,
discrimination and the like. Pull factors on the other hand include better job opportunities,
improved living conditions, political or religious freedom, attractive climate, better education
and the like. Ravenstein further opined that pull factors were more important than push factors
because in most instances, people move in order to improve themselves in material respects, but
they would rather endure the conditions in their current residence unless attracted by the above-
mentioned pull factors.

Chapter 12
Environment Crises and Sustainable Development
The Difference of Stability from Sustainability
The term “Sustainability” or sustainable development is used to attract attention to a balance
between today’s needs and needs of future generation, including their need for safe and healthy
environment. In order to explore the difference between local and global stability.

Man-Made Pollution
Man-made pollutants can threaten human health and compromise the natural ecosystem and
environment. Man-made pollution is generally a byproduct of human actions such as
consumption, waste disposal, industrial production, transportation and energy generation.
Pollutants can enter the surrounding environment in various ways, either through the
atmosphere, water systems or soil, and can persist for generations if left untreated.
Example of Man-made pollution:
1. Air Pollution
2. Water Pollution
3. Soil Pollution
4. Radioactive Pollution

Effects of Climate Change -migration and conflict

-weather -oxygen depletion
-ecosystem -water resources
-wild life -natural disasters
-forests
-sea level rise Finding solution
-marine organisms 1. migration in the energy sector
-agriculture 2. shifting to renewable energy
-glaciers and ice sheets 3. at individual level
-economy 4. conserve hot water
-extinction of species 5. conserve in the car
-acidification of ocean 6. conserve electricity
-health 7. reduce waste
-ocean temperature

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Sustainable Development is the overarching paradigm of the United Nations. The concept of
sustainable development was described by the 1987 Butland Commission Report as
“development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future
generations to meet their own needs.”

From the lens of economist Streeten (1991) and Goulet (2000) as cited by Simon (2003), the
concept of sustainable development is built on six different definitions.
1. The maintenance and replacement of capital assets.
2. Maintaining environmental conditions for the benefit of all.
3. Resiliency or the ability to adjust and cope with the changes and crises.
4. The avoidance of internal and external debts in the future.
5. Fiscal and political sustainability.
6. The ability to hand over programs and projects to the decision and control of the citizens.

The General Assembly of UN adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals as part of the
agency’s flagship goal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These 17 goals is built on the
mantra of “leaving no one behind”.
Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable
agriculture.
Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning
opportunities for all.
Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive
employment and decent work for all.
Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and
foster innovation.
Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries.
Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable
development.
Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of the terrestrial ecosystems, sustainable
manage of forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt
biodiversity.
Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to
justice for all build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for
Sustainable Development.
Chapter 13
Global Food Security
One of the primary issues in the ever-debated population growth is the serious concern on food
security. It is an undeniable fact that substantial proportion of the world population is still
suffering from food shortage, while some, although able to comply with the mandatory food
intake, fail to attain the desired dietary level.

The global food security situation and outlook remains delicately imbalance amid surplus food
production and the prevalence of hunger, due to the complex interplay of social, economic, and
ecological factors that mediate food security outcomes at various human and institutional scales.

Central to the issue of food security is the question of food availability. Following the premise of
Malthus, food production is lagging far below the demands of the ever-increasing population. If
the population growth is not properly addressed as a serious concern, food scarcity will
ultimately bring misery to huge number of people, especially to the most vulnerable segment of
the population. This means that food availability, as it appears, will no longer be accessible to the
increasing population.

Certainly, food security is merely about food availability, access, utilization, or stability. There is
a fifth element, and that is nutritional dimension. In simple terms, it is not enough that there is
food in the table. Rather, it is a must that every human being must have access to nutritious food
on the table - one that meets the daily dietary needs.

Characteristic of being Food Secured:

a. Enough Food – if there is adequate food as per one’s need and requirements.
b. Good Food – it should be with desirable taste, texture, and other attributes.
c. Healthy Food – it should be nutritious and sustaining with proper vitamins, minerals, fiber,
energy, and all other things that our bodies need.
d. Culturally Appropriated Food – having access to culturally appropriate food means that people
have food that they are familiar and comfortable with including availability of familiar foods and
varieties.

Chapter 14
Global Citizenship
It is a way of living that recognizes our world is an increasingly complex web of connections and
interdependencies. One in which our choices and actions may have repercussions for people and
communities locally, nationally or internationally.

Global Citizenship nurtures personal respect and respect for others, wherever they live. It
encourages individuals to think deeply and critically about what is equitable and just, and what
will minimize harm to our planet. Exploring Global Citizenship themes help learners grow more
confident in standing up for their beliefs, and more skilled in evaluating the ethics and impact of
their decisions.
Global citizenship is comprised of several elements, starting with a way of thinking across many
communities, cultures, and ways of life. While our national identities are assigned to us at birth,
a global citizenship takes time to develop, and can only be attained through life experiences. Our
interpretation of our experiences, as well as increasing self-awareness, ultimately shapes our
ability to become global citizens. 

What is a Global Citizen?

There is a great deal of debate and discussion around this question, as there is around the whole
concept of globalization. A useful working definition, however, is offered by Oxfam:
A Global Citizen is someone who:
 is aware of the wider world and has a sense of their own role as a world citizen
 respects and values diversity
 has an understanding of how the world works
 is outraged by social injustice
 participates in the community at a range of levels, from the local to the global
 is willing to act to make the world a more equitable and sustainable place
 takes responsibility for their actions.

To be effective Global Citizens, young people need to be flexible, creative and proactive. They
need to be able to solve problems, make decisions, think critically, communicate ideas
effectively and work well within teams and groups. These skills and attributes are increasingly
recognized as being essential to succeed in other areas of 21st century life too, including many
workplaces. These skills and qualities cannot be developed without the use of active learning
methods through which pupils learn by doing and by collaborating with others.