The Impact of Globalization on the Ideals of Interculturalism

Abstract

The very purpose of this paper is to assess the negative impact of globalization on the ideals of interculturalism. More than ever, people with different cultural backgrounds and locations across the world are interacting and integrating in many spheres of life, for which the contribution of both globalization and interculturalism is immense. Globalization is both acclaimed and criticized for bringing opportunities as well as challenges in realizing intercultural ideals, globally. On the one hand, it is promoting understanding across the cultures through exposing people to diverse view points and cultures. However, it is also criticized in minimizing/lessening cultural differences and communication by promoting and imposing the dominant culture of the West on other societies. In this paper I have attempted to argue and demonstrate that the negative impacts of globalization outweigh its positive contribution for the promotion and realization of interculturalism, because of the following reasons:  It is predominantly orchestrated and run by Western nations, their media and their politics; and their primary agenda is none other than the promotion and imposition of their prevailing culture, way of life or beliefs on other societies (using their economic or political power). Moreover, a large number of nations throughout the world, either willingly or through some means of bargain, adopt the Western ideals (different principles, ideologies, culture or beliefs). As a result, local cultures have been suppressed and replaced by the adopted Western ideals or cultures. These and other conditions and situations of globalization will not only disturb interculturalism and its ideals, but will also destroy it altogether. Thus, using the Wolaita people's culture in Ethiopia as an example, this thesis discusses how globalization undermines indigenous culture and interferes with interculturalism. To achieve this objective, qualitative data from secondary sources and philosophical analysis method were employed. In light of the discussion, this thesis suggests that every culture from both the Global North and Global South should play their own part in cross-cultural communication, so as to create understanding about the pluralistic nature of cultures. This, in turn, enhances the process of authentic globalization via promoting original identity.

Key words: Globalization, intercultural philosophy, homogenization, indigenous culture, Westernization, intercultural communication.

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/15-1-04

Publication date: January 30th 2025