By Ilesanmi Augustine

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Globalization is the process of making different countries of the world come closer in terms of cultural, political and economical interactions. This refers to the ability of people to communicate all over the Earth, no matter what geographical positions they occupy. This has only been possible since the late 20th C, with the increase of internet –based communication systems and invention of social media sites to relate and share ideas and resources.

In this manner, all countries of the world are regarded as a “global village” with each country being a family in the village. As a typical village, families interact with each other in a number of ways. They greet each other every morning; come together at village meetings, have a common head or leader in the village; attend marriages, burials and other ceremonies of each other, marry from each other, buy from and sell to each others, especially on the village market days, borrow money from and lend money to each other, and give assistance and help to each other when the need arises.

There has been increasing concern over the years by researchers on how the world is being compressed into a simple space now referred to as “a global village”. Countries as various stages of development are increasingly forced to take account of an ever expanding interconnection of socio-cultural issues and economies in the management of their national affairs. The states are increasingly losing their capacity to govern and to regulate in an increasing homogenization, while neglecting other aspects, more importantly its cultural aspect. Therefore, Globalization is a critical tool for cultural homogeneity and end to cultural diversity in the world.

While globalization has brought many benefits such as increased economic growth and improved access to goods and services, it also has a significant impact on local cultures.

One of the most obvious effects of globalization on local cultures is the spread of popular culture. With the rise of global media and the internet, cultural products such as music, films and television show care now easily accessible in even the most remote corners of the world.

This has led to the homogenization of cultural tastes and the erosion of traditional cultural practices. For example, many traditional music styles and instruments are being replaced by Western Pop music and electric instruments, and traditional dress is being replaced by Western style clothing. This can lead to a loss of cultural identity and a sense of disconnection from one’s own heritage.

Another effect of globalization on traditional cultures is the erosion of traditional languages. As people become more exposed to global media and travel more, they are more likely to adopt the language of the dominant global culture, often at the expense of disconnection from one’s own heritage. In some cases, it can also lead to the extinction of languages that are not passed down to future generations.

Globalization also has an economic impact on local cultures. This can lead to the displacement of traditional livelihoods and the erosion of traditional economic systems, such as farming or artisanal crafts. In addition, the influx of multinational corporations can lead to the displacement of local businesses and the loss of traditional ways of life. This can lead to a loss of economic security and a sense of disconnection from one’s own heritage.

Another impact of globalization is the erosion of traditional gender roles and family structures. With the increasing exposure to western idea and culture, traditional gender roles and family structures are often challenged and replaced by more liberal and individualistic models. This can lead to social and cultural tensions as people struggle to reconcile their traditional beliefs with the new global norms. This can also lead to a sense of disconnection form one’s own heritage and a loss of traditional values.

One of the most significant effects of globalization on local cultures is the impact is it has on food cultures. As countries become more connected, people have access to a wider variety of food options from around the world. However, this increased access can also lead to the erosion of traditional food cultures.

One of the most obvious effects of globalization on food choices is the spread of fast food and processed foods. With the rise of multinational food corporations, fast food and processed foods have become increasingly available in even the most remote corners of the world. This has led to a decrease in the consumption of traditional foods and a rise in the consumption of unhealthy, processed foods for example, the traditional diet of a rural community may be replaced by a diet of fast food and processed snacks, which can lead to health problems such as obesity and diabetes.

Another effect of globalization on food choices is the erosion of traditional food production and farming practices. As countries become more integrated into the global economy, they are move likely to adopt Western style agricultural practices, which can lead to the displacement of traditional farming methods and the loss of traditional crop varieties. For example, the traditional method of farming using traditional seeds and techniques may be replaced by commercial farming using genetically modified seeds and chemical fertilizers, which can lead to a loss of biodiversity and a decrease in the nutritional value of food.

Globalization also has an economic impact on food choices. As countries become more integrated into the global economy, they are more likely to adopt Western – style capitalist economic system and consumer cultures. This can lead to the displacement of traditional livelihoods and the erosion of traditional economic systems, such as farming or artisanal food production. In addition, the influx of multinational food corporations can lead to the displacement of local food producers and the loss of traditional ways of life. This can lead to a loss of economic security and a sense of disconnection from one’s own heritage.

However, globalization also has the potential to positively impact food choices. For example, globalization can lead to the preservation of endangered traditional foods and cuisines by providing a platform for their promotion and celebration.

Additionally, globalization can lead to sharing of food ideas and practices, promoting mutual understanding and respect between different cultures. In this way, globalization can lead to a greater appreciation of food diversity and a sense of connectedness to the world.

Despite these negative effects, globalization also has the potential to positively impact local cultures. For example, globalization can lead to the preservation of endangered cultures and languages by providing a platform for their promotion and celebration.

However, it is important to note that the effects of globalization on local cultures are not always negative. In some cases, it can lead to a fusion of cultural forms. For example, the fusion of traditional music styles with western Pop music can lead to the emergence of new and unique music styles.

In addition, globalization can also lead to increase access to education and information which can lead to the empowerment of individuals and communities.

In conclusion, globalization has had a significant impact on local cultures. It has led to the spread of popular culture, the erosion of traditional languages, the erosion of traditional livelihoods, the erosion of traditional gender roles and family structures, and also the preservation of endangered cultures and languages, and the sharing of cultural ideas and practices.