Globalization and Culture
Globalization is widely considered to be the expansion of cultural, economic, political, and social processes to the point that they become global in scale and impact. The process of globalization transcends state boundaries, resulting in a world in which relationships and and interactions are increasing, as well as interdependence. Globalization has resulted in the reduction of barriers of international trade, and the movement of cultural, political, and social elements, ideas, and traits of popular culture around the world. Globalization, for the most part, has negatively impacted folk culture, and positively impacted popular culture. Popular culture is becoming more dominant, while folk culture is becoming less and less present. The diffusion of popular culture around the globe has put the existence of many folk cultures into great danger, as it threatens traditional values and customs, and encourages one uniform culture, dominated by MDC's. The disappearance of folk customs and culture reduces diversity in the world, thus decreasing the cultural and intellectual stimulation that arises from differences in backgrounds and heritage.