Sociological Studies of Cultural Imperialism

In this article, I will briefly review the basic premises and conclusions of Schiller’s sociological studies of cultural imperialism. I will also discuss topics like cultural imperialism and Mcdonalidization, and how they interact with Interorganizational change. These issues are relevant to a global society because they affect all levels of social organization. Ultimately, these issues are important to understand in order to develop the proper theory for a specific cultural context.

Culture

A number of disciplines have developed their own definitions and interpretations of cultural imperialism. Many of these studies are insufficient in their aim to produce concrete findings and useful knowledge. Nevertheless, they are nonetheless useful in establishing a framework for further scholarly inquiry. Here are a few examples of these studies:

Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism is the practice of judging other cultures based on their ethnic background. This is a key concept in anthropology, sociology, and other social sciences. Ethnocentrism can lead to prejudices and feelings of inferiority towards other cultures. However, historians regard ethnocentrism as a learned view and an important tool for understanding the worldview of various cultures.

Mcdonalidization

In the past, the notion of McDonalidization has been associated with Western culture and the expansion of the fast food industry. In fact, many people label this phenomenon a modern form of colonialism, as it aims to spread consumer culture and economic practices throughout the world. In the case of cultural imperialism, this process has a number of detrimental effects on local business enterprises. McDonaldization promotes production efficiency values, which results in the undervaluation of conventional cuisines, and the disappearance of opportunities for traditional food.

Interorganizational change

The concept of cultural imperialism is often understood in terms of the way Western countries interact with the cultures of developing countries. This may range from small local groups helping villages to international organizations working to improve the quality of life in other countries. Often, monies are provided under conditional terms such as grants or loans for specific projects. This can pose difficulties, particularly as curricula are developed and implemented.

Criteria for evaluating theories

Criteria for evaluating sociological studies of culture and empires, or cultural imperialism, can be used to evaluate studies of media influence and power. While cultural imperialism has long been a popular theory, it has its limitations. The theory cannot explain media relations in all situations, as many of the periphery countries remain under the influence of Western transnational media corporations. Furthermore, many periphery countries do not display the same influence on the global media as their Western counterparts.