MULTICULTURALISM

More than ever with the Covid pandemic, Globalization is a hot topic.

Today, as our borders are closed, we realize how much we got used to the mobility of people and goods around the globe.

Interestingly, traveling was not always accessible to all. What we take for granted was once a practice exclusive to the sailors, merchants, soldiers, and missionaries ! Traveling used to be long, expensive and above all, risky ; nothing like the ease that exists today.

The industrial revolution fostered globalization

Modern tourism and work abroad opportunities came together with the industrial revolution. The steam locomotive, the steamship and the jet engine launched recreational tourism.

The cars, trains and planes allowed common people to visit nearby cities and resorts, the middle class to cross the continent, and the wealthiest to travel around the world. 

Since the 1970s, the open skies policies, the competition in between low-cost cariers made aviation increasingly affordable. As transportation technology improved, travel time and costs decreased dramatically between the 18th and early 20th century.

Today, modern aviation has made long-distance transportation quick and affordable.

Globalization and multiculturism

Depending on the perspective, globalization can be viewed as either a positive or a negative phenomenon.

Among its benefits, the transmission of ideas, knowledge and culture remain my favourites. As we live in a more and more connected world, the cultural globalization is at stake too!

First and foremost, what is the cultural globalization ? The terms refers to the transmission of ideas, meanings, and values around the world in such a way as to extend and intensify social relations. 

Indeed, some specific food, movies, music, sport practices, fashion styles, technologies and arts are brought to our lives thanks to the international trade.

And no doubt we appreciate it !

Getting your Thai food delivered to your flat, while you listen to the Top 10 Afrobeats chart or stream the last American blockbuster is a treat we can offer ourselves easily ! – provided that you actually like Thai food, afrobeats and american movies !

Learning how to cohabit

Multiculturalism is also brought through our social relations.
Today many universities offer the option of an exchange semester to their students, and most of the Corporations deal with international teams too.

In this context, where different cultures meet, sometimes conflict, and mainly blend, cross-cultural communication and international management are increasingly relevant fields of study.

How can people from different cultures communicate and cooperate effectively despite the language barriers, and the various cultural styles?

This is the first article in a series written for NationsOrg. Every week, we will try to approach the subject of multiculturalism through the fields of psychology, sociology or management with one aim : taking a step back on the cultural globalization.