Globalization and Education

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s Bureau of Strategic Planning (2004) reported that globalization has not only contributed to the greater exchanges of ideas and awareness of the uniqueness of individual cultures and societies, but has highlighted the fundamental differences that result from these unique characteristics. There are many advantages for societies and cultures as they become increasingly interconnected (Heimonen, 2012) through the process of globalization. Interconnectedness allows for the sharing of assets and information that can aid in the development of nation-states and communities and can promote the acceptance of cultural diversity and encouragement of “multicultural contributions at different levels among countries” (Bakhtiari, 2011, p. 97). On the other hand, increased contact among developing nations with so called “advanced countries” (Bakjtiari, 2011, p. 97) has illustrated the ever increasing inequality among nations and has contributed to the promotion of the values of dominant cultures which has led to increased “inequalities and conflicts between areas and cultures” (Bakhtiari, 2011, p. 98).

In addition to the negative implications of globalization that have illustrated the growing divide between developing nations and economically advanced nations, anti-globalization advocates have claimed that globalization has contributed to an increased homogenization of cultures. On the other hand, globalization advocates have noted that as societies and cultures are exposed to other ideas and viewpoints, there can also be a tendency towards an “increased distinction” (Scheper-Hughes & Dalla-Dea, 2012, p. 5) or emphasis of cultural or national identities that...

... middle of paper ...

...92980902826427

Scheper-Hughes, J. & Dalla-Dea, A. (2012). Authenticity and resistance: Latin American art, activism and performance in the new global context. Latin American Perspectives, 39(5), 4-10. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0094582x11430051

UNESCO. (2004). New ignorances, new literacies: Learning to live together in a globalizing world. Paris, France: UNESCO.

Wang, Y. (2007). Globalization enhances cultural identity. Intercultural Communication Studies, 16(1), 83-86. Retrieved from http://www.uri.edu/iaics/content/2007v16n1/09%20Y%20wang.pdf

Wulf, C. (2013). Human development in a globalized world: Education towards peace, cultural diversity and sustainable development. Revisita Espanola de Pedagogia (254), 71-86.

Zayani, M. (2011). Media, cultural diversity and globalization: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 18(2), 48-54.