Cultural commodification

Definition

Cultural commodification refers to the process of transforming cultural practices, symbols, and artifacts into goods or services that can be bought and sold in the marketplace. This phenomenon often occurs in the context of globalization and tourism, where local cultures are packaged for consumption, potentially leading to both the preservation and exploitation of cultural identities. It raises questions about authenticity and the impact on local communities as their cultural expressions become commercialized.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural commodification can lead to the oversimplification or distortion of complex cultural practices as they are adapted for tourist consumption.
2. Local communities may benefit economically from cultural commodification but may also experience a loss of control over their cultural expressions.
3. The rise of cultural commodification is often linked to the globalization of the economy, where cultural products are marketed on a global scale.
4. Tourism can serve as a double-edged sword, where it brings awareness and appreciation for cultures but also leads to their commercialization.
5. Cultural commodification raises important ethical questions regarding representation and the balance between cultural celebration and exploitation.

Review Questions

• How does cultural commodification impact local communities and their cultural expressions?
  • Cultural commodification can significantly impact local communities by providing economic opportunities through tourism while also leading to a loss of authenticity in their cultural expressions. When aspects of a culture are transformed into marketable goods, local traditions may become oversimplified or altered to meet tourist expectations. This dual effect creates tension between the benefits of economic gain and the preservation of genuine cultural identity.
• In what ways does cultural commodification intersect with the concept of the tourist gaze?
  • Cultural commodification and the tourist gaze intersect as both influence how local cultures are presented and perceived by visitors. The tourist gaze shapes the way tourists expect to experience a culture, often leading local communities to modify their cultural practices to align with these expectations. As a result, this can create a cycle where cultures are continuously altered for commercial purposes, impacting their authenticity and meaning.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of cultural commodification in tourism and how it affects global perceptions of cultures.
  • The ethical implications of cultural commodification in tourism are significant, as they challenge notions of respect, authenticity, and ownership over cultural expressions. As cultures are packaged for sale, there is a risk of misrepresentation and exploitation, which can lead to stereotypes and misunderstandings about those cultures. This commodification can shape global perceptions by reinforcing shallow or inaccurate views of complex cultures, ultimately impacting intercultural relations and appreciation.

Related terms

Cultural appropriation: The adoption of elements of one culture by members of another culture, often without permission and in a way that can be disrespectful or exploitative.

Tourist gaze: A concept describing how tourists view and interpret cultural experiences, often leading to the alteration of those experiences to cater to their expectations.

Authenticity: The quality of being genuine or real, which can be challenged in contexts where cultural elements are commodified for tourism.