7.6 Cultural imperialism
8 min read•august 20, 2024
is the dominance of one culture over others, often through imposing values and practices. It operates through economic power, political influence, and media control, shaping global cultural landscapes and consumer preferences.
In literature, cultural imperialism manifests through representation of dominant cultures, marginalization of minority voices, and stereotyping. This impacts cultural identity, diversity, and global homogenization, sparking resistance and efforts to preserve local traditions.
Cultural imperialism definition
- Cultural imperialism refers to the dominance and influence of one culture over others, often through the imposition of cultural values, practices, and beliefs
- Involves the spread of a dominant culture's language, religion, art, and other cultural elements to other societies, often at the expense of local cultures and traditions
Dominance of one culture over others
Top images from around the web for Dominance of one culture over others
American Imperialism | Boundless US History View original
Is this image relevant?
1898 | United States History II View original
Is this image relevant?
Independence movement in Puerto Rico - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
American Imperialism | Boundless US History View original
Is this image relevant?
1898 | United States History II View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Dominance of one culture over others
American Imperialism | Boundless US History View original
Is this image relevant?
1898 | United States History II View original
Is this image relevant?
Independence movement in Puerto Rico - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
American Imperialism | Boundless US History View original
Is this image relevant?
1898 | United States History II View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Cultural imperialism is characterized by the dominance of one culture over others, typically a more powerful or influential culture asserting its superiority
- Dominant cultures may use various means to establish their dominance, such as economic power, political influence, or military force
- The dominant culture's values, norms, and practices are often presented as universal or superior to those of other cultures
Imposition of cultural values and practices
- Cultural imperialism involves the imposition of the dominant culture's values and practices on other societies, often through subtle or overt means
- This imposition can occur through media, education, language, and other cultural channels
- The dominant culture's values and practices may be adopted by other societies, leading to the erosion of local cultural traditions and identities
Mechanisms of cultural imperialism
- Cultural imperialism operates through various mechanisms that enable the dominant culture to assert its influence and control over other cultures
- These mechanisms include economic power, political and military dominance, and control over media and communication channels
Economic power and influence
- Economic power plays a significant role in cultural imperialism, as dominant cultures often have greater economic resources and influence
- Multinational corporations and global brands from dominant cultures can shape consumer preferences and cultural tastes worldwide
- Economic aid and investment from dominant cultures can come with cultural strings attached, promoting the donor's cultural values and practices
Political and military dominance
- Political and military dominance can be used to impose cultural values and practices on other societies
- Colonial powers historically used political and military force to establish over colonized peoples (British Empire)
- In the postcolonial era, political and military influence can still be used to promote the dominant culture's interests and values
Media and communication control
- Control over media and communication channels is a powerful tool for cultural imperialism
- Global media conglomerates from dominant cultures can shape the content and narrative of media consumed worldwide (Hollywood, BBC)
- The internet and social media platforms, often dominated by companies from dominant cultures, can facilitate the spread of cultural values and practices
Cultural imperialism in literature
- Literature has been a significant vehicle for cultural imperialism, as it can reflect and reinforce dominant cultural values and perspectives
- The representation of dominant cultures in literature can marginalize or misrepresent minority cultures and perpetuate stereotypes
Representation of dominant cultures
- Literature from dominant cultures often portrays their own cultural values, norms, and practices as universal or superior
- Characters, themes, and settings in literature from dominant cultures may be presented as the default or norm, while other cultures are depicted as exotic or inferior
- The canon of "great literature" has historically been dominated by works from Western European and North American cultures
Marginalization of minority cultures
- Minority cultures and their literary traditions are often marginalized or underrepresented in the global literary landscape
- Works from minority cultures may be overlooked, dismissed, or misinterpreted by critics and readers from dominant cultures
- The lack of diversity in the publishing industry can perpetuate the marginalization of minority voices and perspectives
Stereotyping and exoticism
- Literature from dominant cultures may stereotype or exoticize minority cultures, presenting them as primitive, backward, or mysterious
- Minority cultures may be depicted as monolithic or essentialized, ignoring their internal diversity and complexity
- Stereotypical representations can reinforce prejudices and limit understanding of minority cultures
Impact of cultural imperialism
- Cultural imperialism has far-reaching impacts on societies and individuals, leading to the loss of cultural diversity and the homogenization of global culture
- It can also spark resistance and efforts to preserve local cultural identities and traditions
Loss of cultural identity and diversity
- Cultural imperialism can lead to the erosion of local cultural identities and traditions, as societies adopt the values and practices of the dominant culture
- Indigenous languages, art forms, and cultural practices may be lost or marginalized as a result of cultural imperialism
- The loss of cultural diversity can lead to a less vibrant and dynamic global cultural landscape
Homogenization of global culture
- Cultural imperialism can contribute to the homogenization of global culture, as the values and practices of the dominant culture become widespread
- This homogenization can lead to a loss of cultural distinctiveness and uniqueness, as societies become more similar in their cultural expressions
- The spread of global brands, franchises, and media can create a sense of cultural sameness across different societies
Resistance and cultural preservation
- Cultural imperialism can also spark resistance and efforts to preserve local cultural identities and traditions
- Societies may actively resist the imposition of dominant cultural values and practices, asserting their own cultural autonomy and distinctiveness
- Cultural preservation efforts, such as language revitalization programs and the promotion of traditional art forms, can help maintain cultural diversity in the face of cultural imperialism
Postcolonial critique of cultural imperialism
- Postcolonial theory offers a critical perspective on cultural imperialism, challenging the dominant narratives and power structures that sustain it
- Postcolonial writers and scholars seek to reclaim indigenous cultures and assert the value of cultural diversity and hybridity
Challenging dominant narratives
- Postcolonial critique challenges the dominant narratives of cultural imperialism, which often present the dominant culture as superior or universal
- It exposes the power dynamics and inequalities that underlie cultural imperialism, highlighting the ways in which dominant cultures have oppressed and marginalized others
- Postcolonial writers and scholars may deconstruct and subvert the dominant narratives, offering alternative perspectives and histories
Reclaiming indigenous cultures
- Postcolonial critique seeks to reclaim and celebrate indigenous cultures that have been marginalized or suppressed by cultural imperialism
- This involves asserting the value and legitimacy of indigenous knowledge systems, art forms, and cultural practices
- Postcolonial writers may incorporate indigenous languages, myths, and storytelling traditions into their work, affirming their cultural specificity and difference
Hybridity and cultural syncretism
- Postcolonial theory recognizes the complexity and fluidity of cultural identities, emphasizing the ways in which cultures interact and influence each other
- Hybridity refers to the blending and mixing of cultural elements from different sources, creating new and dynamic cultural forms
- Cultural syncretism involves the merging of cultural practices and beliefs from different traditions, creating a new synthesis that reflects the diversity of cultural influences
Cultural imperialism vs globalization
- While cultural imperialism and are related concepts, they have some key differences in terms of power dynamics, cultural exchange, and resistance
Differences in power dynamics
- Cultural imperialism involves the dominance of one culture over others, often through the use of power and influence
- Globalization, on the other hand, refers to the increasing interconnectedness and integration of societies and economies worldwide
- While globalization can facilitate cultural exchange, it can also perpetuate power imbalances and cultural imperialism if the exchange is one-sided or dominated by powerful actors
Homogenization vs cultural exchange
- Cultural imperialism often leads to the homogenization of global culture, as the values and practices of the dominant culture become widespread
- Globalization, in contrast, can facilitate cultural exchange and the sharing of ideas, practices, and traditions across societies
- However, the nature of this exchange is shaped by power dynamics, and the benefits of globalization may be unevenly distributed
Resistance to cultural imperialism
- Resistance to cultural imperialism can take many forms, from the assertion of local cultural identities to the promotion of cultural diversity and difference
- In the context of globalization, resistance may involve the creation of alternative cultural networks and spaces that challenge the dominance of powerful actors
- Resistance can also involve the appropriation and subversion of dominant cultural forms, creating new and hybrid cultural expressions that reflect the diversity of global influences
Examples of cultural imperialism in literature
- Literature provides many examples of cultural imperialism, from colonial-era writing that perpetuated stereotypes and power imbalances to the dominance of the Western canon in global literary studies
Colonial literature and Orientalism
- Colonial literature often depicted colonized peoples and cultures as primitive, exotic, or inferior, reinforcing the power dynamics of cultural imperialism (Rudyard Kipling's "The White Man's Burden")
- , as described by , refers to the Western representation of Eastern cultures as exotic, mysterious, and inferior, perpetuating cultural stereotypes and power imbalances
Western canon vs world literature
- The Western canon, comprising works from Western European and North American cultures, has historically dominated the study of literature worldwide
- The concept of "world literature" has emerged as a challenge to the dominance of the Western canon, seeking to include a wider range of voices and perspectives from around the globe
- However, the study of world literature can still perpetuate cultural imperialism if it is dominated by Western scholars and institutions
Appropriation of cultural stories and myths
- Cultural imperialism can involve the appropriation of cultural stories, myths, and traditions by dominant cultures, often without proper context or acknowledgment of their origins
- This appropriation can perpetuate stereotypes and misrepresentations of minority cultures, while also erasing their cultural specificity and difference (Disney's "Pocahontas")
- The use of indigenous stories and myths in literature by non-indigenous writers can be a form of if done without proper respect and understanding
Countering cultural imperialism in literature
- Countering cultural imperialism in literature involves promoting diverse voices and perspectives, subverting dominant cultural narratives, and celebrating cultural specificity and difference
Promoting diverse voices and perspectives
- Promoting diverse voices and perspectives in literature is crucial for countering cultural imperialism and ensuring a more representative global literary landscape
- This involves supporting and amplifying writers from minority cultures and marginalized communities, as well as promoting translated works from around the world
- Diversity in the publishing industry, including editors, agents, and reviewers, can help ensure a wider range of voices and perspectives are represented
Subverting dominant cultural narratives
- Subverting dominant cultural narratives involves challenging and deconstructing the assumptions and power dynamics that underlie cultural imperialism
- This can involve writing from the perspective of marginalized or oppressed cultures, offering alternative histories and narratives that challenge dominant accounts
- Postcolonial and feminist writers, for example, have used literature to subvert and critique the dominant narratives of and patriarchy
Celebrating cultural specificity and difference
- Celebrating cultural specificity and difference is an important way of countering the homogenizing effects of cultural imperialism
- This involves affirming the value and legitimacy of diverse cultural traditions, languages, and art forms, and promoting their visibility and recognition in the global literary landscape
- Literature that celebrates cultural specificity and difference can help foster a greater appreciation and understanding of the diversity of human cultures and experiences
Key Terms to Review (18)
Americanization: Americanization refers to the process by which individuals, groups, or entire cultures adopt American customs, values, and practices, often resulting in the diminishment of their original cultural identities. This phenomenon can be seen in various aspects of life, such as language, fashion, food, and media, reflecting the influence of American culture on a global scale.
Colonialism: Colonialism is the practice of acquiring control over another country or territory, often through the establishment of settlements and exploitation of resources. It typically involves the subjugation and domination of indigenous populations, leading to significant cultural, political, and economic changes. This practice is linked to various critical concepts, revealing how power dynamics operate between colonizers and the colonized.
Critical Race Theory: Critical Race Theory (CRT) is an intellectual movement and framework that examines the relationship between race, law, and power. It argues that racism is not just an individual bias but a systemic issue embedded in legal and social structures. CRT emphasizes the importance of understanding how various forms of oppression intersect and impact marginalized communities, while also challenging dominant cultural narratives that perpetuate inequality.
Cultural appropriation: Cultural appropriation refers to the act of taking or using elements from one culture by members of another culture, often without permission or understanding. This practice can lead to a power imbalance, where the dominant culture benefits at the expense of the marginalized culture, raising issues of respect, representation, and authenticity.
Cultural Hegemony: Cultural hegemony refers to the dominance of one cultural group over others, shaping societal norms, values, and beliefs in a way that promotes the interests of the ruling class. This concept helps to understand how certain ideologies become mainstream and how power dynamics influence cultural narratives, often leading to the acceptance of these dominant ideologies as 'common sense' or 'natural.'
Cultural Hybridity: Cultural hybridity refers to the blending of different cultural elements to create new, dynamic identities and practices. This phenomenon often occurs in contexts where diverse cultures come into contact, leading to the fusion of traditions, languages, and values. It plays a critical role in understanding how cultures evolve, particularly in relation to migration, globalization, and power dynamics.
Cultural Imperialism: Cultural imperialism refers to the practice of promoting and imposing one culture over others, often leading to the domination of local cultures and traditions. This phenomenon is closely tied to the concept of hegemony, where dominant cultures assert their values and norms through various means, influencing the identities and practices of marginalized groups. It is particularly relevant in the context of globalization, where Western cultural products often overshadow indigenous cultures, resulting in a loss of cultural diversity.
Dependency Theory: Dependency theory is a social science theory that posits that the economic development of nations is directly influenced by their relationships with more powerful nations. It argues that the global economic system is structured in such a way that resources flow from peripheral, underdeveloped countries to core, developed countries, perpetuating a cycle of dependency and underdevelopment in the former. This theory critiques the idea of linear development and emphasizes the historical and structural inequalities that shape global economic relations.
Edward Said: Edward Said was a Palestinian-American scholar and literary critic best known for his influential work on Orientalism, which critiques Western representations of Eastern societies. His ideas have reshaped discussions on power dynamics, identity, and cultural narratives, making connections to themes like diaspora, cultural imperialism, and the poetics of culture.
Feminist criticism: Feminist criticism is a literary approach that seeks to understand and critique literature through the lens of gender dynamics, focusing on the representation of women, the role of patriarchy, and the societal structures that shape gendered experiences. This perspective emphasizes how texts reflect, reinforce, or challenge the cultural norms surrounding gender and highlights the importance of women’s voices and experiences in literature. It intersects with various other critical frameworks, revealing deeper insights into power relations, cultural identities, and historical contexts.
Globalization: Globalization refers to the process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, cultures, and economies, driven by advancements in technology, trade, and communication. It influences various aspects of society, including culture, economics, and politics, leading to both opportunities and challenges in the exchange of ideas and resources across borders.
Homi K. Bhabha: Homi K. Bhabha is a prominent postcolonial theorist known for his critical insights on cultural hybridity, mimicry, and the complexities of colonial identity. His work challenges binary oppositions and highlights the fluidity of cultural identities, making him a key figure in understanding how cultures interact and transform through colonial and postcolonial contexts.
McDonaldization: McDonaldization is a sociological concept that describes the process by which the principles of the fast-food industry, particularly efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control, come to dominate other sectors of society. This phenomenon reflects a broader trend of rationalization in modern life, leading to a homogenization of culture and the promotion of consumerism. The concept illustrates how these principles can lead to cultural imperialism, as dominant cultures impose their values and practices on others.
Neocolonialism: Neocolonialism refers to the practice where a powerful country exerts control over a less powerful country through economic, political, and cultural pressures, rather than direct military occupation. This term highlights the ongoing influence of colonial powers and how they maintain dominance in a post-colonial world, often through mechanisms like trade agreements, foreign investments, and cultural imperialism.
Orientalism: Orientalism refers to the representation and interpretation of Eastern cultures by Western scholars and artists, often characterized by stereotypes and misconceptions that depict the East as exotic, backward, and uncivilized. This term is closely tied to the broader context of cultural and ideological domination, reflecting the power dynamics between the West and East, where the West defines and controls the narrative surrounding Eastern societies.
Soft power: Soft power refers to the ability of a country or entity to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or force. It encompasses cultural, ideological, and diplomatic aspects that shape preferences and foster cooperation without the use of military or economic pressure.
The wretched of the earth: The phrase 'the wretched of the earth' refers to the oppressed, marginalized, and impoverished people who have been subjected to colonialism, imperialism, and systemic inequality. It signifies a collective consciousness among those who have suffered under exploitative regimes, emphasizing their struggle for liberation, dignity, and identity. This term connects deeply to the impact of cultural imperialism and is prominently featured in the works of influential thinkers who advocate for decolonization and social justice.
Transnationalism: Transnationalism refers to the interconnectedness of people, cultures, and economies across national boundaries, emphasizing the fluid nature of identity and belonging in a globalized world. This concept acknowledges that individuals and communities often maintain multiple identities and ties to more than one nation, reshaping how we understand cultural exchange, migration, and the impact of global forces on local contexts.