Rizal Technological University narratives and discourses are created within

College of Education different forms of texts and images that are

Social Studies Department complexly related to the cultural perceptions
and practices of both those who produce and
Objectives: consume them. Encoding and decoding is
At the end of this topic, the students are involved in this process where encoding is done
able to: by producers of the messages, while decoding is
*Discuss the emergence of media conducted by the audience. These social
networks in human civilization; phenomena are susceptible to struggle and
*Explore the significance of different change.
media platform as a net connector towards
globalize culture; In the present period of time media
*Analyze and recite the pros and cons globalizes the lives and ways of so many people
as well as the advantages and disadvantages of in both western and eastern hemispheres of the
global media; and world. Media as a platform of information
*Make a commitment letter of honest dissemination continuously evolves with the
and responsible social media users. recourse of time. Media are allegedly key
_______________________________________ elements of the compression of time and space
which is one of the salient features of
A World of Ideas: Global Media globalization. During the age of navigation, the
Cultures eastern people have a little knowledge about
the west because they just depend on the
newspapers, books, and different reading
Global Media Cultures
materials with sketches and drawings of the
things which can be seen in the western
Media have taken over more and more hemisphere the same ways as how the western
functions for people – they live in dense people figure out what is in the east. But
networks of mediated communication, the sometimes, exaggerated legends of monsters,
postal net, the telephone net, the mobile phone cult, folklores, myths, and rituals are leading to
net, the internet and others. In addition, misunderstanding about the different cultures
interactive media have become important in all existing in the extreme directions of the world
areas of life and, as a consequence, the which lead to superiority and inferiority
construction of knowledge about the world and between the groups of people. Until the books,
its meaning is changing. The same is true for encyclopedia, radio, television, computer, and
people’s identities and social relations, as well the internet open the minds of the present
as the way in which institutions and civilization of what is the reality in the world
organizations conduct themselves, and for which are significant contributors to the fluidity
culture and society as a whole (Krotz, 2007). of globalization. Thus, communication
technologies in general and the media in
Media and culture are interconnected particular are essential ingredients in the
because the levels of understanding various process of globalization has long been a
cultures influence media contents, meanwhile commonly accepted assumption in the social
media platforms and contents have impacts to sciences.
cultural and day-to-day practices. Culture
encompasses norms, beliefs, behaviors, values, The media have an important impact on
traditions, languages, myths, ways of life, and cultural globalization in two mutually
so forth. Through the media, groups can create interdependent ways:
and represent cultural identities. Media

The Contemporary World: A World of Ideas Global Media Cultures Page 1 of 18

 Firstly, the media provide an extensive actors but since then has developed into a
transnational transmission of cultural products theory of financial, economic, political, social
and, and cultural developments. Also, Globalization
Secondly, they contribute to the means many things to many people; to some, it
formation of communicative networks and means the highest height of human
social structures. achievement, where the interests of various
and different groups of people in the world
The rapidly growing supply of media converged andharmonized for peaceful
products from an international media culture coexistence and yet some others see it as
presents a challenge to existing local and reawakening of imperial dominance.
national cultures. The sheer volume of the
supply, as well as the vast technological Individualization describes a
infrastructure and financial capital that pushes development that was famously studied by
this supply forward, have a considerable impact Emile Durkheim. According to Ulrich Beck cited
on local patterns of cultural consumption and by Krotz(1994), this is a new form of idea
possibilities for sustaining an independent emerged after the Second World War, which
cultural production. Global media cultures may be described on three levels. First, people
create a continuous cultural exchange, in which are increasingly free from being integrated and
crucial aspects such as identity, nationality, absorbed into social aggregates like
religion, behavioral norms and way of life are neighborhood, village life, relationships, fixed
being continuously questioned and challenged. forms of working and institutionally guaranteed
These cultural encounters often involve the forms of living. Second, people are increasingly
meeting of cultures with a different socio- free also of the influence of traditional
economic base, typically a transnational and conventions on how to live, act, think and feel,
commercial cultural industry on one side and a and free from traditional beliefs, values and
national publicly regulated cultural industry on norms. And third, there are also new forms of
the other side (Hjarvar, 2001). reintegration of individuals as each person
becomesincreasingly dependent on market
Today, globalization, individualization, conditions and societal institutions like schools,
mediatization and the growing importance of universities, pension and health systems.
the economy, which we here call
commercialization, can be seen as the relevant Mediatization is characterized as the
metaprocesses that influence democracy and shared frame for studies being interested in the
society, culture, politics and other conditions of “broader consequences of media and
life over the longer term. Obviously, these communications for everyday life and across
metaprocesses are crucial for the future forms social space”, it also encompasses all processes
of life and life chances, as they are important of change that are media induced or that are
for people, their actions and their sense-making related to a change in the media landscape over
processes at a micro level, for the activities of time. Mediatization also includes changes in the
institutions and organizations on the meso media ecology that are linked to other large-
level, and for the nature of culture and society scale social changes.
at a macro level. If we can analyze these
metaprocesses, we can better understand social Commercialization means that the
and cultural change. economy becomes more important, not only for
the way in which culture and society work, but
Globalization is a concept which also for strategies of organizations and
originally started as a description of the institutions and as reasons and goals of the
development of financial markets and of market actions of the people.

The Contemporary World: A World of Ideas Global Media Cultures Page 2 of 18

 global revolutions and new technologies it is
possible to communicate through face to face
video conversation with any loved one. The
Effects of Global Media internet can also improve our health system or
save our lives. Your doctor can send your x-ray
Global media is one of the great or other health information to the international
creations or discovery of a human. Today’s doctors and they can suggest the best and
world the social media’s influence on revolution suitable suggestions. Nowadays, it is a fact that
is a very hot issue in the press and also among global media have become so influential
the youth. Generally, the global media mainly enough to alter the very foundation of the
consist of tv, radio, newspapers or magazines society.
and internet. However, one of the main
objectives of globalization is to enlarge the Media: 10 Advantages and 10
material wealth, goods, and services through an Disadvantages of Media
international separation of labor by efficiencies
catalyzed by international relations, Long ago, people used to perform folk
specialization and competition. songs and drama in various cultures. It was then
Generally, the process of media globalization that media was first used to communicate
cannot be stopped quickly because it is a messages to a wider group of people. Print
process or the result of some new media followed and then mass media and social
communications technology. However, global media.
media is one of the best tool or techniques to
know the whole world’s situations and news Media refers to various means of
within seconds and it always provides us some communication. It also refers to communication
best and relevant information about different devices. Communication devices are used to
belongings like different kind of animal, interact and communicate among people.
weather reports etc. Global communication of The most common forms of media today are
connectivity through telephone and internet is radio, internet, newspaper and television.
well known to all of us. Homogenization of Media is an important part of our lives. It is also
culture, world market prices, products, wages two-sided meaning that it has a positive side
and profits are converged because of and a negative one.
connectivity. Hence, the global media mainly
offering a wide variety of entertainment with Advantages
either mass or specialized appeal,
communicating news and information, or
1. It educates people. Through television and
displaying advertising messages. Commonly it
radio programs, people get to learn about
provides the information about current affairs it
health matters, environmental conservation,
spreads all over the world. Global media essays
and much more.
are beneficial to understand the multifaceted
features of the topic deeply.
2. People get the latest news in a very short
However, the process of global media have
time. Distance is not a barrier. People get news
both advantages and also some other
daily through the media and this keeps them
disadvantages. Since, globalization of the media
updated on the happenings around the world.
has eased a complete restructuring of media
systems into a single global media system.
3. People get to bring out their hidden talents.
Basically, the international communication has
Through media showcase their talents such as
never been easier. But presently because of the
comedy, acting and singing.

The Contemporary World: A World of Ideas Global Media Cultures Page 3 of 18

 6. Media can be addictive, e.g. some television
4. Children’s knowledge increases. Children can programs and internet. This can lead to
learn from quiz programs, animal programs and decrease in people’s productivity.
so on.
5. Radio is convenient as people do get short 7. Health problems. Prolonged watching of
news and with a mobile phone one can access television can lead to eyesight problems and
it. radio listening using earphones exposes one to
possible hearing defects.
6. Great in promoting mass consumer products. 8. It glamorize drugs and alcohol. Some
This can in turn increase sales of the product. programs make the use of these things appear
cool’.
7. Serves as a good source of entertainment. 9. It can lead to personal injury. Some people
People get entertained through music and decide to follow the stunts that are showcased
television programs. in the media. This can lead to injuries.
10. It can lead to ruin of reputation. It is
8. Television allows electronic duplication of possible for one to create an anonymous
information. This reduces the production cost account. Such accounts can be used to for
making mass education possible. malicious reasons such as spreading rumors.
This can lead to ruin of reputation of an
9. Media leads to diffusion of different cultures. individual or a company.
Media showcases different cultural practices.
Global Media and Cultural
10. It helps people around the world to Imperialism
understand each other and embrace their
differences. Media Imperialism occurs when one
society media dominates another country's
Disadvantages culture. The medium of cable television is a
prime example to illustrate the effect of media
1. It leads to individualism. People spend too imperialism. Cable television & Satellite
much time on the internet and watching transmissions, for better or worse, has made
television. As a result, socialization with friends, the world a global village. It is our television
family and neighbors is affected. viewing that shapes our understanding of the
world and ourselves. However, it is saturated
2. Some media contents are not suitable for with foreign influence and media imperialism.
children. Limiting children’s access to such How much world television through satellite &
content can be difficult. cable television has affected our culture and
identity is yet to be explored? Media
3. Newspaper is geographically selective. globalization is seen as a modern form of
imperialism and more believe that this
4. Increase in advertisements in television and globalization will destroy individual cultures &
radio is making them less attractive. diversity. Culture domination refers to the
process in which national cultures are
5. Internet as a form of media opens up overwhelmed by the importing news and
possibilities of imposters, fraud and hacking. entertainment from other countries – mainly
from the United States’ Holiwood and other
industrialized nations like South Korea, China,
Taiwan and from Latin America such as Mexico.

The Contemporary World: A World of Ideas Global Media Cultures Page 4 of 18

Resident of many countries are concerned that homogenization of global culture, as suggested
their national and local heritage will be replaced by the following comment by an Australian
by one global culture dominated by other scholar: “The Americanization process
country’s values. They point out that the becomes far more formidable when the
dominating country’s music, books, television fundamental concepts of a society’s national
shows and films are popular around the world. identity are remodeled in the American
Many countries like Canada, Spain, and France image”.
have placed quotas on the amount of foreign
materiel that can be carried on their Critics have argued that the term
broadcasting system. The culture domination “imperialism”, which can be seen as the
also spills over into the news area. For almost imposition of power from rich to poor, from
15 years, after the success of “Lovers in Paris” powerful to weak, implies a degree of political
and “Jewel in the Palace”, the Philippines is control by powerful countries that no longer
being invaded by k-pop (South Korean) exists. Imperialism with the concept of
entertainment cultures or the hallyu wave. “globalization”, suggests “interconnection and
Many Filipinos specially the edgers and the interdependency of all global areas” happening
millennials are avid fanatics of k-pop “in a far less purposeful way”. Despite its
telenovelas as well as k-pop music. K-pop stars weaknesses, cultural imperialism,
make the Filipino fanatics jive into a foreign conceptualized as media imperialism, remains a
entertainment sounds and musics in a very useful perspective because it can be used to
unfamiliar and unfathomable language. For analyze the extent, to which some national
many years, the representatives of many actors have more impact than others on global
developing countries have been arguing for a culture, and therefore are shaping and
new world information order. reshaping cultural values, identities, and
perceptions.
Theoretical Models of Cultural
Globalization Since the scope and influence of global
Cultural imperialism theory, this theory cultures are rapidly expanding, these are
argues that the global economic system is important issues. In contrast to cultural
dominated by a core of advanced countries imperialism theory in which the source of
while Third World countries remain at the cultural influence is Western civilization, with
periphery of the system with little control over non-western and less developed countries
their economic and political development. viewed as being on the periphery – as the
Multinational or trans-national corporations are receivers of cultural influences- the cultural
key actors in this system, producing goods, flows or network model offers an alternative
controlling markets, and disseminating conception of the transmission process, as
products, using similar techniques. influences that do not necessarily originate in
Cultural imperialism is defined as a kind the same place or flow in the same direction.
of cultural domination by powerful nations over Receivers may also be originators. In this model,
weaker nations. It is viewed as purposeful and cultural globalization corresponds to a network,
intentional because it corresponds to the which no clearly defined center or periphery.
political interests of the United States and other Globalization as an aggregation of cultural flows
powerful capitalist societies. The effects of this or networks is a less coherent and unitary
type of cultural domination, reflecting the process than cultural imperialism and one in
attitudes and values of western, particularly which cultural influences move in many
American capitalist societies, are viewed as different directions.
extremely pervasive and as leading to the

The Contemporary World: A World of Ideas Global Media Cultures Page 5 of 18

Thematic Areas of Cultural formation of collective communities. They have
Globalization also made possible communicative and social
action across time and space. Concomitant to
globalization we also see the formation of
This is a research programme which
communities that are almost exclusively
organized a round of a set of thematic areas of
established by means of media cultures (for
particular relevance to the processes of cultural
instance music fan clubs, Internet chat groups
globalization. These thematic areas will each be
etc.). This increased” medialization” of cultural
taken up in one or more of the subprojects and
communities has an impact on how interaction
concern:
takes place in such communities; in particular,
1) The experience of modernity in a
interactions take on a more abstract and
global culture symbolic character as compared to those taking
place in social situations with nonmediated
A key element in the analysis of the interpersonal encounters.
experience of modernity as both a general form 4) Democracy and political culture
of mentality and a mode of aesthetic
production, is the loosening of time and space
An important consequence of
from the bonds of locality and tradition. In the
globalization is the growth of multicultural
globalized reality of high modernity, the
societies, in which people of different cultural
disassociation of cultural and social activity
backgrounds (ethnic, religious etc.) must
from local constraints has radical consequences:
coexist. Although the individual cultural groups
almost all of those institutions that during the
may maintain their own language, culture, and
19th and 20th century have ensured a modern
tradition, the different groups in a multicultural
structuring of cultural and social experience,
society are obliged to deal with their mutual,
typically at a local or national level, have either
collective problems in a common
been significantly influenced by globalization or
political/public sphere.
have been challenged by other transnational
institutions.
Globalization and Global Media in
2) Socialization and the formation the 21st Century
of cultural identity
Today, the general proposition that
The media have increasingly become globalization is a multidimensional process,
an independent institution for socialization and taking place simultaneously within the sphere
the development of cultural identity. With a of economy, politics, environment,
rapidly expanding international communication institutionalization of technologies and culture
flow bringing media representations of foreign has received the support of many scholars,
cultures into local cultural environments, the researchers and general public. In other words,
premises of cultural metabolism have changed the multidimensionality of globalization has
and cultural reflexivity has increased at the level drawn a huge interest from scholars of various
of the individual. disciplines. In economics, globalization refers to
economic internationalization and the spread of
capitalist market relations; in international
3) Mediated communities and
relations, it focuses on the increasing density of
action
interstate relations and development of global
politics; in sociology, the concern is with
The media and the communication increasing worldwide social densities and the
technologies in general have facilitated the emergence of ‘world society.’ In cultural

The Contemporary World: A World of Ideas Global Media Cultures Page 6 of 18

studies, the focus is on global communication produced news and then sold it to newspapers
and worldwide cultural standardization as in publishers (Khattak, 2012).
Coca-colonization and McDonaldization and in
history, it deals with conceptualizing ‘global The influence of globalization in social,
history.’ political, economic and cultural spheres, has led
to pervasive contestation of the phenomenon,
It follows, therefore, that globalization attracting scholarly interests such as books,
attracts and affects every aspect of human life articles and heated debates. Globalization has
in no small measure. Central to any discussion occurred through many modes such as cross-
of globalization, however, has been the rise of cultural trade, religion organizations,
global market and the role of transnational knowledge networks, multinational
corporations (TNCs) in adapting to, producing corporations, banks, international institutions,
for and profiting from the process (Sreberny, technological exchange and transnational social
2000). The economic exploitation potential of networks. While acknowledging the notion as
globalization has led to unbridled mercantilism, advanced by some scholars that globalization
and widening of the socio-economic gulf that has been with us for centuries. “It is the
predates it. Hence, Murdock (2004) writes that development of phenomenon such as mass-
“the current globalization of capitalism has not mediated communication, a global
only deepened class inequalities, both within telecommunication industry, banking and
and between nations and regions, it has financial market, multinational corporations,
internationalized class relations, creating and international nongovernment organizations,
expanded transnational capitalist class, a new global warming and the notion of ‘Chernobyl is
commercial middle class who have gained from everywhere’ that brings the idea of global
marketization, and a new international reserve society or community into prominence once
army of labour who have lost out.” again”.

Global media developed haltingly in the The Internet today is a widespread

19th century. Newspapers and periodicals were information infrastructure, the initial prototype
written almost exclusively for domestic of what is often called the National (or Global or
audience, which combined with language Galactic) Information Infrastructure. Its history
problem to limit their potential for export. In is complex and involves many aspects -
fact, to this day newspapers remain the media technological, organizational, and community.
industry that is least integrated into the global And its influence reaches not only to the
media system. The coming of telegraph and technical fields of computer communications
underwater cables in the mid-19th century but throughout society as we move toward
marked the drawing the telecommunication increasing use of online tools to accomplish
age. For the first time information could reliably electronic commerce, information acquisition,
travel faster than people. Increasingly, as global and community operations (Leiner et al, 1997).
trade grew in importance, there was great
commercial value in the rapid communication The Effects of Globalization in the
of world news via the wires. The wire based 21st Century
international news agencies were the first
significant from of global media. The French
Globalization – the integration of world
Havas, German Wolf, and British Reuters were
markets and mass sharing of information –has
commercial news agencies established in the
left virtually no part of life in the 21st century
19th century as domestic enterprises but with
unaffected. Rapid advances in communication
particular interest in foreign news. They
technology have multiplied human connections

The Contemporary World: A World of Ideas Global Media Cultures Page 7 of 18

and knowledge at lightning speed, shifted
values, eroded cultures and revolutionized the When the world's largest markets are
job market – to name just a few consequences. integrated, the countries involved are to varying
In contemporary life, globalization's degrees dependent upon one another, making
innumerable effects, not all of which are political instability extremely undesirable. For
positive, can be seen on every television, example, a political crisis in China may trigger
smartphone, tablet and computer screen. an economic slump. Companies who produce
goods to export to China find themselves with
Increased Competition excess inventory, which leads to a loss and
decrease in profits. If the slump is prolonged,
Life in the pre-globalized world offered companies that rely heavily on the Chinese
significantly fewer options within many market may have to lay off workers to save
markets. For example, someone wishing to money. Those workers will join the ranks of the
purchase any consumer good would visit a unemployed, placing a strain on another
brick-and-mortar store. The internet has country's economy. Globalization has created
brought vendors in Seoul to the living rooms of markets so integrated that little of importance
Seattle, forcing local and even big-box retailers can happen in one country that does not have
to compete with small foreign businesses and an economic domino effect.
oftentimes individual sellers. Globalized
markets have also shifted many consumers into Unemployment
the role of supplier and producer, offering their
skills and goods for sale via online message Integrated markets have had a
boards, such as Craigslist, and auction sites, profound impact on the 21st-century
such as eBay. workplace. English-speaking non-Americans
who can work online from other countries and
Cultural Erosion are willing to work for comparatively low wages
are frequently favored by large employers,
Prior to the spread of mass leaving many unskilled (or inadequately skilled)
communication technologies and global free Americans jobless. Additionally, as commerce
trade, many national cultures were relatively goes increasingly digital (to accommodate
insular and unaffected by the outside world. In foreign markets) and fewer brick-and-mortar
the globalized world of the 21st century, long- stores are built, as a consequence fewer
standing values and traditions in many employees are hired.
countries are being traded for the newest
smartphone or the coolest Western car. When A World of Ideas: Globalization of
peoples recognize that desirable foreign goods Religion
are available for purchase through integrated
markets, they reach for those goods and the Religion from Mud to Life
higher standard of living and social status they
suggest, increasing economic growth and
decreasing cultural identity. Such was the case In the history of mankind, religion finds
in a 2012 study on native Nigerians in which its way to institutionalize itself from being part
almost 40 percent of respondents expressed of the phenomena of nature to a monumentally
preference for foreign (Western) cultures and organized system of beliefs. Man in the
cultural products. prehistoric age exists in an environment where
he depends his everyday needs, but the
environment where he coexists have natural
Stability

The Contemporary World: A World of Ideas Global Media Cultures Page 8 of 18

phenomena which are very hard to As all major religions of the world
comprehend in his time without the present derive from the same root source, it is
science. Natural phenomena such as thunders, important to realize the significance of mutual
volcanic eruptions, typhoons, earthquakes, and respect that has been advocated in all religions.
lightning might have struck the curious minds of Furthermore, with globalization of free flow of
the prehistoric men. As they witness these information via high technology and the
natural occurrences they might feel fear and movement of people cross borders can only
they might also apprehend that these positively. help religious tolerance to increase.
phenomena are strong forces that can cause This religious unity is mentioned in all religious
death, that can devastate their dwelling places, doctrines but unfortunately, the events of
and even ruin their farm lands. The prehistoric history up until the present day has unfolded
men continuously live with these phenomena with the emphasis on differences than that of
and might be curious why and how they are similarities. But if we are to revert to that which
happening until the moment that they saw their has been stated in all the following Holy verses,
reflections in the clear water. They see their perhaps we can shift from religious harmony as
nose, eyes, and lips which they also vividly see a conception and materialize it into a reality.
in the figures of the mountains, trees, rocks, in The Holy Quran states: ‘O Mankind, we
the cloud formations, and even in the moon in have created you male and female, and have
the clear sky which is being referred as made you races and tribes, that you may know
Pareidolia in the modern psychology. each other’ (Al Quran 49:13).
In Judaism, it is states: “Seek peace and
pursue it…. Seek it where you are and pursue it
in other places as well.” (Psalm 34: 15)
Pareidolia
In the Old Testament, it states: “Love
your enemies, bless them that curse you, do
is a psychological phenomenon in good to them that hate you, and pray for them
which the mind responds to a stimulus, usually which despitefully use you and persecute you”
an image or a sound, by receiving a familiar (Matt. 5:44)
pattern where none exists. It is also defined as “May God…grant you to be of the same
the tendency to perceive a specific, often mind with one another” (Romans 15: 5-6)
meaningful image in a random or ambiguous In Hinduism, Swami Vivekananda
visual pattern. These appearances and states: “Help and not fight, assimilation and not
pareidolia might give the prehistoric men the destruction, harmony and peace and not
idea that these forces are might be in control of dissension are the substance of my faith”.
supernatural beings. Beings who are in their
likeness whom they assume to have the same
Religion in Global Society
human emotions who also shows the feelings of
anger, sadness, happiness, contentment,
jealousy, and kindness. These supernatural To a certain extent, the issues regarding
beings whom the early men might believe who religion are more or less the same as those that
causes different phenomenal forces might be have been questioned vis-à-vis culture, society
plead through sacrifices and offerings. As the or economy in the context of globalization, or
time passed by the early men make variety of global settings. The basic premise of the
rituals, monuments, infrastructures, and prominent theoretical frame of Globalization
religions to please these supernatural beings Studies, namely the “world - system theory,” is
who have many names, persona, likes and the structural “unity” of the world, henceforth
dislikes, and sometimes commandments. ordered as a “single society” (Beyer 1994, 1998,
1999). To a degree, it verges on the thesis of a

The Contemporary World: A World of Ideas Global Media Cultures Page 9 of 18

standardization of societies, cultures and GLOBAL FLOWS: A WORLD
religions, one of the core tenets of OF “ MIGRATIONS” AND “
modernization theory, but it comes to a MISSIONS” ?
different end in the globalist perspective.
Ajrun Appadurai favors a different point
Firmly embedded in a sociological
of view on globalization. Without denying the
perspective inspired by Émile Durkheim, which
existence of global structural forms (Appadurai
concedes that “society” is the conceptual matrix
2001 ), he envisages the contemporary world as
for understanding religion, and after Niklas
an enduring movement of men and women,
Luhman, from whom he borrows the assertion
ideas and practices, goods and money …in a
that society is characterized by modes and
series of “ fl ows ”(Appadurai 1990 ). Albeit the
forms of communication.
minor attention Appadurai paid to religious fl
ows, the Indian - born American anthropologist
According to Peter Beyer has,
’ s views are, surprisingly, not distant from
repeatedly, supported the idea that the study of
classical German social and historical sciences,
a “global religion” must beforehand be
which in the past formulated models of
grounded in a theory of “global society” (Beyer
religious diffusion. And to some extent, present
1994, 1999, 2006).
- day sociology is still inclined to carry on with
The “global religious system” of which
the standard distinction traced by Max Weber
he is a pioneering designer, is not, in Beyer’ s
between the expansionist dynamics of “ World
term, a religious tradition that has turned
Religions, ”and an insular logic, inherent to “
“global” that is whose doctrines and practices
ethnic religions. ”But in the model of Beyer, the
would have spread worldwide. This “global
expansion of religions relates to two distinct
religion” assumes a diversity of forms and
processes, respectively missions and migrations
expressions, and epitomizes one of the
(Beyer 1998 : 18), or in the words of
subsystems of a global society, “not a mere
Juergensmeyer, transnationalism and diasporas
agglomeration of religious ‘things’, but rather
(Juergensmeyer 2003b : 5). Csordas recently
the social differentiation and social construction
made the issue more complex by recognizing
of a recognizably religious category of action or
the missionnization versus migrations
way of communicating which manifests itself
dichotomy in adding up two other processes,
primarily through numerous social institutions”
mobility (non - migratory diffusion) and
(Beyer 1998: 8 – 9). In Beyer’s view it is a
mediatization (broadcasted diffusion) (Csordas
religious and social differentiated system, such
2007a : 262). Consequently akin to the
as those observed in the monotheistic and
cosmopolitans described by Ulf Hannerz
Western context, but with a global extension,
(1996) , global religious “ virtuosi ”travel the
which transcends the distinctiveness of
(real or virtual) world and spread their
specialized traditions. But if Beyer then opts for
messages, whether in the direction of potential
a structural and systemic image of an ordered
converts or followers, or of their own
world, the hypothetical new religious world
community members. In installing “ evangelism
“order” also and inversely corresponds to a
”at the forefront of “ the four faces of global
chaotic clash of civilizations in the perspective
culture, ”Peter L. Berger infl ects his views on
of the civilizational paradigm, the world “order”
globalization towards an image of a world
(of political units, and religious entities in the
reticulated by missionary processes –in parallel
international context) is a dynamic and ever -
to diplomatic networks and economic
changing continuous adjustment – and
supranational elites (Berger 1997 : 27). Of
consequently a disorder.
course, Berger confi nes his analysis to the
example of the transnational expansion of

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North American evangelical Protestantism, research has improved this one - sided
which, while disseminating worldwide, should perspective, and injected into the analysis the
be considered in the universalization of complexity of the forms of religious traditions in
Western modernism. globalization. In the systemic paradigm of
Beyer, however, the Western monotheisms,
The issue of religious missions in and especially Christianity, have moulded, much
modern and/or global settings is nevertheless more on a structural than on a cultural level,
problematic. Robert L. Montgomery, for the shape of a “ global religious system. ”
instance, explains the historical Diffusion of
religions (Montgomery, 1996 ) in exclusive According to Peter Beyer, indeed, “ the
missionary terms. The worldwide diffusion of global religious system bears the marks of its
Tibetan Buddhism can also be justifi ed in origins and early developments in Christian
similar terms (Obadia 2001 ), but the modernity society ”and “ the contemporary global religious
of the Buddhist, and more generally religious, system therefore looks somewhat Christian, not
missions is controversial (Learman 2005 ), and, in a religious sense, but only in a sense parallel
as for religious violence, the contemporary to the way that globalization looks like
missionarization processes can paradoxically be Westernization ” ( 1998 : 4). The religious
both rooted in ancient or recent times, and take traditions of the contemporary world have
advantage of global settings to intensify and therefore undertaken a process of patterning,
grow. Which religions? The empirical and on the structural and functional yardstick of
theoretical fi eld of sociology of religions in Christianity, a tradition that has disjointed the
globalization is generally polarized sacred and the profane, that has brought about
between two categories of objects: world the distinctive autonomy of the religious “
religions and new religious movements. sphere ”from other “ spheres of human life, and
that has lastly redefi ned its social and cultural
WORLD RELIGIONS AND spatiality consecutively from its recent
GLOBALIZATION confrontation with secularist ideologies.
Consequently, the global religious system is
socially differentiated, owing to the alignment
Indeed, if there is any “ globalization of
of non -Christian and non - Western traditions
religion, ”the problem is to identify which
on the standard model of Christianity: a
religion this process is all about. Indeed, on the
corroborated hypothesis in the case of Islam
one hand, Globalization Studies refer to “
and Hinduism (Beyer 2006 ), but also for the
religion ”in global conditions, just like an
African Indigenous Churches (Venter 1999 ).
archetypal model above historically and socially
Religious reactions that are critical of
embedded traditions, and on the other hand,
globalization are, according to William H. Mott,
sociologists and anthropologists observe locally
as diversifi ed as those against modernization
and on a transnational level, expansive
(see Hefner 1998 ), and vary in line with their
processes, missionary or migration strategies,
unique trajectory in (modern and) global
sects or churches connected networks, and
settings. Judaism first accompanies it (since
living traditions embarked on processes of
ancient times and as a diasporic religion), but
change. The French philosopher Jacques
turns into ethnicity and fi nally into nationality
Derrida adheres to the idea of the global
(with the rise of Zionism). Christianity first “
expansion of a “ Latin ”(that is Western and
politicizes ”under a territorial entity (kingdoms
Christian) model, in his own words, a “
and empires of the Middle East, and of
mondialatinisation”(a contraction between
Southern and Northern Europe), afterwards
mondialisation –globalization, in French –and
universalizes, and finally “ humanizes ”(after the
latinisation, Derrida 1998 : 48). But more recent
era of Enlightenment). Islam initially assumes a

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universal and supra - cultural shape, before about a “ global and diversifi ed ecumenicist
being marginalized by Euro - centered community ”(K ü ng 1991 ). Actually, the
globalization, and fi nally becomes hostile to the religious responses to globalization processes
“ Westernization ”of the world (Mott 2004 : 184 are much more complex and locally determined
– 7). According to the political scientist, the than these broad - spectrum theorizations. They
options of religious traditions are limited to a can even unite in a similar anti - global charge in
communitarian defence or alliance with the opposed fi gures of the leader of Muslim
fundamentalism (Spohn 2003 ), on the one side, fundamentalism (as Osama bin Laden) and of
or ecumenical coalitions or “ social the Christian liberal movement (such as Dwight
secularization, ”on the other (Mott 2004 : 188 – Hopkins) (Stahl 2007 ). and globalization more
93). But as for theologians, the consequences of recently. Their increase in number and their
globalization are also conceivable as bringing worldwide diffusion are supposed to have
about a “ global and diversifi ed ecumenicist captured scholars ’ s attention much more than
community ”(K ü ng 1991 ). Actually, the world religions (Rothstein 1996 : 195). But some
religious responses to globalization processes authors maintain, on the contrary, that scientifi
are much more complex and locally determined c literature on this topic remains relatively small
than these broad - spectrum theorizations. They (Arweck 2007 : 276). Yet, sociology ’ s emphasis
can even unite in a similar anti - global charge in on “ New Religious Movements ”(NRM) builds
the opposed fi gures of the leader of Muslim on a particular perspective which is not
fundamentalism (as Osama bin Laden) and of exclusive of a broader approach on “ religion
the Christian ”as a whole. But the rise and the expansion of
liberal movement (such as Dwight Hopkins) the NRM offered sociology a new locus to
(Stahl 2007 ). Religious reactions that are critical confront its theoretical models with religious
of globalization are, according to William H. changes. Some religious movements are
Mott, as diversifi ed as those against globalizing, others are adjusting themselves to
modernization (see Hefner 1998 ), and vary in global settings, and the New Age movement,
line with their unique trajectory in (modern torn between unity and diversity, nonetheless
and) global settings. Judaism first accompanies embodies a new “ global religiosity ”(Rothstein
it (since ancient times and as a diasporic 2001 ). On account of their doctrinal and
religion), but turns into ethnicity and fi nally practical genuineness, but also owing to their
into nationality (with the rise of Zionism). expanding dynamics, the NRM should indeed
Christianity first “ politicizes ”under a territorial typify the “ exemplary ”or “ paradigmatic ”cases
entity (kingdoms and empires of the Middle of religious globalization (Clarke 2006 ),
East, and of Southern and Northern Europe), such as Protestant evangelism (Berger 1997 ),
afterwards universalizes, and finally“ humanizes or the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (Csordas
”(after the era of Enlightenment). Islam initially 2007b ). Karel Dobbelaere (1998)maintains that,
assumes a universal and supra - cultural shape, contrasting with world religions which remain
before being marginalized by Euro - centered anchored in their national contexts, the NRM
globalization, and fi nally becomes hostile to the tend to be supra - national, and therefore favor
“ Westernization ”of the world (Mott 2004 : 184 their connection with globalization –but this
– 7). According to the political scientist, the distinction is not so obvious, on the basis of the
options of religious traditions are limited to a works of Elisabeth Arweck who demonstrated
communitarian defence or alliance with that the NRM can also intentionally limit their
fundamentalism (Spohn 2003 ), on the one side, own expansion
or ecumenical coalitions or “ social (Arweck 2007 ).
secularization, ”on the other (Mott 2004 : 188 –
93). But as for theologians, the consequences of
globalization are also conceivable as bringing

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History of Globalization and the cultural, social, and educational aspects
Religion brought about by the Islamic Civilization. An
example of this would be the Ottoman Empire
in 1300 AD, which spanned from Europe, North
In discussing the issue of Globalization
Africa, and the Middle East; this created the
and its relations to religion, very little remains
great imperial arch of integration that spawned
outside these two very significant realms of
a huge expansion of trade with Europe.
society. Religion is an institution that has
existed since the emergence of the first man
Finally, we come to what many scholars
and humanity. On the other hand, globalization,
see as the birth of Globalization; the discovery
as we perceive it today, has been an undergoing
of the Americas and the travels of East and
process for centuries. Although the term
West by Columbus and De Gama. This not only
‘globalization’ emerged as a buzzword in the
inaugurated the age of European seaborne
1990’s after the collapse of the Soviet Union,
empires, but it also pioneered the exponential
the process of globalization had been taking
expansion of Christianity in these conquered
place long before. In the article Globalization
regions. With the development of the slave
since the Fourteenth Century, globalization has
trade in 1650, marked as a dramatic factor
been defined as “The physical expansion of the
which sustained the expansion of Atlantic
geographical domain of the global—that is,
Economy, giving birth to integrated
the increase in the scale and volume of global
economic/industrial systems across the Ocean
flows—and the increasing impact of global
—with profits accumulating in Europe during
forces of all kinds on local life. Moments and
the days of mercantilism and the
forces of expansion mark the major turning
Enlightenment.
points and landmarks in the history of
globalization”.
The ‘integration’ of religions and its
It means that all the factual events of
cultures took about a natural discourse with the
history, whereby, globalization evolved when
merging of civilizations and their evolving trade
since Alexander the Great in 325 B.C.,
routes, which ultimately led to the colonization
conquered almost three-fourth of the known
of the Asia, Africa, Central and South America.
world in his time or when Chandragupta
Thus, here marks the pivotal point where
Maurya becomes a Buddhist and combines the
religion becomes an integral part of
expansive powers of a world religion, trade
globalization and vice-versa.
economy, and imperial armies for the first time.
Alexander the Great sues for peace with
Globalization: Yesterday, Today, and
Chandragupta in 325 B.C. at Gerosia, marking
Tomorrow is distinguished by its focus on the
the eastward link among overland routes
systemic aspects of globalization processes.
between the Mediterranean, Persia, India ad
Political, economic, geographic, ecological,
central Asia. Following this, in the first century,
social, cultural, ethnic, religious and historical
the expansion of Buddhism in Asia makes its
processes are analyzed and their single and
first appearance in China and consolidates
joint impacts on globalization are discussed. The
cultural links across the Eurasian Steppe into
purpose is to complement more objective or
India, thus, establishing the foundations of the
‘technical’ globalization narratives with more
Silk Route.
direct accounts of social and emotional issues
From the period of 650-850 A.D, there
Globalization is a very broad concept
was a vast expansion of Islam from the Western
not only with respect to the diversity of regions,
Mediterranean to India; thus, this not only saw
cultures, and actors, but also with respect to
to the adoption of the religion of Islam, but all
the diversity of analytical approaches that can

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be employed to study it. The articles in this word comes from the Latin “religare” which
book embrace the need to cover a variety of means “to bind together again that which was
aspects and dimensions of globalization, and to once bound but has since been torn apart or
see both its local and its global manifestations. broken.” Indeed, with the globalization of
From our perspective, globalization studies economics and politics, individuals feel insecure
imply research that is not just limited to the “as the life they once led is being contested and
most popular spheres of economic and political changed at the same time.” Hence, “in order for
globalization, but also includes the study of a person to maintain a sense of psychological
global problems such as climatic change, well-being and avoid existential anxiety,”
cultural globalization, and so on. In summary, individuals turn to scripture stories and
the special character of the Globalization: teachings that provide a vision about how they
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow is that it can be bound to a “meaningful world,” a world
delivers a broad international and multicultural that is quickly changing day-by-day.
spectrum of issues associated with
globalization, including the impact of Nonetheless, the relationship between
globalization on particular cultural-geographic globalization and religion is one with new
regions. possibilities and furthering challenges. On the
one hand, while religion takes advantage of
 It argues that globalization has a mixed communication and transportation technology,
impact on religion in ways that lead to the it is at the same time the source of
opposing view of secularist scholars that globalization’s greatest resistance by acting as a
religion will be diminished. Apparently, religion haven for those standing in opposition to its
has experienced a revival in many parts of the power. On the other hand, because
world, mainly in the form of religious globalization allows for daily contact, religion
fundamentalism. Problems and challenges enters a circle of conflict in which religions
posed by globalization, such as the become “more self-conscious of themselves as
environmental crisis and secular society have being world religions.”
provided the opportunity and the power to
religion to revitalize itself and to transform Globalization brings a culture of
themselves into a religion with a new form that pluralism, meaning religions “with overlapping
has a role and a new identity. Furthermore, but distinctive ethics and interests” interact
globalization may lead to the decline of with one another. Essentially, the world’s
organized religion in modern society and certain leading religious traditions—Hinduism,
intellectual subculture, but it does not cause Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—
the death of religion in private life. This is in line teach values such as human dignity, equality,
with the emergence of the phenomenon of " freedom, peace, and solidarity. More
believing without belonging ". In short, specifically, religions maintain the Golden Rule:
globalization has helped to transform the “what you do not wish done to yourself, do not
religion itself and changed its strategy to do to others.” Therefore, through such religious
address the problems and challenges of values, globalization engenders greater religious
globalization to create " world de- tolerance in such areas as politics, economics,
secularization. and society.

World Religions and Globalization Major World Religions

Generally, religion is a “system of Islam is a monotheistic religion founded

beliefs and practices.” More specifically, the by their Prophet— Muhammad—in the seventh

The Contemporary World: A World of Ideas Global Media Cultures Page 14 of 18

century. Muslims believe the angel Gabriel they experience throughout life. An individual’s
visited Muhammad to reveal the words of Allah. good and bad actions influence where they rank
These revelations are documented in the and what form they reincarnate into—spanning
Qur’an. from insects to people. Although this system of
The framework of the Islamic faith includes five karmic consequences was abolished in 1948,
tenets that must be upheld to enter paradise— great social implications remain since people
Heaven. The Five Pillars of Islam include … are considered responsible for their lots in life.
Hindus do not seek salvation, but desire to be
1. Shahada: the testimony of faith released from their karmic debt to end the cycle
2. Salat: prayer rituals occurring five times a day of rebirth. This is called moshka and is
3. Sawm: A month long fast known as Ramadan accomplished through works, devotion, and
takes place during the ninth month of the knowledge.
Islamic calendar. They are not allowed to eat or
drink from dawn to sunset. Bhuddism is derived from the
4. Zakat: 2.5% of income is required to be given teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), he
to the poor once a year left his life of luxury as Indian royalty in search
5. Hajj: If possible, Muslims are to take a of truth and meaning. After six years of yoga,
pilgrimage to Mecca—located in Saudi Arabia— asceticism, deprivation, and days spent
at least once in their lives. meditating under a tree, Buddha claimed to find
enlightenment. The results of his experiment
There are two primary sects of Islam—Sunni formed Buddhism.
and Shia. The division between these groups Although founded without belief in a higher
formed due to differing views of leadership power, a majority of Buddhists now worship
succession after Muhammad’s death. Sunni Buddha as a god and believe in his Four Noble
Muslims (90% of all Muslims) believe that those Truths.
in the lineage of the first four caliphs— 1. Dukkha: to live is to suffer
Muhammad’s successors—are rightful religious 2. Samudaya: suffering is caused by desire
leaders. In contrast, Shia Muslims believe that 3. Nirodha: one can eliminate suffering by
only those in lineage of the fourth caliph—Ali— eliminating all attachments
are worthy successors of Muhammad. 4. Magga: This is achieved by following the
Noble Eightfold Path—having a right
Hinduism is a polytheistic religion with understanding, thought, speech, action,
over 330 million gods and goddesses and one livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and
supreme and impersonal god known as concentration.
Brahmin.
Originating in modern-day Pakistan, this faith In addition to these Four Noble Truths
system is based on reincarnation and a caste and the Noble Eightfold Path, Buddhists adhere
system. to the moral code of The Five Precepts.
Brahmins: priests, academics 1. Abstain from harming living beings
Kshatriyas: soldiers, king-warrior class 2. Abstain from stealing
Vaishyas: merchants, farmers, laborers, 3. Abstain from sexual misconduct
craftspeople 4. Abstain from false speech
Sudras: commoners, peasants, servants 5. Abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs
Harijahns: the “untouchables”
Similar to Hinduism, Buddhists believe
Karma is a system of cause and effect in karma and reincarnation to the point of
weighs into where a person ranks in the caste ceasing to exist. This is the chief aim of
system determining the blessings and comfort Buddhists and is called Nirvana—an enlightened

The Contemporary World: A World of Ideas Global Media Cultures Page 15 of 18

state that is free from desire. Nirvana is 6. Followers of Jesus have the responsibility to
achieved by continually seeking and eventually share their faith in Christ with others
accomplishing self-perfection.
There are many types of churches—Roman
Agnosticism and Atheism fall under the Catholic, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox,
title of religiously unaffiliated. Charismatic, Evangelical, etc.—that are
Atheism “An atheist is someone who does not commonly categorized by many research
believe in God.” –Pew Research Center, entities as being part of the Christian faith,
Atheists although claiming to be non-religious— although some do not align with the tenets of
have complete faith that there is no God and no Christianity listed above. This includes
afterlife, and therefore no need for a Savior. differences in their stances on certain beliefs
There are several different thoughts among (sin, heaven, hell, the way of salvation, etc.) and
atheists on the person of Jesus—ranging from on various religious practices (communion,
Him being a historical figure to never existing. baptism, church leadership structure, etc.).

Agnosticism “An agnostic is someone

who is unsure whether God exists.” –Pew
Research Center, claiming that agnosticism, a
person admits that the existence of God is
impossible to prove or disprove. Their
perspective on life is based on intellect,
knowledge, and certifiable proof. Often they
acknowledge the potential for a higher power
at work in the world, but since God’s existence
cannot be proven through experimentation,
they do not hold to the teachings of a specific
religion.

Christianity is founded on the life,

death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Unlike
other world religions, followers of Jesus do not
labor to please God and earn salvation through
good deeds.

Christians believe:
1.There is one God, eternally existing in three References:
persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

2. Jesus is fully God and man http://www.nordicom.gu.se/sites/default/files/

kapitel-pdf/37_hjarvard.pdf
3. People can only be reconciled to God through
faith in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection http://www.diva-
portal.org/smash/get/diva2:533159/FULLTEXT0
4. All believers are indwelled by the Holy Spirit 1.pdf

5. The Bible is the inspired Word of God

https://web.uri.edu/iaics/files/05margret.pdf

The Contemporary World: A World of Ideas Global Media Cultures Page 16 of 18

 hrome.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i61.3704j0j9&client=
http://www.gmj.uottawa.ca/1402/v7i2_dakrour ms-android-sonymobile&sourceid=chrome-
y.pdf mobile&ie=UTF-8

https://www.usma.edu/mclc/Shared
%20Documents/globalization%20and%20the https://oakland.edu/Assets/upload/docs/AIS/Sy
%20media.pdf llabi/McCormack_Sample-Simulation-1.pdf

http://learningspaces.org/files/nms/Krotz_medi https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227
alisation_metaprocess.pdf 992063_Globalization_and_the_Sociology_of_R
eligion
https://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/e
ffects-of-global-media
https://www.importantindia.com/2294 http://ihmsaw.org/resourcefiles/1260067215.p
0/media-advantages-disadvantages/ df

http://www.davidlehmann.org/david-
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235 docs-pdf/Pub-pap/Religion%20and
417102_Global_Media_and_the_Domination_o %20Globalization%20proofs.pdf
f_West

file:///C:/Users/User/Favorites/Downloads/relig
https://eclass.uoa.gr/modules/document/file.p ions-04-00145.pdf
hp/MEDIA279/Media%20events/the
%20metaprocess%20of%20mediatization%20as
%20a%20conceptual%20frame%20%28krotz http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/d
%29.pdf ocuments/APCITY/UNPAN017427.pdf

https://classroom.synonym.com/effects-
globalization-21st-century-13074.html https://dspace2.creighton.edu/xmlui/bitstream
/handle/10504/116861/2018-9.pdf

https://oakland.edu/Assets/upload/docs/AIS/Sy https://ecpr.eu/Filestore/WorkshopOutline/73c
llabi/McCormack_Sample-Simulation-1.pdf 7afa7-3d41-4841-b0de-5656b1a86401.pdf
https://www.eastwest.org/am-
site/media/a-field-guide-to-major-world-
religions-pdf.pdf https://www.researchgate.net/publication/441
04524_Spirituality_Religion_and_Globalization
https://www.hse.ru/data/2013/05/23/1299088
719/Globalization.pdf

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315
109111_Varied_Impacts_of_Globalization_on_
Religion_in_a_Contemporary_Society
https://www.google.com/search?
q=pdf+globalization+of+religion&oq=pdf&aqs=c

The Contemporary World: A World of Ideas Global Media Cultures Page 17 of 18

Prepared by:
Alonzo, Jenemhel
Batalla, Bluesette Cate
Imalay, Colene Pearl M.
Magadia, Annielyn M.
Poja, Mikhaela Gem L.
Rapsing, Ralph Iverson B.

Checked by:
Niño Pacia Maliban
Subject Instructor

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