Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that in order to determine whether cultural globalization means cultural homogenization, it is necessary to examine some of the processes that contribute to the understanding of globalization as Americanization or Westernization. The writer focuses on economic globalization and discusses the correlation between economic influence and cultural influence.

From the Paper
"One of these processes is Economic Globalization, for it is the driving force behind the expansion of Western and American culture throughout most of the world. This correlation between economic influence and cultural influence is manifested in the spread of American and Western culture into national economies increasingly dependent upon American and Western economic investment and consumer products."

Tags:cultural, globalization, issues

Abstract
In this article, the writer argues that inter-cultural or cross-cultural harmony will always be hampered by differences in background and perspective simply because human beings' (and how they react to the gestures and communicative strategies of others) are the most volatile and unpredictable variable of all when it comes to assessing the possible problems and rewards of a communication exchange. With that in mind, the paper explores why cross-cultural communication is so difficult. The paper also looks at some arguments which insist that inter-cultural exchanges can be harmonious and "worry-free" if enough training and education is provided. Finally, the writer concludes by reiterating why there will always be certain difficulties in cross-cultural communication and the paper finishes by suggesting that such tensions are just a "part of life" and must be accommodated to the fullest extent possible.

From the Paper
""Following this premise to its logical conclusion, it is clear that biological determinism, ecological factors, and simple evolution really are insufficient to wholly explain the nuances of each society - or at least to the satisfaction of a trained social scientist. Going further, each and every human being is a remarkably complex creature that will respond differently to essentially the same stimuli; consequently, it is impossible to avoid cross-cultural miscommunication because comments or gestures that someone else from the same culture finds tolerable might spark a highly unpleasant response from someone else who is also from that culture. In the end, the variables which constrain smooth cross-cultural communication are at least as numerable as there are people in the world.
"Still, some experts believe that cross-cultural communication does not have to be hampered by differences in background or by differences in perspective."

Tags:habits, lifestyles, cross-cultural, differences

Abstract
This paper examines the issues involved in the current debate on the effect that tourism is having on indigenous cultures, especially in the Third World. The paper presents arguments on both sides of the debate and offers some suggestions for a resolution. It concludes that if cultural commoditization is used wisely, it can in fact be a contributor to cultural development.

Outline:
Introduction
Commoditization
Cultural Development
Recommendations
Conclusion

From the Paper
"On the negative side of the debate, the general view is that tourism turns local culture into a commodity, and this changes the meaning of cultural products, eventually rendering them meaningless, while at the same time exploiting local communities both culturally and financially (Cohen, 1988, p. 372, 381). Koster (2009) found evidence of such economic exploitation in her field research among the weavers of Chiapas, Mexico. For example, she discovered that they are often forced to sell their products at one-fifth of their real value, since tourists are not willing to pay high prices (p. 26, 41) and middlemen (who take a sizeable cut of the profits) are often involved in the exchange (p. 16). The commoditization process can be understood in terms of four basic premises: (1) "local culture is capitalized as an asset"; (2) "traditional mechanisms of accumulation, transmission and reproduction of culture give way to new modes [of production]"; (3) "fundamental social and cultural changes take place"; and (4) "a radical shift in community ideology occurs" (George, 2005, p. 2). These changes and shifts in community ideology include cultural dilution and eventually "cultural homogenization" (Greenwood, 1989, pp. 173, 184), as cultural objects and practices are modified to suit "the tastes of the tourists" (Cohen, 1988, p. 381). For example, Koster (2009) found that the weavers of Chiapas began altering their products and designs to meet the demands of tourists (p. 41)."

Tags:Tourism, commoditization, cultural development, indigenous cultures, sustainability homogenization

Abstract
The paper discusses how one of the key tensions in contemporary feminist theory is the tension between cultural rights (or the rights to cultural self-determination, or collective rights) on the one hand, and gender equality rights, that is, women's human rights, on the other hand. The paper asserts that all too often, these two value systems imply clashing opinions and ways of life. The paper then discusses how in the broader context of the debate around universalism versus cultural relativism, the concept of gender equality rights is associated with western liberalism - with the result that advocates of women's human rights run the risk of being associated with Western neo-colonialism, or of being accused of attempting to impose Western hegemonic cultural norms on the world.

From the Paper
"One of the key tensions in contemporary feminist theory is the tension between cultural rights (or the rights to cultural self-determination, or collective rights) on the one hand, and gender equality rights, that is, women's human rights, on the other hand. All too often these two value systems imply clashing opinions and ways of life. In the broader context of the debate around universalism versus cultural relativism, the concept of gender equality rights is associated with western liberalism - with the result that advocates of women's human rights run the risk of being associated with Western neo-colonialism, or of being accused of attempting..."

Tags:cultural, relativism, feminism

Abstract
Explaining cultural variation is something that has often perplexed leading sociologists and cultural anthropologists. Be that as it may, a number of theories have emerged in recent years geared towards providing new insights into an area of social studies that was once either impenetrable or riddled with simplistic and ultimately untenable conclusions. This paper compares and contrasts Geert Hofstede's cultural dimensions and the cultural model of Edward Hall.

Tags:cultural, variation, dimensions

Abstract
This paper presents an overview of cultural and communication problems associated with the mergers of international multi-cultural European companies. The paper addresses corporate culture integration issues, integrating persons of different nationalities, communication in a multi-lingual environment and with people of different ages and genders and HR practices and benefits harmonization. It then discusses applicable management and communication theories.

Table of Contents:
Objective
Introduction
Review of the Literature
Why Mergers?
Reasons for Failure of Mergers
Attributes Needed by Companies Today
Moving Into New Markets
Corporate Culture - Integration Issues
HR - The International M&A
Communication During the Merger and Acquisition Process
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"In the international merger and acquisition there are many thing that must be given vital consideration as this work has shown. There are pre-merger considerations as well as considerations during and after the merger in terms of integration, communication, and the responsibilities that HR has in terms of harmonization in the merged corporation. This work has listed the foremost reason for failures of mergers and as well has stated what can be done to avoid these failures. The organization must understand the rationale or strategy that underpins the deal as well as the external constraints and opportunities that exist. It is critical that cultural due diligence be carried out and that this be done prior to the merger in effecting programs for integration that can be put into action immediately after the merger. New management teams need to be appointed quickly and at all levels and at the same time realistic synergy targets must be identified. It is necessary that communication be both consistent and truthful and that the company realize that HR is integral to the merger and acquisition process. While learning the languages that exist in the multilingual environment are preferable, this is not always possible and the use of interpreters is both effective and successful as a means of communication. "

Tags:communication, cultural, HR

Abstract
This paper examines Julian Steward's theory of cultural change, which is also referred to as cultural ecology. This is the theory that environment and culture exist in a dialectical relationship, at least with regard to resource use and production. The paper provides an overview of the theory, examples of the theory at work, and concludes with a critique of the theory's weaknesses.

From the Paper
"Perhaps it is no more than a biological necessity to find order in the world that drives the human mind to develop all manner of theories by which seemingly unrelated events can be explained. Perhaps the drive is more cultural in nature. However, if that were the case, then proponents of Julian Steward's theory of cultural ecology would no doubt attempt to explain the drive as the result of a complex interaction between cultural and environmental factors. Whatever the case on that score, it is nonetheless apparent that in all academic disciplines there is a push to develop theoretical-methodological approaches to study that can explain the nature of the discipline and also provide avenues for further research. The cultural ecological perspective is one such approach that attempts to explain the origin and development of cultural elements to interactions and adaptations..."

Tags:cultural, ecology, steward

Abstract
This essay critically assesses the contribution of cultural sociology to the understanding of religion. It does this by first examining and summarizing how three "classical sociological theorists" (i.e.: Weber, Durkheim and Marx) see the nature of religion as a cultural form. It then looks at various recent theories of religion under globalization. The author then assesses the contribution that these cultural theories give to the understanding of real religious phenomena through examining whether they can help in an understanding of Islamic fundamentalism in general, and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Algeria specifically. The paper includes extensive use of quotes from the three theorists.

From the Paper
"In fact, according to Giddens, Marx believed that religion is the "opium of the people" (Giddens, 1996, p464). In other words, Marx believed that religion defers happiness and rewards to the afterlife, teaching the acceptance of existing conditions in this life. This means that attention is diverted away from inequalities and injustices in this life by promising a better future in the Afterlife. In addition to this, Budd believes that Marx thought religion not only reflected the suffering of the working class, but offered a "fantasy escape" from that suffering (Budd, 1973). Marx believed that religion had a very powerful ideological element, and that religious beliefs and values often provide justifications of inequalities of wealth and power (Giddens, 1996). He further claims that religion often has ideological implications which serve to justify the interests of the ruling class at the expense of other subordinate classes (Giddens, 1996)."

Tags:cultural, durkheim, fundamentalism, globalisation, islamic, marx, religion, sociology, weber

Abstract
This paper discusses two films that address, in different ways, the myriad small and large tragedies that were spawned by the cultural revolution in China. The 1998 "Xui Xui", directed by Joan Chen is both a love story and a story of all that was lost for all people in China during the Cultural Revolution. While, Zhang Yimou's film "To Live" tells of the subtler, less intentioned ways in which each family in China was changed by the cultural revolution.

From the Paper
"Tragedy written on a small scale is still tragedy for those whose lives are touched by it. But even as we understand this we are still more compelled to try to understand those tragedies that occur on a large scale. Two films that address in ..."

Tags:Cultural Revolutionm, China, Red Squads, Joan Chen

Abstract
In this essay, the writer discusses the urban renewal of the city of Detroit. The paper discusses the efforts to revitalize a city that has been hit hard by white flight. The writer discusses that poverty and the collapse of basic infrastructure are also factors that have damaged the city. The writer examines whether or not Detroit is undergoing a positive rebirth.

From the Paper
"A Renaissance can be defined as a revival of learning the arts, culture, politics and sciences. A Renaissance involves a rise into the modern world, a cultural rebirth of enlightenment and new discovery. Detroit has experienced something of a Renaissance and the city's rebirth will be discussed in this paper. Amy Lane writing in Crain's Detroit Business tells readers that Detroit Renaissance Incorporated was formed by business leaders concerned ..."

Tags:Detroit, cultural renaissnce, rebirth of a city, social, economic, political, education system, health care agencies, poor, minority, displacement, lofts, real estate gentrification.