Introduction to Sociology

GLOSSARY

culture lag: the gap of time between the introduction of material culture and nonmaterial culture’s acceptance and integration of it
diffusion: the spread of material and nonmaterial culture from one culture to another
discoveries: things and ideas found among what already exists
globalization: the integration of international trade and finance markets
innovations: improvements, additions, or new ways of thinking that enhance or transform existing objects, processes, technologies, or organizations
inventions: new objects or ideas introduced into culture for the first time
technology: the application of science to solve problems in daily life
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  Pop Culture, Subculture, and Cultural Change. Authored by: OpenStax CNX. Located at: https://cnx.org/contents/AgQDEnLI@12.1:TuMX8swj@6/3-3-Pop-Culture-Subculture-and-Cultural-Change. License: CC BY: Attribution. License Terms: Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/02040312-72c8-441e-a685-20e9333f3e1d@3.49
  

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Globalization and Technology

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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  Explain the advantages and concerns of media globalization
  
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  Describe the globalization of technology
  

Figure 1. These Twitter updates—a revolution in real time—show the role social media can play on the political stage. (Photo courtesy of Cambodia4kidsorg/flickr)

In this section, we will look more closely at how media globalization and technological globalization are integral parts of culture and cultural diffusion. As the names suggest, media globalization is the worldwide integration of media (all print, digital, and electronic means of communication) through the cross-cultural exchange of ideas. Technological globalization refers to the cross-cultural development and exchange of technology. The speed with which culture is diffused has changed as a result of technological advances. Sharing of ideas, information, goods, and services through globalization is also possible because of advances in communication technology and the media.