Diverse interpretations

1914 to Present

1. Diverse interpretations
   1. Is cultural convergence or diversity the best model for understanding increased intercultural contact in the twentieth century?
      1. Cultural convergence
         1. Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution all move toward globalization
         2. Led to certain ways of thinking attractive and accepted by different people
            1. People agreed on how universe/government organized
         3. Speed of globalization picked up in 20th century
            1. transportation, communication, imperialism
            2. same multinational corporations everywhere – McDonaldization
            3. Interconnectedness of economies
            4. Economic downturn one place affects everywhere
         4. So…it looks like convergence
            1. Similar gov’ts – independent, democratic, constitution
            2. economic – stock market, low barriers to trade, strong banking
            3. cultures – educated people w/ English, Hollywood movies, cellfone
      2. Globalization doesn’t mean convergence
         1. Everything is spread around world, doesn’t mean everyone accepts
            1. Not everyone likes or wants, just available
         2. Could lead to larger # of people who lash out, resist – aggressive/violent
         3. Islamic Fundamentalist countries and historical identity – France
         4. Also, self determination and nationalism huge part of 20th century
            1. People want to chart own course
            2. Europe no longer rules the world
   2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using units of analysis in the twentieth century, such as the nation, the world, the West, and the Third World?