Our World and Culture

This week in International Studies we examined the role of culture in globalisation. More specifically, we looked at “cultural globalisation” – the sharing of languages, thoughts, customs, traditions and beliefs around the world.

We began by asking: what exactly is culture?

“It’s a way of life,” answered one of the students.

From there, we decided to explore some cultures from around the world...

Afterwards, we discussed how one culture in particular is sweeping across the globe: western consumer culture.

But why is this happening? Why is this consumer culture so popular?

In order to answer these questions, the class split into four groups in order to research four huge representatives of western consumer culture: McDonalds, Starbucks, Nike and Apple.

They all analysed some of their company’s adverts before deciding their favourite and showing it to the rest of the class. The groups then explained how their chosen company made their products so appealing.

One group explained that Nike convinces customers that if they buy their products, they will achieve great success (or even the impossible).

Western consumer culture in general, we realised, celebrates the concept that buying a particular product will ensure happiness, power, and many more brilliant things (apparently)!

The class proceeded to consider the extent to which they are part of this consumer culture. Does Finland have its own culture separate from this?

“It's mixed,” was the reply.

Finally, we finished the lesson with an activity to show just how many influences from around the world make us who we are today...