Globalization and Its Impact on Middle Eastern Culture

Introduction: Defining Globalization

The term globalization carries positive connotations in that it implies interaction and sharing through technology, and suggests the improvement and development of less developed countries through connections with wealthier economies. However, this is not always how the term is interpreted by every country and culture. In recent years there has been a negative reaction throughout the world to the concept of globalization, which is increasingly viewed as a means of domination and assimilation — especially with regard to cultural aspects. A more formal definition is as follows:

"Globalization can be conceived as a process (or set of processes) which embodies a transformation in the spatial organization of social relations and transactions, expressed in transcontinental or interregional flows and networks of activity, interaction and power" (Held and McGrew, et al., 1999).

In essence, globalization is characterized by a "stretching of social, political and economic activities across frontiers, regions and continents." It is also marked by the interconnection between different countries in areas such as trade, finance, migration, and culture. "Globalization, in short, can be thought of as the widening, intensifying, speeding up, and growing impact of world-wide interconnectedness."

There are two divergent positions on the benefits and dangers of globalization. On one extreme are the "hyperglobalists," who are enthusiastic about the possibility of a global economy harmoniously integrating the various regions and cultures of the world. At the other end of the scale are the skeptics, who are suspicious of the aims and goals of large-scale globalization. "Dismissing the idea of a unified global economy, the skeptical position concludes that the world is breaking up into several major economic and political blocs, within which very different forms of capitalism continue to flourish."

Globalization vs. Westernization

Another important issue to consider is the difference — or the similarity — between the concepts of globalization and westernization. It is the identification of westernization with globalization that has created fear of this proposed interaction in developing countries as well as in the Middle East.

There is a significant difference between the two concepts, yet the terms tend to be conflated in many theories of globalization. Theoretically they are very different, but the question has been raised as to whether elements of westernization are innately included in the process of globalization. The theoretical distinction is as follows.

Globalization is a process in which "the whole world becomes like a small village, where the less advanced communities can develop their capacities," and it "tends to be a two-way street process, which makes it possible for each community to take as well as to give." Westernization, on the other hand, tends to be a one-way street, meaning that one region attempts to dominate and control other regions in the name of globalization. Moreover, while globalization occurs through the free will of different communities, westernization is characteristically imposed upon other regions.

Islamic and Arab Perspectives on Globalization

The question that arises in many developing countries — and in many Arab and Middle Eastern countries in particular — is whether globalization is in effect a form of disguised westernization. This is a crucial issue that relates to and affects the rich cultural heritage of Middle Eastern societies. On one hand, globalization can be seen as a promising result of integrated and shared visions facilitated by technology; on the other hand, it can be viewed with suspicion as a form of cultural assimilation and domination by more media-rich and economically powerful cultures. For many people in the Middle East, therefore, globalization and western cultural intrusion and hegemony amount to the same thing.

The following perspective illustrates that while Islamic societies are generally not entirely opposed to — and in fact can be quite positive about — new technologies and the mutual benefits of sharing information and ideas, they are also wary of what these changes might mean for their cultural and social values:

"Islam is not anti-globalization (or modernity, which is considered to be a by-product of globalization) in its original sense, but Muslims do have a problem with Westernization. Although Westernization of society is condemned, modernization as such is not. Science and technology are accepted, but they are to be subordinated to Islamic belief and values in order to guard against the Westernization and secularization of Muslim society."

By its very nature, globalization impacts people's way of life and often causes adjustments toward the pattern of the dominant global culture. This has made the effect of globalization on Middle Eastern countries a highly controversial issue.

To a large extent, globalization promotes integration of the world and calls for the removal of all cultural barriers. Although globalization is a vital process for transferring knowledge and education across the world, it still carries negative effects for many cultures and civilizations. Its impact on Arabic culture, in particular, is relatively controversial. Many Islamic states and cultural institutions are especially aware of the possibility that their cultures might be affected by the influx and ascendancy of western cultural norms. "Many nationalists and cultural trustees of the Arab world, for instance, condemn the influences of globalization on their culture. Conservative Arab nationalists and fundamentalists argue that their culture cannot adhere to many globalized notions."

Conclusion

The issue of globalization remains a very controversial topic, particularly with regard to cultural concerns. While globalization certainly offers communication and technical advancements to developing countries, it is something of a double-edged sword. It can also mean that dominant cultures, by extending their economic and cultural reach, detrimentally affect other cultures — eroding the diversity, traditions, and values that make each society distinctive.