Sociology 2Class 19 Globalization, Culture, Identity 2.ppt

Sociology 2:Class 19: Globalization, Culture, Identity 2 Copyright ? 2008 by Evan Schofer Do not copy or distribute without permission Announcements No office hours on Thursday June 5 Final exam: Tuesday June 10 Midterm review sheet handed out last week Also on course website Format similar to midterm Topics: All course material… with main emphasis on material covered after the midterm Final review sheet issue: “Boomerang effect” not on final Today’s Class: Globalization Culture What is culture, and how does globalization affect it? Is culture/identity a source of conflict? Review: Identity/culture Two views of identity/ethnicity/culture: 1. Primordial view Culture/ethnicity/identity is deeply rooted, fundamental 2. The “social constructionist” view: Culture/ethnicity/identity are malleable: They change over time and with social context People exhibit different identities in different contexts Identities disappear and return (or are “re-invented”) Political processes and social circumstances shape and alter identities Research evidence favors this view… Culture and Conflict Huntington: Cultural differences will lead to global conflict: A clash of civilizations Issue: There are many bloody conflicts raging in developing countries Westerners often attribute them to enduring ethnic hatreds: sad but inevitable Some see them as hints of future “clash” of civilizations Responses Bowen: “The Myth of Global Ethnic Conflict” Hironaka: “Ethnic Conflict in Weak States” Focus: civil wars (not global conflict) Perspectives on identity/culture Question: Do ethnic hatreds explain civil wars? Hironaka’s Argument: No… Civil wars are a product of political struggle… made worse by: Weak governments External funding weapons that support conflicts… Emphasis on ethnic identity/conflict = a Western stereotype… not at all describing what is happening “on the ground”. Perspectives on identity/culture Example: Katangan revolt in the Congo Typical account: war is resul