Cultural imperialism is the process and practice of
promoting one culture over another and often
occurs through programs designed to assist other
nations, particularly developing nations. Historically this occurred during colonization where one
nation overpowers another weaker country for economic or political gain. Culture can be imposed in a
wide variety of ways such as through restructuring
education, religious, and political institutions.
Cultural imperialism is different from cultural
diffusion primarily due to the mechanisms involved
in changing culture and the roles power plays in the
process.
Contemporary practices that result in cultural
imperialism often take the form of development or
assistance programs for struggling nations or communities.In recent years contemporary globalization, or globalism, is the new vehicle by which cultural imperialism can occur. People supporting the expansion of free markets contend that cultures are naturally
fluid and therefore cultural imperialism is a natural result of trade. If western practices and ideas
are adopted then it is believed that the cultural
practices associated with them are better.Challenges to this belief include a questioning of
what is being transferred or imposed upon other
nations, who or what benefits from cultural shifts
and what cultural aspects become lost.
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