Factors Influencing Youth Culture: Globalisation

Factors Influencing Youth Culture: Globalisation

The Impact of Globalisation on Youth Culture

Globalisation is a major influence on youth culture. It’s the process by which economies, societies, and cultures are integrated through networks of communication, transportation, and trade.

Spread of Global Youth Culture

  • With the advancement of communication technologies, ideas and trends can spread rapidly around the globe creating a more homogeneous global youth culture.
  • This might involve the globalisation of certain youth styles, fashion or music trends, largely driven by transnational media corporations promoting Western cultural products.
  • It’s important to remember that the spread of global youth culture can be complex, as local cultures often interact and shape these imported cultural forms.

Global Media and Communication

  • The rise of global media outlets like satellite channels and social media platforms has facilitated the sharing of information and culture around the globe.
  • This unprecedented access to global media has empowered young people to engage with and contribute to international trends and dialogues in real-time.
  • These global media platforms also provide the means for youth to express their identity and subcultural affiliation.

Neoliberalism and Materialism

  • A dominant economic ideology in the global economy is neoliberalism which emphasises free markets, deregulation, and consumerism.
  • This promotes a value system oriented towards materialism and consumer culture. In relation to youth culture, it may encourage aspirational cultures focused on material wealth and consumption.
  • However, some youth cultures may reject this materialistic ethic and develop alternative or counter-cultural identities.

Economic Inequalities

  • Despite the spread of global youth culture, economic inequalities both within and between countries greatly shape how young people engage with this culture.
  • Youth culture in economically disadvantaged regions or social groups might be significantly different from that in affluent societies due to differences in access to resources.
  • However, these disadvantaged youth cultures may skillfully appropriate global cultural flows and re-contextualise them based on their unique local realities.

Global Social Movements

  • Youths, being adept at utilising digital technology and social media, often play a pivotal role in global social movements.
  • These movements may be a reflection of a global consciousness among youth – a shared understanding and concern regarding global issues such as climate change, social justice, human rights, etc.
  • Involvement in these global movements can deeply influence a young person’s identity and social connections, thereby impacting their expression of youth culture.