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Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view that globalisation is increasingly shaping people's identities. - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 3
Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view that globalisation is increasingly shaping people's identities.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view that globalisation is increasingly shaping people's identities. - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Identify how globalisation shapes identities
Answer
Globalisation creates greater connections between diverse cultures, allowing individuals to experience a variety of lifestyles, traditions, and values. This can lead to individuals adopting new identities influenced by different cultural practices, potentially reshaping their worldview and self-concept. For instance, social media platforms enable users to interact with global communities, thus facilitating the creation of hybrid identities that blend elements from multiple cultures.
Step 2
Analyze the argument that globalisation weakens traditional identities
Answer
Some sociologists argue that through globalisation, traditional forms of identity linked to family, community, and locality may weaken. The increasing prominence of global consumer culture can overshadow local customs and practices, leading individuals to identify more with global brands and trends rather than their heritage. This perspective suggests that as societies become more interconnected, the uniqueness of local identities may diminish in favor of more homogenized global identities.
Step 3
Evaluate the counterargument regarding the preservation of identity
Answer
Despite the risks of losing traditional identities, many individuals actively seek to maintain their cultural heritage while engaging in globalisation. Local identities can be reinforced as individuals resist the pressures of global consumer culture. For instance, communities may adapt global influences into their traditions, creating a hybrid form of identity that acknowledges the global context while preserving essential local elements. This reflects a nuanced understanding of how globalisation can interact with, rather than solely erode, individual identities.
Step 4
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while globalisation does influence and shape identities by introducing diverse cultural elements, it does not entirely negate the significance of traditional identities. Instead, there is a complex interplay between global and local influences, revealing that identities can evolve without losing their foundational elements. The impact of globalisation on identity is multifaceted, requiring consideration of both the opportunities for new identity formation and the resistance to the erosion of traditional values.