Global Culture Research Articles

El teatro como un acontecimiento pedagógico de Juan Campesino

The first part of this book was led by a historical vision and synthetic purposes, the avatars of the recently named “theatre pedagogy” being reviewed in their different aspects: theatre in school, school theatre, curricular design, institutional programs, teacher training, drama in the classroom, focusing mainly on the case of Mexico, although without leaving aside, certainly, the place that our country occupies in the framework of global culture. The second part goes into a pedagogical perspective regarding children’s developmental processes, the educational aspects of theatre and, above all, of that phenomenon which is common to theatrical art and to a certain genre of games, usually known as theatricality.

Metaverse Perspectives from Japan: A Participatory Speculative Design Case Study

Currently, the development of the metaverse lies in the hands of industry. Citizens have little influence on this process. Instead, to do justice to the pluralism of (digital) societies, we should strive for an open discourse including many different perspectives on the metaverse and its core technologies such as AI. We utilize a participatory speculative design (PSD) approach to explore Japanese citizens' perspectives on future metaverse societies, as well as social and ethical implications. Our contributions are twofold. Firstly, we demonstrate the effectiveness of PSD in engaging citizens in critical discourse on emerging technologies like the metaverse by presenting our workshop framework and participants' processes. Secondly, we identify key themes from participants' perspectives, providing insights for culturally sensitive design and development of virtual environments. Our analysis shows that participants imagine the metaverse to have the potential to solve a variety of societal issues; for example, breaking down barriers of physical environments for communication, social interaction, crisis preparation, and political participation, or tackling identity-related issues. Regarding future metaverse societies, participants' imaginations raise critical questions about human-AI relations, technical solutionism, politics and technology, globalization and local cultures, and immersive technologies. We discuss implications and contribute to expanding conversations on metaverse developments.

“Now I like to know what I smoke”—differentiated cannabis normalization in Polish online discussions

Background This study explores how cannabis has been accommodated over the last 18 years in the social world of an online forum in Poland. It considers users who operate in the context of unhurried normalization and restrictive policy that has barely changed over the last two decades. Simultaneously, these users refer to global cannabis cultures and follow progressive policy developments worldwide. Methods Cannabis-related threads were scrapped from the biggest Polish forum, posted in the years 2006–2023, and divided into three periods marked by minor relaxation of the punitive law in 2011 and the introduction of medical cannabis in 2019. The threads were thematically analyzed to track changes in the perceived access to cannabis and shifts in the reasons users praise it. Results The shifts indicate the interaction of the normalization processes on both sides of the cannabis social world in Poland: among users and in society. The praise becomes less unconditional, and nuanced goals, or reflexivity of use emerges. Conclusion We have recognized a consensus among forum users that there are problems associated with use. Instead of harm being neutralized as it used to be when stigmatization mattered more, it is now discussed among users who are becoming better informed, reflexive, and likely to engage with bottom-up harm reduction efforts.

Uncovering the Secrets of the 2023 Box Office: Analysis of Factors Affecting the Success of the Top 200 Films Using the Linear Regression Method

The film industry plays a crucial role in the global economy and popular culture, realizing creative outcomes through complex processes involving production to marketing. This research analyzes the factors influencing the success of the top 200 films at the Box Office in 2023 using linear regression. Independent variables such as film ratings, number of theaters, and distributors are examined in relation to total gross revenue. The dataset processed for this research consists of 200 data points specifically for the year 2023, sourced from Kaggle and processed with Python in Google Colab. The analysis revealed that films with a rating of 7.0 and above averaged a total gross revenue of approximately $100 million, while those rated below 7.0 averaged around $50 million, indicating a negative correlation between film ratings and gross revenue. Additionally, films shown in an average of 2,000 theaters grossed approximately $150 million, demonstrating a positive correlation between the number of theaters and gross income. The analysis also indicated that films distributed by major companies tend to have higher grosses, with the top distributors achieving an average gross of $120 million compared to $70 million for smaller distributors. Nonetheless, this analysis highlights the complexity of other factors influencing a film's success. Further research is needed for a better understanding. The relevance of these findings for the film industry lies in supporting strategic decision-making and the development of more sophisticated analytical methodologies.

GLOBAL IDENTITY AS A TYPE OF SOCIAL IDENTITY

Globalization has affected, perhaps more than any other force, the way people live, configure their physical environment, create the institutions that govern their activities, and build the markets in which they exchange resources, goods, and services. Economic and cultural exchanges brought about by waves of globalization have led to changes in consumer demographics and psychographics, i.e. changes in consumer aspirations, motivations, and behaviour. Advances in technology, transportation, global exports, and media innovation have made global flows of information, products, and services more widespread and rapid. Cultural exchanges not only contribute to the formation of an expansive culture but also affect the psychological and social identity of people. Globalization promotes the free exchange of ideas and communication throughout the world, which leads to an increase in people’s awareness of the world around them as a whole. Globalization leads to the formation of the general consciousness of people about humanity. In its purest form, this common consciousness of people about humanity is called «global identity». The article aims to consider global identity as a type of social identity. Research methods applied: analysis and generalization of scientific literature to clarify approaches to defining the essence of global and local identity; theoretical generalization for formulating conclusions about global identity as a type of social identity. The psychological effects of local culture on identity are just as effective as the effects of global culture on identity. Local identity can take many forms, from ethnicity to nationality to even smaller local identifications such as neighborhood.

K-Pop Idol Controversies: Malaysian Tweets and the Emotive Language of Cultural Appropriation

This study aims to analyze the use of emotive language in Malaysian tweets reacting to the cultural appropriation by K-Pop idols. As K-Pop grows globally, cultural sensitivity within the industry becomes crucial. Twitter serves as a key platform for idols to engage with fans, and Malaysia's cultural values shape how user express emotions, particularly in response to cultural appropriation by idols from more homogeneous societies. A qualitative content analysis was employed, examining 20 tweets from Malaysian users to explore emotive language and its connection to cultural values. The analysis followed the framework by Martin and White (2005), revealing that all tweets expressed negative emotions in response to appropriation. Additionally, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions were applied to understand how Malaysian cultural values influence the use of emotive language. The findings suggest that strong cultural pride and sensitivity play significant roles in shaping these reactions. This study aims to reduce incidents of cultural appropriation by enhancing cultural awareness among K-Pop idols and the industry. Furthermore, it contributes to the broader discourse on the intersection of cultural values and emotive language in addressing issues of appropriation within global entertainment cultures like K-Pop.

Transformation Cultural Identity In The Global Era: A Study Of Globalization And Locality

Globalization brings significant changes to local cultural identities through the influence of media, technology, and migration. Global cultures often dominate local cultures, creating challenges for societies that previously had stable cultural identities. This transformation has an impact on the way people interpret their collective identity. Although many studies have addressed the impact of globalization on cultural identity, an in-depth understanding of this transformation process is still limited. This research aims to fill this gap by examining the interaction between global and local cultures and how they form new, more complex identities. Using a qualitative approach with case study methods in Yogyakarta, Bali, and Bandung, this study collects data through in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and document analysis. The results show that the transformation of cultural identity is different in each region. In Yogyakarta, local culture remains dominant despite the influence of modern art; in Bali, globalization is seen in tourism that combines local and global cultures; while in Bandung, global pop culture is accepted by the millennial generation without leaving local identity. This research reveals that cultural adaptation creates a dynamic identity, where people choose relevant global elements, enriching cultural expression without losing local values

Creative data justice: a decolonial and indigenous framework to assess creativity and artificial intelligence

ABSTRACT In the last decade, the Global South has emerged as a significant player in the data economy due to their majority user base, and studying its role is crucial to comprehend the future of AI. As societies grapple with the implications of AI on creative life, there is an opportunity to reevaluate the creative contributions of Global South cultures, ensuring they are acknowledged and foregrounded in the evolving landscape of human and machine creativity. This paper calls for reimagining and restructuring creative value with the emergence of AI enabled technologies by broadening who and what counts as creative in this data-driven era. To democratize creativity, a decolonial and indigenous framework of cross-cultural creative value is needed which critically intersects and examines the relations between creative labor, rights, and learning. The study of the Global South’s data economies is important not only to harness its potential but also to address the cross-cultural ethics of building Creative AI tools with data from their underrepresented communities. At its core, the creative data justice framework emphasizes the need to challenge the existing power imbalances in global data governance. This paper proposes that fair creative value can be achieved by drawing inspiration from indigenous systems of care as a counterforce to neoliberal values of efficiency and utility. This framework will help scholars, policymakers and designers in their inclusive approaches to creativity in the age of AI.

Navigating the Cultural Paradox: The Dual Role of Globalisation in Propagating Cultural Hybridisation and Nationalism

Abstract: This paper engages in a comprehensive exploration of the cultural paradox that is manifested by globalization's dual role in disseminating cultural hybridization and nationalism.Globalization not only promotes the fusion of different cultural elements, resulting in cultural hybridization phenomena. For example, the global success of South Korean pop music K-Pop, which combines Western and Korean musical elements, embodies a cultural product that is a harmonious blend of global and local cultures generated by globalization. At the same time, globalization also triggers cultural nationalism. Represented by the ideology of "America First", in the face of threats brought by globalization, it emphasizes protecting national culture and economic interests. Nationalism is a counter-reaction to globalization. The paradox of globalization lies in its role as a catalyst for both cultural hybridization and nationalism. Its complex dynamics affect the development of culture and people's perception of identity. In the future, as cultural exchanges continue to be intensified by technology and globalization, elements of hybridization and nationalism will continue to shape our world. They will influence individual and collective assertions of identity and manifest in various fields from arts and media to politics and economics. In this balancing act lies the potential to create a world that honors and appreciates the multiplicity of cultures while preserving diversity, comprising the riveting mosaic of global culture.

Legislative Drafting Challenges in Communications Regulation: Convergence, Globalisation and New Media Culture

Legislative Drafting Challenges in Communications Regulation: Convergence, Globalisation and New Media Culture

Principles of Teachers’ Multicultural Competences Development in the Art Cycle Disciplines

Multicultural competencies in education refer to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that enable teachers to effectively engage with students from diverse cultural backgrounds. In the context of art cycle disciplines, these competencies are particularly significant because art, in its various forms, is a powerful medium for expressing cultural identities, values, and traditions. Educators with strong multicultural competencies can help students appreciate and understand the rich tapestry of global cultures, fostering respect and empathy in the classroom. The article aims to determine the methodological principles of the development of multicultural competencies of teachers in the disciplines of the art cycle, how to develop multicultural competencies for students in the modern world, and prepare them for practical activities in the future. The methodology involves a systematic approach, which provides: a comprehensive literature review, defining research questions and hypotheses; outlines the general strategy of the research; an in-depth analysis of individual practices of developing the multicultural competence for teachers in the disciplines of the art cycle oriented to international/global projects such as "One Belt, One Road"; selection of successful practices for imitation and adoption (implementation); data analysis; conclusions and recommendations. Results. Art cycle disciplines explore the role of culture in personality development, emphasising the need for the constant development of students’ worldviews and the search for methods to prepare for multicultural competence development. By prioritising students’ perspectives and taking into account changes in the cultural environment, teachers can develop cultural sensitivity, a cornerstone of multicultural competencies. Conclusions. International experience and individual practices show that the following activities can be very effective: in-service workshops and professional development seminars specifically focused on multicultural education; creating learning communities where teachers and stakeholders (potential employers) can share their experiences, resources and strategies; encouraging teachers to use interdisciplinary approaches; participation in cultural immersion programs can significantly improve teachers’ understanding of different cultures; encouraging teachers to reflective practice and self-assessment; methodical support for curriculum development, which includes various cultural perspectives, etc.

A CONSTRUÇÃO DA IDENTIDADE CULTURAL NA ERA DIGITAL

The construction of cultural identity in the digital era is a dynamic and multifaceted phenomenon, driven by technological advancement and globalization. The internet and social networks, as the main contemporary communication vehicles, play a central role in the formation of cultural identities, promoting interaction between people of different cultures and values. In this scenario, cultural identity is no longer static or limited to a geographic space, but becomes fluid, shaped by diverse experiences, including online and offline interactions. The digital age offers unlimited possibilities for cultural expression and recognition, allowing individuals and groups to share their traditions, beliefs and customs with a global audience. At the same time, this constant exposure to different cultures can generate tension between the preservation of local identities and the influence of a dominant global culture. Furthermore, cultural identity in the digital age is often negotiated, where individuals and communities choose which aspects of their culture they want to emphasize or adapt. However, this transformation can also generate challenges, such as cultural homogenization or the risk of cultural appropriation. Therefore, the construction of cultural identity in the digital age is a complex process that involves both the strengthening and transformation of cultural traditions. New digital platforms allow for greater democratization of cultural discourse, but they also pose challenges that need to be recognized and discussed, especially in relation to the preservation of cultural diversity.

Global Leader, Local Challenges: An Overview of Streaming in India

The rise of digital technologies in the past three decades transformed how individuals and societies consume and interpret media. This digital penetration impacts almost every aspect of social life, including the form, content and affordances transnational media conglomerates offer. The post-2000 shifts from traditional broadcasting to digital streaming introduced new questions about contemporary media technologies. One such question is the significance of global media conglomerates’ localisation of technologies and texts in diverse markets such as India, where the streaming industry is expected to hit $15 billion by the decade’s end. This study, grounded in the theoretical frameworks of global media, political economy and cultural studies, attempted to enhance existing scholarship on hybridity or glocalisation, the fusion between global and local cultures, by analysing the effects of streaming in India’s rapidly digitising economy. Through textual and document analysis, the study examined the factors across content preferences, pricing policies and regulatory environment that contributed to Netflix’s struggles and the relative success of Disney+Hotstar and JioCinema in the Indian market. Investigating cultural and economic factors revealed that global media conglomerates and platforms must localise their messages, agendas and ideologies for adequate consumption, interpretation and adoption.

K- Popfication in Viral Marketing: Increasing Brand Awareness and Purchasing Decisions of MSMEs

The K-pop phenomenon has become one of the significant global culture trends, impacting not only the entertainment industry but also various aspects of marketing. This study aims to explore the impact of K-pop elements in viral marketing strategies on MSMEs in Indonesia, especially in increasing brands awareness and consumer purchasing decisions. The sample formed of 75 respondents who were selected using purposive sampling, with criteria MSME's customers on on line shopping. Data analysis using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the help of Smart PLS 4.1. The research results shows that K- Popfication has been a significant influence on increasing brands awareness and purchasing decisions. This indicates that marketing strategies that integrate elements of K-Pop culture are effective in increasing brands awareness and encouraging consumers to make purchases. In contrast, neither buzz marketing nor viral marketing showed a significant influence on brands awareness and purchasing decisions in the context of this research. These findings provide important insight that in an effort to increase visibility and sales, K- Popfication has greater potential than other marketing strategies that do not involve elements of popular culture such as K-Pop.

Revitalizing Tradition: The Role of the Erhu in Modern Music and Global Culture

Revitalizing Tradition: The Role of the Erhu in Modern Music and Global Culture

“Wenn es nur einmal so ganz stille wäre...”

This article is a revised version of the inaugural lecture delivered on 5 October2023, on the occasion of the author's appointment as Professor of History of Religions at Lund University. It opens by depicting fundamental changes in the study of the history of religions in the twentieth century, followed by biographical notes, including her research on lay Buddhism in urban Taiwan, the emphasis on sensual dimensions of religious practice and the aesthetics of religion, and international academic networking in the analysis of practices of prognostication between Asia and Europe. Three areas are outlined that are central to the author's current research. It is pointed out that a focus on religion in contemporary society certainly includes a healthy awareness of current developments in the politics of religion, particularly in East Asia. In addition, the article addresses two fields of research that the author is currently engaged in: (1) The emergence of "Life Education" as a school subject in Greater China and the pedagogical shift that goes along with it. Particularly in Taiwan, this new subject is tailored to create a space for juveniles to develop self-reflection and life orientation in a success-oriented society while a new trust in religious organizations leads to the organizations' active engagement in these developments. The author is especially interested in how the transforming relationship between religion and public education gains special relevance in a comparative perspective between Asia and Europe. (2) Religious change in East Asia is evident in Buddhist ritual practices that are impacted by a consumer society that moulds emotionally profound experiences into marketable and distinct units that Eva Illouz has termed "emodities". Religious practices are subject to change in our contemporary world as they are reshaped by a growing global digitalized consumer culture. Tracing these changes leads to a deeper understanding of the underlying forces that distinctly reshape contemporary religious life.

Homogenization of Pop Music: How Social Media’s Algorithms Prevents Creativity and Innovation

This paper examines the impact of social media on the homogenization of pop music, arguing that platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok contribute to narrowing creative possibilities within the genre. By analyzing the role of algorithms, audience behavior, and industry practices, the study highlights how social media’s emphasis on viral content and mass appeal stifles artistic diversity and innovation. Algorithms prioritize music with broad, mainstream appeal, creating a feedback loop that reinforces popular trends while marginalizing experimental or niche genres. Audience engagement further drives this homogenization, as artists increasingly tailor their work to fit algorithmic preferences and audience expectations. Industry practices, particularly the focus on producing “TikTok-friendly” hits, exacerbate this trend by favoring formulaic production over creative risk-taking. The research underscores the implications of these dynamics for global music culture, where the pressure to conform to a globalized pop standard threatens to erode local musical traditions. The paper concludes by advocating for strategies to preserve artistic diversity, including alternative distribution models, support for independent artists, and developing algorithms that promote a broader range of musical expressions.

The Relationship between the Gospel and Culture: A Theological Analysis and Social Perspective in a Contemporary Context

In today's era of globalization and cultural pluralism, the relationship between the Gospel and culture has become an increasingly complex issue. Various theological perspectives have developed to understand how the message of the Gospel interacts with diverse cultural values and practices. The debate surrounding accommodation or resistance to local and global cultures requires a deeper examination within the context of Christian theology. This study aims to explore the relationship between the Gospel and culture from theological and social perspectives, as well as how this relationship influences the practice of Christian faith in contemporary multicultural and dynamic societies. The approach used in this research is qualitative theological analysis, with a literature review of contextual theology texts and cultural studies. The collected data were critically analyzed to identify patterns of interaction between the Gospel and culture in the modern social context. The research finds that the Gospel can interact with culture through a dialectical process involving acceptance, adaptation, and transformation of cultural values. In some cases, culture enriches religious practices, but in other situations, there are tensions that require deep theological reflection to ensure that Gospel values are not compromised by certain cultural practices. The relationship between the Gospel and culture is dynamic and contextual. It is important for Christian theology to develop a flexible approach while adhering to the core teachings of the Gospel in the face of cultural changes. In this way, the Gospel can remain relevant and significant in the lives of contemporary societies without losing its integrity.

Fusion and innovation: Exploring the application and effects of the Italian Bel Canto technique in enhancing the expressiveness of Chinese national vocal performance

In exploring the teaching and performance arts of integrating the Chinese national vocal techniques with the Western Bel Canto, existing research has made significant progress but still there are limited studies available. This study explores the integration of the Italian Bel Canto techniques with the Chinese national vocal music to enhance the Chinese national vocalist performance. By systematically reviewing the literature and analyzing teaching practices, this paper examines both vocal techniques' fundamental characteristic like breath control, emotional expression, and resonance, and their application in enhancing the expressiveness of the Chinese national vocal performance. The research findings indicate that the breath control and resonance techniques of Bel Canto significantly enhance vocalists’ sound quality and emotional expression, while the Chinese national vocal music provides unique emotional conveyance and tonal flavors. This paper aims to provide new perspectives and methodologies for cross-cultural exchange and development in vocal arts. The study emphasizes that the integration of the Italian Bel Canto techniques with the Chinese national vocal music is of great value and significance for promoting the development of vocal arts and innovating vocal teaching. By integrating the Italian Bel Canto technique into the Chinese national vocal performance, we can augment the expressive capabilities of the Chinese vocalists, offering them fresh tools and approaches to enhance their artistry while preserving the distinctiveness of the Chinese vocal traditions. Future research should continue to explore theoretical and practical methods in this field to promote the prosperity of vocal arts and make greater contributions to the exchange and integration of global music cultures.

"I'm a Solo Developer but AI is My New Ill-Informed Co-Worker": Envisioning and Designing Generative AI to Support Indie Game Development

Indie game developers are often defined as game developers who are typically not employed by or affiliated with tech giants or large gaming companies/publishers. Although people may decide to "go indie" for various purposes, indie game development has become a crucial part of the global gaming culture. However, this community is now facing unprecedented tensions as generative AI technologies are shifting how games can be designed, produced, and experienced. Through a qualitative analysis of 3,091 online posts and comments from subreddits and Facebook groups for indie game developers, we offer an in-depth investigation of how indie game developers perceive and envision the multifaceted role of generative AI in their creative practices. Our empirical investigation reveals that generative AI both promotes and harms indie game developers' endeavors to innovate the traditional game production model, which further influences the nature and workflow of creativity in game development. We also propose three principles for designing future generative AI technologies to improve indie developers' work while mitigating potential risks, harm, and negative impacts of AI. We hope that this study can help design and develop future generative AI technologies to foster and sustain more democratic and inclusive practices in game development rather than replacing human creators.