Do cultures clash?

Abstract

The consequences of globalization are a matter of debate. This study is an attempt to test the predictions of homogenization, polarization, and hybridization theorists with regard to the similarities and differences between and within societies. Utilizing four waves of the World Values Survey, from 1989 to 2007, this study covers 20 societies that represent 55% of the world population. The survey involved value statements in 72 areas by nationally representative samples. Results showed that differences between Western and non-Western countries' cultures tended to increase slightly over time, but that these increases in disagreement were not due to cultures moving in opposite directions. In all instances, they were moving in the same direction, with one of the cultures moving faster. The direction of influence was mostly from Western toward non-Western, lending support to the idea that globalization leads to homogenization, rather than to polarization or hybridization. Resume Les consequences de la globalisation sont largement debattues. Cette etude a pour objet de tester les predictions des theoriciens de l'homogeneisation, de la polarisation et de l'hybridation quant aux similitudes et aux differences entre et a l'interieur des societes. Utilisant les resultats de quatre vagues, de 1989 a 2007, du World Values Survey, cette etude concerne 20 societes qui representent 55% de la population mondiale. L'enquete porte sur des jugements de valeur dans 72 domaines par des echantillons nationaux representatifs. Les resultats montrent que la difference entre pays occidentaux et non-occidentaux a eu tendance a augmenter legerement avec le temps. Cependant, l'augmentation des divergences n'est pas due a ce que les cultures vont dans des directions opposees. Dans tous les cas, elles vont dans la meme direction, cependant l'une d'entre elles y va plus rapidement. L'influence s'exerce principalement des pays occidentaux vers les pays non-occidentaux, ce qui accredite plus encore l'idee que la globalisation conduit a l'homogeneisation, plutot qu'a la polarisation ou a l'hybridation.