Ask the class:
- What are the benefits of having a mix of cultures in a country?
- Do countries lose a sense of identity when other cultures are added?
- Can you think of other examples of global products?
How British is British youth culture?
Students write down their favourite five, for the following categories.
- music groups
- TV shows
- movies
- clothing labels
- fast foods
When the lists are all complete, students swap papers and mark next to each entry either:
B - for British
Or
I - for import
Students can use their results to answer the question "How British is British youth culture?"
Main activity
What is the globalisation of youth culture?
TV, radio and the internet make it possible for young people all over the world to enjoy the same images, sounds and ideas. Often they prefer something from the other side of the world to something local. Youth culture is becoming globalised.
Winners and losers
What do the following people think about a global entertainment industry:
- British film makers
- British film goers
- Fatboy Slim
- a new British band
- BBC Television
- a small TV programme maker
- an old person who doesn't like foreigners
- schoolchildren
The big get bigger
A global market means more chances to make money, but also more competition. There are winners and losers in all areas of society but normally bigger players continue to grow and newer and smaller companies and artists struggle - because they do not have the money to advertise themselves globally.
What could globalisation do to Chinese society?
What changes might occur and how would older people in China feel about the changes?
Extension activity
Prepare a poster or brochure to promote British youth culture. This can include books eg Harry Potter, films eg Kevin and Perry, music and television etc.
Plenary
Why do people find change threatening?
Can globalisation be stopped?
Teachers' Background
- DJ Fatboy Slim upset police in Shanghai, China after fans worked themselves into a mad frenzy whilst he boomed out his usual 'big beat' tunes
- Organisers said the entire venue was vibrating with the dancing and they were very scared about damage and people losing control
- Five major labels: Universal, Warner, Sony, BMG and EMI, together account for 75% of world music sales
- A Madonna concert - a free event online - has entered the record books as the biggest of its kind, with nearly 10 million people logging on to see it
- Hong Kong's Government is pumping more than $3bn into the project, which will give it a majority stake and a share of any profits.
- It has reclaimed over 100 hectares of land from the sea for the theme park and its hotels.
For all links and resources click at top right.
Economic globalisation
