Cultural homogenisation is a key concern in IB Geography, particularly within the Human Development and Diversity unit. It refers to the process by which local cultures become more similar due to global influences such as media, trade, and migration. Despite these pressures, many places actively resist cultural homogenisation in order to protect local identity, traditions, and diversity.
One important way places resist cultural homogenisation is through language preservation. Language is a core part of cultural identity. Governments and communities may promote the use of local or indigenous languages through education, media, and official recognition. Bilingual education programmes and local-language broadcasting help ensure that languages remain relevant for younger generations, strengthening cultural continuity.
Government policy and legislation also play a significant role. Some countries introduce laws to protect cultural heritage, regulate media content, or limit the dominance of global brands. For example, quotas on local music, film, or television content help promote national culture and prevent global media from dominating cultural space. These policies allow local creative industries to survive and thrive.
Community action is another key form of resistance. Local communities often preserve cultural traditions through festivals, rituals, and customs. These events reinforce shared identity and pass traditions from one generation to the next. Cultural organisations, museums, and heritage centres also play an important role in maintaining local history and practices.
In IB Geography, it is important to recognise that resistance does not always mean rejection of globalisation. Many places adopt a glocalisation approach, where global influences are adapted to fit local culture. For example, global products may be modified to suit local tastes, languages, or traditions. This allows communities to engage with global culture while maintaining local identity.
Education also plays a critical role in resisting cultural homogenisation. Teaching local history, traditions, and values helps young people understand and appreciate their cultural heritage. When cultural education is prioritised, societies are better able to maintain diversity despite global pressures.
Economic strategies can also support cultural resistance. Promoting local businesses, crafts, and tourism helps sustain traditional practices and provides economic incentives for cultural preservation. However, in IB Geography, students should recognise the risk of cultural commodification, where traditions are simplified or altered for economic gain.
Overall, places resist cultural homogenisation through language preservation, policy, community action, education, and adaptation. These strategies demonstrate that cultural identity remains dynamic and resilient in a globalised world.
RevisionDojo helps IB Geography students analyse cultural resistance clearly, linking identity, place, and power into structured, exam-ready responses.
