Anthropology studies globalization by examining how global processes—such as economic systems, cultural flows, political dynamics, and technological advancements—affect and reshape local societies. Anthropologists use ethnographic methods, including participant observation and interviews, to analyze how people experience and adapt to globalization in their everyday lives.
Key Approaches in Anthropological Studies of Globalization:
- Cultural Hybridization – Anthropologists explore how cultures mix and change due to global influences, leading to new cultural expressions (e.g., fusion cuisines, hybrid religions, or linguistic blending).
- Economic Transformations – They study how global markets impact local economies, including labor migration, outsourcing, and the informal economy.
- Migration and Diasporas – Anthropologists analyze how globalization drives migration, shaping identities, transnational networks, and social structures.
- Technology and Communication – Research focuses on how digital media and technology spread ideas, reshape social interactions, and influence identity formation.
- Political and Social Movements – Anthropologists investigate how globalization affects governance, activism, and resistance, including Indigenous rights movements and anti-globalization protests.
- Global Health and Inequality – Studies examine how diseases, healthcare systems, and economic disparities are linked to global structures.