Global Interdependence and Cultural Hybridization: The Stimulus for Social Change

Abstract

Globalization stimulates continual integration of cultures through ensuing transnational interactions. Rapid technological changes have created global integration of economic, financial, environmental, and cultural interdependence with these cultural exchanges. Globalization is the new civilization of knowledge, and education is crucial for successful cultural hybridization. Sociologically, cultural diversity directly impacts globalization. The existence of diverse cultures, as well as the increase in immigration worldwide, creates the need for cultural appreciation integral for successful cultural hybridization. In the New Zealand context, historically bi-culturalism is dominant. However, with globalization, an emergent multicultural society has evolved through immigration, as well as general economic growth and global mobility. This socially driven change manifests itself in all spheres and especially impacts education. With the portability of education and to address the shifting cultural paradigms, bi-cultural and multicultural awareness becomes imperative in 21st century New Zealand. Successful transitioning and creation of a global mind-set implies commitment to readily embrace cultural diversity and ethnicity in learning and teaching. In the New Zealand context, bi-culturalism relates to local and multicultural relates to global. This paper showcases the current status of cultural hybridization in New Zealand tertiary education.