Diversification and integration are two different sides of the same coin. Diversification on its own rights embraces the differences between individuals and groups in the society. Integration on the other hand irons out the differences in order to achieve unity. Integration enables individuals to attain cultural, political, and economic unity. In the global arena, the issues of cultural diversity are important in influencing development (Farazmand & Pinkowski, 2006). It is in this regard that this analysis brings into perspective the various ways through which cultural diversity influences development of the global society and integration.
Cultural diversity influences the development and integration of the global society through the formation of collective identity. Collective identity is therefore the most appropriate stance for this analysis (Beck, 2000). The various components of culture determine the identity of various groups and individuals in the society. Such components include language, values, aesthetics, religion, law and politics, education, and social organization. Technology and material culture are some of the new components of culture in the modern society. These elements enable individuals and groups to create their own identities. For example, on the basis of religion, religious practices and norms are used to draw distinctions between individuals based on their religious backgrounds (Tony & Jen, 2003).
Collective identity enables cultural diversity to influences development and integration in the global society through language. Language is one of the cultural components that that can be used to attain collective identity. Language enhances the process of interaction and integration in the global arena. For instance, the use of common languages such as English and French in global trade and business has played a greater in transforming international trade (Farazmand & Pinkowski, 2006). English language has dominated list of languages that are used in the global market. The ability to speak universal language enables individuals to eliminate the language barriers and communication problems, which may interfere with integration process. Universal languages have enabled people from various parts of the world to interact and form relationships (Beck, 2000).
Apart from language, technology is another cultural element that enables individuals and groups to achieve collective identity. Technology provides a medium where individuals can easily interact and exchange information. Different groups of people are able to interact and share ideas on various issues that affect them. For example, the youths in the contemporary society are able to interact and share their experiences. Individuals in the business community can also use technology to conduct their transactions. Moreover, individuals and entities use technology to raise issues of global concern (Tony & Jen, 2003). For instance, the internet has become appropriate medium of communication for creating awareness on issues such as global warming and diseases. Technology also enhances the integration process by creating global network systems where individuals and groups create global connections. Such connections are useful in the establishment of platform for campaigns on various issues (Tony & Jen, 2003).
Cultural diversity also promotes development and integration of the global society through cultural values. Cultural diversity removes the barriers created by individual and group values to create collective identity. The interplay between other cultural elements such as language and technology has greatly influenced the development of common values across the world. Technology has eliminated geographical barriers in different regions. This has enabled people to interact and share cultural values. For example, people have developed common values with regards to issues such as health, eating habits, and marriage. Sharing of cultural values has led to intermarriages between people from different regions of the world (Beck, 2000).
Education is another component that enables cultural diversity to promote development and integration of the global society. The main goal of education in most countries of the world is to enable learners to embrace diversity and foster unity. Education enables individuals to understand and appreciate the element of diversity. It expands intellectual capacity of learners to understand various elements of culture that are important for interaction and unity in the society. Most education systems around the world are based on desirable cultural values, which promote moral principles such as honesty, integrity, tolerance, and adherence to the rule of law. Moreover, the development of international education system has played an important role in influencing the process of global integration. Through international education system learners have managed to acquire international cultural practices and values (Farazmand & Pinkowski, 2006).
Political interconnections between different countries in the world have also enabled cultural diversity to promote development and integration. Formation of political trade blocks and organizations in the world has enabled different countries to attain collective identity. Political policies on trade have also played an important role in ensuring global integration. For example, the establishment of world trade blocks with policies on free movement of labor has enhanced integration process. Different individuals can seek employment in different countries, hence enabling the process of interaction. Trade blocks all over world also support free movement of goods, which is important in influencing consumer behavior and other cultural elements such as food habits (Farazmand & Pinkowski, 2006)
References
Beck, U. (2000). The brave new world of work. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Farazmand, A & Pinkowski, J. (2006). Handbook of globalization, governance, and public administration. London: CRC Press.
Tony, S & Jen, W. E. (2003). Understanding globalization. London: Sage Publishers.