cultural imperialism

Meaning: Cultural imperialism describes how a dominant society spreads its values, language, media, technology, and consumer products to less powerful societies, so that local customs may be weakened, replaced, or reshaped. It is usually driven by economic or political power rather than direct military control, and it can occur through trade, entertainment, advertising, education, and global brands. In sociology it falls under globalization and the study of cultural change.

On the MCAT: Passages may describe a country where imported films, fast-food chains, or a foreign language are becoming dominant while traditional practices decline. You are asked to name the process, or to say which perspective explains it. Related ideas include cultural diffusion (the spread of cultural traits between societies, which can be mutual), assimilation (a group adopting the dominant culture), and the global spread of media. Conflict theory is often the framework applied, because it stresses power inequality between societies. Questions may also ask about the effects: loss of local language, homogenization of culture, or resistance and cultural revival.

Common confusion: Students treat it as the same thing as cultural diffusion or cultural exchange. Diffusion is a neutral term for spread and can run in both directions. Cultural imperialism implies an imbalance of power in which one culture dominates and the other is pressured or enticed to adopt it. It also differs from colonialism, which involves direct political control of territory.