Rethinking Culture and Development

Abstract

How do globalization and development strengthen—or threaten—the prospects of cultural persistence and vitality? Under what circumstances do these forces erode the cultural foundations that provide people with the sense of belonging and distinctiveness that protects their pride, self-worth, and general coping skills? Under what circumstances can development and globalization serve the positive function of weakening those cultural practices and beliefs that deprive people of their human dignity? What aspects of culture have the barely recognized capacity to shield people from the positive and negative impacts of globalization or expose them further to these impacts? These are the concerns addressed in this chapter and the subsequent chapters of this volume, with specific focus on the accelerating pace of globalization and our concern to protect and enhance the human dignity of all who are affected by it.