The Impact of Globalization on Modernity and Traditionality
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Authors
Pearl Chang
Stella Michael-Makri
Justin Akins
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Journal Article, Academic Journal
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Abstract
Abstract: Our society is becoming increasingly globalized with an influx of communication between different countries
around the world. Researchers have weighed in on the debate between whether globalization is creating one,
homogenous global culture or continues to diversify societies through intercultural exchanges. However, previous
research has failed to take into account how globalization impacts the individual psyche, particularly with personality
variables such as traditionality and modernity. In light of macro-level phenomena such as globalization and
modernization, micro-level changes in the individual personality are likely to occur. The debate surrounding whether
modernity and globalization suppresses traditional cultures and psyche is examined through a scale construction study
with 394 Asian-American/Pacific Islander participants. A single factor structure with nine items measuring traditionality
and modernity was discovered using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with maximum likelihood and an oblique rotation.
Findings noted that both traditionality and modernity continue to flourish in the United States, indicating that societal
modernization is not leading to cultural dilution. These data are then extended to the case that globalization has been
misperceived as an oppressive entity and should instead be viewed as a phenomenon that creates increased diversity and
growth for individual personalities to flourish.