Recognising Cultural Shift The Impact of Agency on Society

Recognising Cultural Shift: The Impact of Agency on Society ANTH 2301 Overview Anthropology's basic concept of cultural change shows how cultures develop throughout time. This article argues that a complex interaction between social contacts, individual agency, and broader socio-political settings leads to cultural transformation. We may challenge the idea that culture is a fixed or passive construct by examining concrete instances, such as the effects of globalisation, social movements, and technological breakthroughs, and realising that culture is something we create via our interactions and decisions. Globalisation and Intercultural Communication One well-known example of a cultural shift is globalisation, which promotes cross-border flow of ideas and behaviours through greater interconnection. For example, the proliferation of social media platforms has made it possible for people to question prevailing cultural norms by sharing their own cultural narratives. Thanks to platforms like Instagram, a variety of voices have emerged to establish and support alternative lifestyles and aesthetics, showing a shift in culture where people are actively altering their cultural settings. This shift highlights the agency of culture as individuals utilise technology to shape social norms and what is deemed worthy of celebration. Cultural Transitions and Social Movements Social movements serve as examples of how group efforts may result in profound societal shifts. The American civil rights movement is a prime example; it attempted to alter public attitudes about equality and race in addition to pursuing legislative changes. The status quo was contested by individuals and organisations, and as a result, racial and justice-related cultural norms changed. Actors aggressively reshaped cultural narratives as they coordinated demonstrations, campaigns, and educational programs, emphasising that culture is created via shared experiences and group effort. Innovations in Technology and Cultural Production Technological developments are a major enabler of cultural transformation. With the introduction of digital technology, communication has changed, affecting how people connect and create cultural identities. For example, online groups facilitate the emergence of new subcultures that would not have been possible in more conventional social settings. One illustration is the emergence of gaming culture, wherein players may create networks, alter societal norms around gaming, and establish identities through online platforms. This demonstrates that culture is actively created and negotiated by people using new technology rather than just something that is inherited. In summary In conclusion, acknowledging the dynamic processes that sculpt societies is essential to comprehending cultural change. People exert agency via social movements, globalisation, and technological breakthroughs, which contributes to the ongoing creation and evolution of culture. This viewpoint asserts that culture is what we produce, demonstrating that it is not a passive background but rather an active area shaped by human activity. Citations C. Geertz (1973). The Cultural Interpretation. Simple Books (1996) Appadurai, A. Globalization's Cultural Aspects: Modernity at Large. Press at the University of Minnesota M. Castells. (1996). The Network Society's Rise. Publishers Blackwell