Cultural and Religious Identities in Era of Information and Globalization

The impact of globalization processes, especially with regard to the globalization of information & communication technologies, upon developing nations' cultures is studied. Contemporary understandings of globalization are reviewed, highlighting the process origins in neoliberalism. After reviewing the central characteristics of neoliberalism -- individualism, rationalism, & secularism -- & illustrating the intricate connection between cultural, economic, political, & social realities within globalization models, it is asserted that globalization produces the effect of homogenizing cultural & religious identities. Moreover, it is maintained that information & communication technologies, especially radio broadcasts & the Internet, are one of the principal instruments of globalization. Consequently, the need to develop strategies for mediating the globalizing tendencies of information & communications technologies that preserve local & regional cultural & religious identities is expressed. References. J. W. Parker