Effects of Globalization on Education and Culture

Globalization is affecting every aspect of the modern society including education. In education, globalization is resulting in the growth of a new cultural imperialism that is determining children into global societies with a broad range of skills to compete in an information-based society. The new cultural imperialism perpetuated by
western styled education system is replacing indigenous cultural knowledge as it focuses only at preparing students for urban life. The western style of education is inadequate as it focuses largely on the creation of money whilst paying no attention to the preserving of cultures (Chinnammai, 2005).
Rapid globalization is causing a shift from an industrial-based economy to an information technology-based one. Education is playing a central role in equipping future citizens with the intellectual competence to meet the challenges associated with accelerated alteration and increasing uncertainty. Learning is a lifelong process as knowledge and information are traded as products. Technology is changing how information is delivered and the interaction between the student and teacher (Chinnammai, 2005). Globalization of education means that students are taught issues that affect the world on a global scale. These mostly overlook national and cultural issues that are relevant to local communities, especially in developing countries. While universities play a crucial role in creating a better society, the current global education is motivated by profits as it tries to create markets for educational products.
The focus on global issues, which are mostly western defined, makes education a means of westernizing the world. This creates an imbalance in third world societies that is tearing the basic social and cultural fabric. The result is an increase in violence, suicide, unemployment, and antisocial behavior. To counter this dark side of globalization, education must treat unique cultures with due reverence. Global edification is not about studying the western culture but about studying the diverse cultures in the world using different approaches and the diverse media available through technology (Chinnammai, 2005).

 References
Chinnammai, S. (2005). Effects of Globalization on Education and Culture. ICDE International Conference.