The Social Implications of A Global Culture To Africa: Kenya ‘ s Case

Abstract

Globalization is bringing people from different parts of the world closer than ever before. In essence, a global village is being created, and in turn a global culture. A growing number of people in the world are exposed to the same news in the same format through international news agencies. Further, the same people are exposed to international mass marketing of industrial goods and services. The end results of this include sweeping changes in politics and economic orientations. But most of all is the effect that these developments have on the social orientations of national cultures, particularly to Africa. What is the social implication of similar global experiences to Africa in general and to Kenya in particular? This paper reflects on how African values are getting transformed by the effects of globalization. The paper recognizes that each nation has its distinctive traditions, social and intellectual orientations. A nation is therefore a cultural system. Globalization is seen, in this paper, as a means of cultural imperialism. By the virtue that the culture of a nation is a product of its history, culture becomes important in determining the social policies of a nation. The paper expounds on possible means that Africa in general and Kenya in particular, can use to withstand globalization pressure and maintain its cultural values and identity.