9.9 Continuity and Change in a Globalized World

Continuity

Although many new ideas and technologies spread around the world, many aspects of society stayed the same. Religions like Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and many more remained present in society. After WWII, some borders changed, but for the most part, countries remained the same. 

Culture

Traditional cultural aspects remained the same, especially in cultures that honor tradition as a part of their identity. In these cultures, traditional practices and customs are often viewed as a way to connect to the past and maintain a sense of continuity and stability.

One example of this is the Jewish culture's adherence to traditional religious practices, such as observing the Sabbath. Even though transportation technology rapidly advanced during the 20th century, many Jewish people continued to abstain from transportation on Saturdays as a way to honor the Sabbath. This is a clear example of a continuity that transcended the immense changes that occurred during the 20th century.

Similarly, many indigenous cultures also maintain traditional practices and customs as a way to preserve their cultural identity. Despite the changes brought about by modernization and globalization, many indigenous communities continue to maintain traditional practices such as hunting, fishing, and farming. Additionally, many indigenous communities have maintained traditional spiritual practices, such as the use of traditional medicines and ceremonies.

In addition, cultural events such as festivals and celebrations also provide continuity, often with a long history that is passed from generation to generation. These events are important for maintaining cultural identity and strengthening the sense of community among people.

Social Structures

Social structures remained the same within respective cultures. In the West, the middle class continued to consist of white-collar workers or those whose status was dependent on education, skills and earned wealth. This social class is often characterized by a relatively high standard of living, a stable income, and access to quality education and healthcare.

However, in countries like Russia, Brazil, China, and India, modernization and economic growth have led to significant changes in social structures. Despite these changes, these countries have not yet fully caught up to the West in terms of social structures. For example, in China, despite rapid economic growth and modernization, the middle class is still a relatively small portion of the population. Similarly, in India, although the economy has grown rapidly in recent years, the majority of the population still lives in poverty and lacks access to basic services such as education and healthcare.

Additionally, social mobility in these countries is still relatively low compared to the West. This means that individuals and families often have limited opportunities to improve their social and economic status. This is particularly true for marginalized groups such as ethnic minorities and rural populations. A clear example of continuity in social structure is seen in modern-day India. Religion has caused the caste system in India to continue. 

The Rig Veda caste system is structured like this:

• Brahmins—Priests who are at the top of the social hierarchy
• Kshatriyas—Warriors and rulers
• Vaisyas—Skilled traders, merchants, and minor officials
• Sudras—Unskilled workers
• Untouchables—The outcasts of society and the lowest of the caste system. This caste system is seen most prominently in the rural areas of India, and subtly in the suburban areas as well. The untouchables are still oppressed by society, and mobs and sexual harassment are common.

Change

In the 20th century, technology rapidly advanced at a rate that the world had never experienced before. These advances in science and technology altered the way humans viewed the cosmos. Advances in communication, transportation, medicine, agriculture, and industry improved the quality of life for many humans on Earth. These advancements changed the way people approached politics, culture, and the environment. Many positive changes came from these advancements; however, some were also negative. 

Economics

Advancements in energy resources like petroleum and nuclear power helped to increase productivity in factories and transportation. This led to an uptake in the scheme of the global economy. More nations proceeded to exploit underdeveloped nations for raw materials and resources. However, the United States’ status as the global superpower was beginning to be challenged by nations who were growing economically like China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Asian countries, in particular, relied on cheap labor and good quality manufacturing to compete against the Western economy. China became the 2nd largest economy in the world and a major export-based economy. During the 1900s—present, nations became more involved in the regulation of their country’s economy. This changed the economic system from the previous laissez-faire (hands off) policy to a more controlled economy. 

Environment

Changes in the environment came from contributors like pollution, human activity, politics, and transportation technology. The uptake in air travel shortened the time it took to get places. In fact, by 2006, there were over 20,000 airports just in the United States. What previously took days or weeks, now takes just a few hours! The space race in 1959 also pushed the boundaries of human exploration with the first man landing on the moon.

 

This rise in transportation meant that the global demand for fuel also rose. This demand changed the way humans interacted with the environment because petroleum extraction became more prominent. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Norway, and other oil-rich countries rely on their oil reserves to support their economies. The burning of oil and other fossil fuels led to more greenhouse gases being emitted. Pollution from factories, automobiles, and human waste also contributed to climate change and negatively impacted the environment on Earth.

Politics

Change in politics was largely credited to activism and protests, which spread through social media platforms. Pressure from civilians, online spectators, and other countries helped to push for political change and reform. One example is the nonviolent protests led by Gandhi in India. Protesters hoped to gain independence from Great Britain. Activists in North America and South Africa protested against systems of inequality within their respective countries. This led to the Civil Rights Act being passed in the United States, and the abolishment of Apartheid in South Africa. These types of changes in policy did not come easily, and some governments were slow to accommodate the modern world. Some governments killed, harassed, or imprisoned protesters. 

Technology

Technology is one of the prominent changes in this time period. Technology and science rapidly advanced with the rise of the internet. 

Major Advancements can be split into 5 categories:

Medicine

The developments of vaccines, improvements in sanitation, and the development of new medical technology all helped to decrease the global mortality rate. Diseases like polio, tuberculosis, and tetanus were cured or eradicated by vaccines. Antibiotics like penicillin saved countless soldiers and civilians in WWII. Furthermore, advances in medicine led to more efficient birth control, which had a profound effect on reproduction and rates of fertility.

Energy

Nuclear power became a new source of energy. The environmental issues caused by nonrenewable resources pushed the world to find new ways to extract energy. This led to the development of renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and thermal energy. 

Communication

Developments like digital phones, computers, and social media revolutionized the way humans communicated. Instead of having to wait days or weeks for a letter to arrive in the mail, loved ones could be seen with video call applications or through videos. Global transferring of information increased exponentially.

Transportation

Cars, planes, boats, and public transportation all increased in efficiency and quantity. The rise of online commerce companies like Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba led to better shipping transportation. Ships became larger and faster to haul big loads of goods. This resulted in the expansion of the trade network on a global scale.

Agriculture

Crops became more resistant to drought and bugs because of genetically modified crops entering farms. These crops were mutated to withstand dry seasons and diseases. This led to what is known as the Green Revolution, which is a period where agricultural productivity increased and led to higher population growth, especially in less developed countries.

Arts

The political and social changes of the 20th century greatly influenced the arts in many ways, particularly in the second half of the century. These changes led to new artistic movements and styles that reflected the time's changing political and social landscape.

One of the most significant changes in the arts during the second half of the century was the rise of conceptual art and minimalism. These movements rejected traditional art forms and focused on ideas and concepts rather than physical objects. This was, in part, a reaction to the political and social changes of the time, such as the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and the rise of consumerism.

Another significant change in the arts during the second half of the century was the rise of feminist and multicultural movements. These movements sought to challenge the dominant patriarchal and Eurocentric perspectives in the arts and promote the voices and perspectives of marginalized groups. This led to greater diversity in the arts and a more inclusive cultural landscape.

The rise of new technologies also significantly impacted the arts in the second half of the century. The development of television, film and digital media led to new forms of storytelling and new ways of experiencing and interacting with art. This had a profound impact on the way that art is created, distributed, and consumed.

Finally, Changes in art in the 20th century reflected the globalizing world. As the world became more interconnected, artists began incorporating elements from different cultures into their work. This led to the emergence of new art forms and styles that blended other cultural influences. The globalizing world also led to the emergence of global themes in art. Artists began to address issues and themes relevant to people worldwide, such as war, poverty, and environmental degradation. This led to a more universal and inclusive art that spoke to people from different cultures and backgrounds. The globalizing world also led to greater collaboration and diversity in arts. Artists from different backgrounds and cultures began to work together, creating a more inclusive and diverse art scene. Transnationalism also found its way into art, which refers to the flow of people, ideas and culture across national borders. Artists began exploring their identities and experiences about the wider world.