Using examples, distinguish between local adoption and local adaptation of globalized cultural traits.

“International migration is the main cause of local opposition to global interactions.” Discuss this statement.

Using examples, distinguish between local adoption and local adaptation of globalized cultural traits.

A cultural trait is an aspect of culture (way of life/social norms/structure of feeling/habitus). For example, language, diet, clothing, custom, religion. Allow a broad interpretation, such as the adoption of a branded commodity as part of “everyday life” eg McDonaldization / spread of Big Mac.

• Adoption of a trait can take the form of cultural imperialism (where one culture imposes its culture on another eg spread of English and Christianity under British Empire). Some commodities/brands are not sensitive to local conditions and are rolled out in a homogenous way across territories eg Lego.
• Adaptation involves the globalization of culture/commodities, resulting in a hybrid or fusion of local and global. There are many different variants of spoken French or Spanish around the world; localized expressions of the major faiths are found in each continent; food and music fusions are abundant.

Good answers may apply (AO2) a wider range of knowledge and understanding (AO1) in a well-structured way (AO4). One approach might be to distinguish the terms well, either through use of language or by drawing on more explicit contrasts, perhaps linked explicitly to different kinds of TNC (entertainment or oil, for instance). Another approach might be to comment on how the line may sometimes be blurred between adoption and adaptation, thereby challenging the assumption that it is easy to distinguish. While four billion people have adopted some form of English, on closer inspection there are distinct local adaptions such as “Singlish”. While some may see diversity in adapted McDonald’s menus around the world, skeptics might argue this adaptation is superficial and at heart a uniform product has been adopted.

Do not over-credit explanation of why globalization occurs / is necessary, as this is not asked for. Also, do not credit discussion of the costs and benefits of these processes of change.

Adaptation (globalization) is an aspect of the adoption process (globalization). This means that weaker candidates may have difficulty separating the two. Responses should be marked positively wherever possible if they are well structured and make good use of examples and terminology.

For band C (4–6 marks), expect either some correct but weakly evidenced outlining of both adaptation and adoption or one of these processes outlined well.

For band D (7–8 marks), expect a structured, evidenced analysis of
• either a wider range of examples (perhaps linked to different cultural traits, contexts or sectors of commerce/industry)
• or the distinction between adoption and adaptation (perhaps recognizing the overlap between the two terms).

For band E (9–10 marks), expect both band D traits.

Credit all content in line with the markbands. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.

The focus is on local opposition movements. The question suggests that multiple flows/interactions should be addressed, not just migration. International migration may be legal (EU), sometimes illegal (US–Mexico; North Africa–EU); it may involve skilled elites (sports/creative/skilled/professional) or the semi-skilled and low-skilled.

Possible applied themes (AO2) include knowledge and understanding (AO1) of:
• labour flows [Guide 3]
• opposition to IMF / SAPs [Guide 3]
• reaction against cultural imperialism [Guide 5]
• resource nationalism [Guide 6]
• EU migration issues [Guide 6]
• food miles and local sourcing movements [Guide 7].

Good answers may synthesize (AO3) three of more of these themes in a well-structured (AO4) way.

Good answers may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) which discusses different local contexts: concerns with migration in the EU/US may not be shared equally in some LDCs, for instance. Instead, the “imperialistic” actions of TNCs/IMF/US may be of far greater concern eg opposition movements in Niger delta. Middle Eastern contexts could be discussed, including militant/jihadist campaigns against the West (ISIS/IS). Good answers may conclude that the veracity of the statement depends on the local context as much as it does on what aspect of globalization is under discussion.

Some responses may discuss the statement by counter-arguing that migration is supported rather than opposed in some contexts. This may be credited. However, responses which deal only with migration are unlikely to progress beyond band C because they have not synthesized a range of themes from the geography guide. For band D, there should also be some mention of one alternative cause of opposition.

For band C (5–8 marks), expect weakly-evidenced outlining of two or three relevant themes from the geography guide.

For band D (9–12 marks), expect
• either a structured synthesis which links together several well-evidenced and well-focused themes from the geography guide
• or a critical conclusion (or on-going evaluation).

For band E (13–15 marks), expect both of these traits.

Answers to this popular question were overwhelmingly coherent and correct. Adoption was viewed as a universalizing process bringing cultural homogeneity to places. In contrast, adaptation combines the general (a global commodity or cultural trait) with the particular (local preferences and beliefs). The result is a hybrid, or localized, culture.  McDonald’s was a very popular illustrative choice (it is perhaps a pity that teachers and candidates do not seek out more interesting examples as there is no shortage). Shortcomings in some candidates’ responses included:

• An overly narrow focus on a single example of international migration (an account of Mexican culture being adopted and adapted in the US falls short, strictly speaking, of providing an analysis of global cultural traits).

• Some confusion or insecurity over the meaning of ‘adaptation’ (some took it to mean forced as opposed to voluntary adoption, for instance)

Many candidates wrote extensively about the contemporary reaction against migration in the USA (Donald Trump’s proposed wall across the Mexican border) and throughout Europe (including the rise of right-wing politics in the UK, France and Austria). Some answers made excellent use of contemporary reporting of this topic, framed by the Syrian refugee crisis. Unfortunately, many candidates failed to broaden the remit of their answer to look beyond the migration debate. The question was phrased in a way which required candidates ideally to explore other reasons for resistance to global interactions, as opposed to varying perspectives on the merits or costs of migration. Responses reaching band D were expected to at least touch on some of the wider sovereignty issues which provoke EU or US citizens to voice their opposition to the EU or NAFTA.  A minority of excellent essays explored contemporary reactions against migration in some locales and additionally synthesized a range of case studies dealing with such themes as international trade, environmental degradation, resource nationalism, cultural imperialism and workers’ rights.