Using examples, analyse the links between cultural diversity and cultural hybridity.

“The largest transnational corporations (TNCs) have greater global power than national governments.” Discuss this statement.

Marks should be allocated according to the paper 3 part A markbands. These can be found under the “Your tests” tab > supplemental materials. 

Cultural diversity refers to a heterogeneous population and the presence of different religious, linguistic, ethnic groups in a particular place, whereas cultural hybridity refers to a “mix” (or melting pot) of cultural forms, including globalized products, art forms and landscapes. The two may be linked insofar as cultural diversity (the presence of multiple cultural traits and traditions) creates the potential for mixing and hybridity in the absence of constraints (such as apartheid-style segregation of ethnic groups).

Possible analytical themes include:

• different aspects of cultural diversity, including the traits of language, religion, food, music etc.
• places where cultural diversity is high, including global hubs / world cities
• different instances of cultural hybridity, including music, languages
• cultural hybridity as a by-product of economic strategy, i.e. glocalization of products by TNCs
• the growth of cultural hybridity in some culturally diverse places on account of more groups mixing with one another.

Good answers may apply (AO2) a wider range of knowledge and understanding (AO1) in a well-structured way (AO4). One approach might be to provide a structured systematic analysis of different facets of cultural diversity and hybridity (food, music, etc.). Another approach might be to analyse ways in which diversity and hybridity are linked in particular places and contexts.

For 4–6 marks, expect some outlining of cultural diversity and/or cultural hybridity. Response is either partial, narrow or lacks supporting evidence.

For 7–9 marks, expect a structured, evidenced analysis of:

• either different examples of cultural diversity and cultural hybridity
• or how the two concepts are linked (how diversity gives rise to hybridity).

For 10–12 marks, expect both of these traits.

Credit all content in line with the markbands. Marks should be allocated according to the paper 3 part B markbands. These can be found under the “Your tests” tab > supplemental materials. Credit unexpected approaches wherever relevant.

The largest TNCs are global-scale businesses spanning all industrial sectors(from agribusiness to technology, e.g. Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, Google aka FANG). Global power is a broad concept encompassing both hard and softforms of domination, ranging from military power to cultural and ideological influence (hegemony). The world’s national governments belong to countries ranging in scale from small island territories and city-states to large industrialized superpowers (USA). Many have significant military and economic strength. Some small countries may have great global influence but in narrow ways.

Possible applied themes (AO2) include knowledge and understanding (AO1) of:

• global core and periphery patterns (1.1)
• powerful countries and global groups (4.1)
• roles of countries and TNCs in global networks and flows (4.2)
• FDI and outsourcing by TNCs, including detailed examples (4.2)
• TNCs and their social responsibility frameworks (5.1)
• cultural landscape and built environment changes (5.2)
• campaigns against TNCs by citizens (5.3)
• tax-avoidance strategies of TNCs (6.1)
• role of national governments in global risk management (6.3).

Good answers may synthesize (AO3a) three or more of these themes in a well-structured (AO4) way.

Good answers may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3b) of the statement that examines the exercise of power at varying scales (e.g. TNC/state government influence over global, regional or more local issues). Another approach might be to critically examine how power remains concentrated in particular places in many different countries (state capitals, global hubs). Another approach might be to discuss how far either TNCs or national governments can drive different processes such as human development or global political, culture and normative changes.

For 5–8 marks, expect some outlining of two relevant themes. Response is either partial, narrow or lacks supporting evidence.

For 9–12 marks, expect:

• either a structured synthesis which links together several well-evidenced themes from the Guide
• or a critical conclusion (or on-going evaluation) informed by geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 13–16 marks, expect both of these traits.

This was the most popular question. The majority of candidates gained a 7-9 mark or higher by demonstrating a clear understanding of both concepts, supported with relatively detailed evidence. The majority of candidates provided a focused answer which clearly explained how the two concepts may become linked, typically because diverse places become 'melting pots' where hybrid forms of culture may develop over time. Popular themes included hybrid forms of food and music in contexts where a 'cultural conversation' has occurred. 

The best answers went further with their response by analyzing the strength of the links in different contexts. Some candidates acknowledged that the links would not necessarily be strong in contexts where different ethnic groups live plural lifestyles and do not mix together significantly. Weaker answers typically did not explain any links in a convincing way. For example, one case study was provided of cultural diversity in a world city along with a second case study of a McDonald's menu. These two standalone case studies (with no links written about) provided only a partial answer to the question which had been asked.

A minority of candidates were confused about the meaning of one or both concepts. A relatively common mistake was to view cultural hybridity as a synonym for cultural imperialism. Candidates wrongly wrote about Westernization and the erosion of local cultures as evidence of cultural hybridity.

The best answers provided a systematic discussion of different facets of power, including economic, cultural and political influence. They worked systematically through these facets, comparing and contrasting the power of TNCs and governments at each step. Often, this discussion was supported by the use of subject-specific terminology. A minority of candidates provided an advanced evaluation in which they viewed the statement as a 'false dichotomy' and argued that TNCs often work with governments to enhance the power (and rewards) of both parties, for example in the argument that Disney and Microsoft contribute to the soft power of the USA which in turn benefits the US government.

The weaker answers tended to provide a lengthy description of the actions of one or two TNCs. They asserted that the ability of TNCs to act in certain ways is symptomatic of global power and influence. They then proceeded to write a separate account focused on the military power of named governments. All of which led eventually to the simple conclusion that TNCs and governments both have power. The overall character of such essays was descriptive with only very basic evaluation demonstrated.