Topic: Multinational Corporations and Globalization

Grade: 10
Subject: Social Studies
Unit 1.2: Lesson 6

Essential Questions/Critical thinking questions (objective):

To what extent should globalization shape identity?
Am I a product of globalization?

Materials/ Technology:
Student Booklet
Google Slides
Printout of Venn Diagram
Extra: Brain Break Information Race Activity

Active Plan:
Opening Expectations (10)
1) Grab laptop and student booklet
2) Brainscape
3) Media and Communications Technology
(instructions after attendance)

Nicaragua Attention Grabbing Example (5 min.)

Important Terms (10 min.)

Universalization of pop culture: to generalize the entirety of ideas, perspectives, attitudes, and
other phenomena that are within the mainstream of a given culture. A large number of people
experiencing the same culture (mass appeal).
To Remember: Write down on whiteboard
Student Favourite:
-Songs/ Recording Artists
-Books/ Magazines
-TV Shows
-Movies
-Web Sites
Then ask/ identify country of origin. Trends? Are we experiencing universalization of pop culture? Is
there the spread of one popular culture around the world?

Hybridization: the combining of cultures and or ideas to create a new culture or better product. One
cultural example of hybridization is the Metis. The Metis are aboriginals who are a mix of Europeans
and other First Nation descent. The Metis, being a mix of cultures, took aspects from each heritage
to create their own culture.
Diversification: the act of introducing variety
Homogenization: the process by which cultures become more alike in terms of values, attitudes,
beliefs, customs, language and traditions
Media and Communications Technology Activity (20 min.)
Explore Websites of multinational corporations

Invite students to explore the Websites of one or more major multinational corporations such as
Disney, McDonald's, Nike and Coca-Cola (see References). Each Website has links to the regions
of the world where they do business. Ask students to examine Web sites for three continents for
insights into marketing techniques and products/services. Suggest they consider the impact on
cultural identities.

For instance, point out how products are advertised in other countries. For example, on the German
Website for McDonald's, German and English are mixed to sell the products (see References). Invite
students to speculate on the impact this practice might have on maintenance of culture and
promotion of linguistic diversity.

Zero Racism: Coca-Cola Sweden Says No to Discrimination

https://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/zero-racism-coca-cola-sweden-says-no-to-discrimination

Instructions
 Gather information on marketing strategies and products/services:
Direct students to gather information on two areas: marketing and products/services.
Suggest they consider these two questions.
1. Does the advertising for the product/service reflect cultural differences?
2. Are products or services tailored to the unique cultural setting?
 Venn Diagram on Similarities and Differences Notes
 Rate the promotion of cultural diversity or homogenization

Ask students to assess the degree to which multinational corporations promote cultural
diversity or a homogenized culture. (Suggest using a five-point scale from "highly supportive of
unique cultural identities" to "highly supportive of homogenized culture.")

Video: Coca-Cola Middle East

Student Time to Work (Rest of Class)

Exit Slip (10 min.)

How does media concentration relate to homogenization?

Extra: Brain Break Information Race Activity