The Effect of Globalization on Indigenous Cultural Practices

Abstract

This study investigated the multifaceted impact of globalization on indigenous cultural practices through a mixed-methods experimental approach integrating qualitative ethnographic inquiry and quantitative statistical modeling. Data were collected from 600 respondents across three culturally diverse regions, complemented by interviews and focus group discussions. The results revealed a consistent intergenerational decline in language retention and cultural participation, with younger cohorts demonstrating lower continuity indices compared to elders. Regression analyses confirmed that globalization exposure and media consumption were significant predictors of cultural continuity, explaining substantial variance in cultural participation levels. Correlation analyses further demonstrated strong negative associations between globalization indices and indigenous language vitality, reinforcing the evidence of cultural erosion.

At the same time, qualitative findings highlighted resilience and adaptation strategies, including hybridized cultural expressions and revitalization initiatives, indicating that globalization also provides opportunities for cultural renewal. Regional analysis revealed heterogeneity in outcomes, with communities exercising greater political autonomy displaying stronger resistance to cultural homogenization. Figures demonstrated both declining longitudinal trends in participation and innovative forms of hybrid identity construction. Together, these findings illustrate that globalization is not a unidirectional force of cultural loss but rather a complex process producing both vulnerability and empowerment. The study concludes that sustaining indigenous practices in the global era requires policies and frameworks that prioritize indigenous agency, strengthen community-led initiatives, and integrate indigenous epistemologies into education, governance, and media.