Biodiversity vs. Cultural Diversity Biodiversity is the variation of life forms in the world as a whole, or just in a particular habitat or ecosystem. In the same way, cultural diversity is the variation of cultures, religions, and beliefs in a particular place. The two are sometimes, but not always, related to each other. Do environmental changes affect the cultural diversity? Environmental changes can affect cultural diversity in a couple of ways. For example, in Australia and many other countries, indigenous cultures and their traditions are heavily influenced by their environment. Stories of how the world around them came to be are passed down for generations and become an important part of their cultures. Another effect the environment can have on cultural diversity is when an environment becomes too harsh for people to live in and forces them to relocate. While this can increase cultural diversity in the countries they immigrate to, it could also force these people to assimilate with the new culture and abandon their old traditions, as well as their native language. Is there a change in/loss of cultural diversity in Denmark? While Denmark does have a rich culture as well as intellectual and artistic heritage, the majority of Denmark is Christian with other religious/ethnic groups lacking much representation as they are a historically homogenous nation. This leads to a slight loss of cultural diversity in Denmark. There was a change in the cultural diversity with the immigration flow of migrant workers from Pakistan in the 60s and 70s. Of the 5 million Danes, 703,873 are immigrants and their descendants – about 12.3% of the population, with 53% of all immigrants and descendants originating from a European country (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark). While the Constitution of 1849 grants citizens full religious freedom, the state supports the Church of Denmark and the Church has nearly 80% of the population as members (Iverson). How is Denmark addressing/preserving cultural diversity? Denmark prides itself on being a diverse and "forward-thinking" country compared to the rest of the world, however the actual cultural diversity in Denmark seems a bit mute. Most Danes celebrate the same holidays in the same ways with the same traditions, while the few other religions remain rather lowly represented. However, this does not mean Denmark isn't doing anything to address cultural diversity. Denmark encourages immigration and is very "generous" in its immigration policies including welfare payments and perks in transportation, housing and education - "determined to set a world example for inclusiveness and multiculturalism" (Wooldridge). Furthermore, Denmark supports ther religious communities through tax exemption on donations to recognized religious bodies (Iverson). Should governing bodies (country governments) be actively involved (through legislation and funding) in protecting cultural diversity? While I do believe that cultural diversity is important, I don't think it is necessarily the government's job to be actively involved. While I think there should obviously be protection for people to express their own religious freedom, the government itself should remain as secular as possible. It is amazing to have very culturally diverse countries, but if one culture happens to dominate the country that is fine as well because it still contributes to overall global cultural diversity. I also think that the policies Denmark have in place in terms of immigration are a great way to encourage cultural diversity without being involved in "protecting" or "promoting" it, but rather just allowing it to happen. I think other countries could benefit from being welcoming to immigrants and their cultures, because cultural diversity can enrich everyone's life. Iverson, H. R. (n.d.). Religion in Denmark. Retrieved November 17, 2016, from http://denmark.dk/en/society/religion/
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (n.d.) Home sweet home - How do danes live? Retrieved November 17, 2016, from http://denmark.dk/en/meet-the-danes/how-do-danes-live/ Wooldridge, F. (2013, February 26). Diversity and multiculturalism displacing Denmark’s ... Retrieved November 17, 2016, from http://churchandstate.org.uk/2013/03/diversity-and-multiculturalism-displacing/
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I just created a report on the education system in Denmark. It shows how Denmark is meeting and exceeding the expectations set in place by the UN's Global Education Initiative. Please feel free to leave comments here!
Globalization is the spreading ideas, goods, and services throughout the world which leads to a process of integration and interaction among the people, companies, and governments of different nations. This process is driven by international trade, investment, and information technology. It can have effects the environment, culture, political systems, economic development, and physical well being of each and every society around the world. The KOF Globalization Index measures the three main dimensions of globalization:
Globalization can be a bit of a controversial subject, particularly when it comes to the economic part. Economic globalization can offer cheaper products, but it also leads to many job losses. For example, while outsourcing to a different country could lead to cheaper products sold here in America, the jobs for Americans that were originally here are now gone. Furthermore, the workers in other countries often face unsafe, unfair working conditions and get paid measly salaries - which is why the products are so cheap. However, this is not always the case, especially in smaller countries like Denmark. Smaller countries have to be global in order to survive. So while many Americans would say that economic globalization is “stealing jobs”, a poll in 2006 found 76% of Danes to support globalization (Fox). For the overall Index of Globalization, Denmark is number 6 on the list (Measuring Globalization). “The Danish government has set up a commission for globalization to formulate a strategy that will lead to extensive reforms of education programs, research and development as well as substantial improvements for growth and innovation in all sectors of the society, including entrepreneurship and innovation policy” (Augustin). By taking action to create a group to reform education, support research and technology, entrepreneurship, they are in effect ensuring the success of Danes moving out into the world to compete and participate with their businesses and know-how. Studies have show that, economically, globalization is an opportunity and not a threat to Denmark – “the negative consequences of globalization have been very limited, whereas the advantages are tremendous” (Growth Through Globalization). Examples of Globalization in DenmarkSince this question is a little vague, I have found 3 Danish companies to represent my examples of globalization. Lego In 2006, Lego, an internationally known Danish company, announced that it would be outsourcing most of its manufacturing to Eastern Europe and Mexico. Maintenance man and union steward Poul Erik Pedersen told Time magazine that he wasn’t upset about the outsourcing. “We thought it was the best way to keep as many workers’ places in Denmark as possible. We aren’t against the management. We want to make sure that they make money and we make money […] There are some good things about outsourcing; where the jobs go, the standard of living is growing, and then they can afford to buy more Legos or other things from the West,” said Pedersen. Outsourcing as well as being a well known product around the world is an example of economic globalization. Strand Consult John Strand is the owner of this wireless consultancy firm in Denmark. Strand Consult gets 95% of its revenue from outside Denmark, and therefore could be based almost anywhere. When a company makes more or most of it's revenue from places outside of the country like Strand Consult, it is another example of economic globalization. Danske Bank In 2011, Danske Bank made the Fortune Global 500 list as one of the world’s largest corporations. While it’s headquartered in Copenhagen, it is a major retail bank throughout entire northern European region and has over 5 million retail customers (Danske Bank Group). Since it is prominent throughout all of European region and other parts of the world, it is an example of economic globalization. Works Cited:Augustin, V. (2011, November 30). Denmark, Globalization and Welfare State. Retrieved October 27, 2016, from http://valeryvalou.blogspot.com/2011/11/denmark-globalization-and-welfare-state.html?m=1
Danske Bank Group. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2016, from http://www.danskebank.com/en-uk/Pages/default.aspx Fox, J. (2007, December 1). Weekend reading: Denmark and globalization, the director’s cut | TIME.com. Retrieved October 27, 2016, from http://business.time.com/2007/12/01/weekend_reading_denmark_and_gl/ Growth Through Globalization. (2004, February). Retrieved October 27, 2016, from http://www.statensnet.dk/pligtarkiv/fremvis.pl?vaerkid=29656&reprid=0&filid=7 KOF Index of Globalization. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2016, from http://globalization.kof.ethz.ch/maps/ Measuring Globalization. (2011, March 10). Retrieved October 27, 2016, from http://www.mrglobalization.com/globalisation/292-measuring-globalization In Denmark, the roles of men and women in society are actually fairly equal. My mother, who is from Denmark, told me that both men and women can take maternity (parental) leave after their child is born. Mothers can take 4 weeks of maternity leave before the birth of the baby as well as 14 weeks after birth, while fathers are also allowed to take 2 weeks of paternity leave within the first 14 weeks after birth. Each parent is entitled to 32 weeks of parental leave. According to the European Union, "the Danish parental leave system is among the most generous and flexible in the EU". I think this is an amazing form of equality because it allows fathers to take more of a parental role and be more active in their child's lives. In many countries, it seems that the father is often the more absent from his child's life, but this could be because he is missing important bonding experiences in the first couple weeks after birth. Danes have more flexible gender roles, since they are considered to be a more "feminine culture". According to Zoe Weiner, a feminine society is one that is "traditionally seen to emphasize good relations, cooperation, charity, and modesty", where family and safety are the most important values. Male/female relationships start at younger ages in Denmark and are encouraged, whereas in America it is sometimes a difficult topic. There are fewer gender specific stereotypes in Denmark, which helps to make the gender gap even smaller. This lack of stereotyping and gender roles allows people to not feel as pressured to fit the idea of what is masculine and what is feminine. It also allows both men and women to express themselves freely without worrying about criticism or negative reactions. Denmark's masculinity index is very low. According to Geert-Hofstede, "The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (Masculine) or liking what you do (Feminine)". Since Denmark scored a 16, this means that they are considered a Feminine society, which means they value life/work balance. This means that both men and women will go to work as well as participate in family life, both to the best of their ability. Work is not considered more important than family and the same vice-versa, and neither is considered to be the duty of one gender. According to DePauw University, “women are highly respected in business, generally receive equal pay, and have access to senior positions” in Denmark. The role of the housewife has almost disappeared in Denmark. With more women in the workplace, men are "more actively involved in child-rearing activities than in many countries, although the division of domestic chores is similar to other developed countries" (Commisceo Global Consultancy Ltd). Again, this shows how truly gender equality oriented Denmark is. Denmark seems to be one of the most balanced countries in the world when it comes to gender equality. Without the stereotypical roles and expectations for men and women, they are allowed to be who they want to be and feel less competitive and separated from the opposite gender. Works Cited: Denmark. (n.d.). Retrieved September 28, 2016, from https://geert-hofstede.com/denmark.html Denmark: Creating proactive policies supporting vulnerable children and their families. (2016, March 10). Retrieved September 28, 2016, from http://europa.eu/epic/countries/denmark/index_en.htm Gender Roles. (2005, December 6). Retrieved September 28, 2016, from http://acad.depauw.edu/~mkfinney/teaching/Com227/culturalportfolios/Denmark/genderroles.html Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. (n.d.). Retrieved September 28, 2016, from http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/denmark-guide Zoe Weiner March 12, 2012 2 comments. (n.d.). Love and Relationships in the "Happiest Country in the World" Retrieved September 27, 2016, from https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/posts/love-and-relationships-in-the-happiest-country-in-the-world Hello! Welcome to my page on the beautiful little country of Denmark. While I have only visited Denmark once when I was only 2 years old, my mothers side of the family is almost entirely from Denmark. Though I talk to my Danish family often, I realized I do not know as much about this country as I would like to. So I have created this blog in order to study and learn more about it. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated!
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Author: Alex Schuler20 years old, from Arizona. Studying Special Education & Elementary Education (BAE). Archives
November 2016
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