Can e-Learning Impose ‘Cultural Imperialism?’

Posted on January 11, 2008 by David Gray

Thanks to the Online Learning Update blog and this item at their site, I became aware of this paper, entitled “Cross-Cultural Delivery of e-Learning Programmes: Perspectives from Hong Kong,” which comes via The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning.

According to the abstract provided, This paper explores – from a critical-dialectical perspective – the implications of globalization on educational policy through cross-border delivery of educational programmes by e-learning, with particular attention given to the threat of cultural imperialism.

I think it is an important question or concern. Essentially, the authors are wondering out loud if distance learning opportunities presented by western institutions of higher education, all in the name of ‘globalization,’ pose a cultural threat and the possibility of economic exploitation. Here’s how they say the debate is being framed:

Globalization is either depicted as the greatest force since the industrial revolution that created wonderful economic opportunities, improved standards of living and advanced civilization, or it is condemned as the vehicle of all forms of western economic exploitation and cultural imperialism.

I bring awareness to this paper and the underlying debate because I’m interested in hearing from international students and professors with points of view on these matters. Is this happening? Can you give us some specific instances in online coursework where you’ve either delivered or received instruction you felt was culturally imperialistic or economically exploitative? How would you advise a major provider of online education to a global community in preventing this from happening? On what basis could overt or unintentional imperialism and economic exploitation be identified?