noun phrase · academic
cultural commodification
UK/ˌkʌltʃərəl kəˌmɒdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/US/ˌkʌltʃərəl kəˌmɑːdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/CUL·tur·al com·mo·di·fi·CA·tion
The process of turning cultural elements into commodities for sale or tourism, often degrading their original meaning.
Examples
“Many critics argue that the cultural commodification of sacred rituals damages their significance.”
“Tourist-oriented performances risk cultural commodification if they are staged solely for profit.”
“Communities sometimes resist the commodification of their traditions.”
Band 8 sentence
“While tourism brings income, unchecked cultural commodification can erode the authenticity of local traditions and identity.”
Collocations
- the commodification of culture
- resist commodification
- cultural commodification through tourism
Word family
Common mistakes
sell culture→cultural commodification
trade traditions→commodify traditions
Say it for a higher band
5sell culture→6trade traditions→7+cultural commodification
Synonyms
commercialisation of culture
Easily confused
cultural exchange
“The resort's performances were criticised as cultural commodification rather than genuine exchange.”
Related words
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In Art & Culture
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