| This
paper explores the impact of contemporary processes of globalisation
on notions of appropriate gender ideologies, identities and
relation in the Anglophone Caribbean. It begins by exploring
the meanings and understandings of globalisation held by persons
generally, but in particular those directly involved in processes
of cultural representation. This is followed by an examination
of the definitional issues around the concept acknowledging
the various contentions and debates surrounding its use.
The paper then explores the formation, transmission and marketing
of these representations using a number of specific sites
where these influences may be greatest. These include the
local fashion and beauty industry, the music industry and
the globalisation of ‘gay’ and ‘lesbian’
subcultures. The paper draws on material from a range of sources
such as popular publications, academic essays and texts, music
lyrics, internet sources and semi-structured interviews to
illustrate the ways in which cultural representations of masculinities
and femininities have been shaped and transformed and in turn
how these have been accepted, accommodated and resisted. |
