Skip to content
    Media Studies A-Level

    Cultural imperialism

    What Cultural imperialism means in Media Studies A-Level, as defined for AQA.

    Definitions of Cultural imperialism

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Cultural imperialism in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: AQA

    The process by which a dominant culture, often tied to economic and political power, spreads its values, norms and representations so widely that they become taken for granted as universal.
    AQA · Theories around ethnicity and postcolonial theory
    The process by which one country's media and cultural products come to dominate another's, shaping its values, tastes and identities.
    AQA · Cultural industries as summarised by Hesmondhalgh - Cultural industries

    Topics that use Cultural imperialism

    Related terms

    Using Cultural imperialism in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Media Studies questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Media Studies A-Level terms