The Theory of Hybridization and the Concept of Cultural Evolution by Jan Nederveen Pieterse in Light of Research and Study of Globalization Processes

The article examines Jan Nederveen Pieterse’s theory of hybridization and his concept of cultural evolution. His primary recognition stems from the idea of globalization as a process of sociocultural hybridization. Hybridization, according to this author, is not a passive process of absorbing foreign elements, but rather an active, creative production of the new. Jan Nederveen Pieterse contrasts his approach to hybridization with cultural differentialism (S. Huntington’s “clash of civilizations” theory) and cultural homogenization (G. Ritzer’s “McDonaldization” concept). Hybridization, in Jan Nederveen Pieterse’s view, is the mixing, fusion, interpenetration, “mélange” of various cultural, political, or economic systems, rather than their strict differentiation or unification. At the same time, he himself emphasizes that in such a term as “global melange,” there is a lack of recognition of the actual unevenness, asymmetry, and inequality in global relations. Another significant achievement of Jan Nederveen Pieterse is the deconstruction of the traditional temporal anchoring of globalization to the modern era and its consideration as a centuries-old and deeply historical process of forming worldwide interconnectedness. The article demonstrates that the approach of the Dutch sociologist is characterized by high heuristic value and can serve as a fundamental source for researchers in various fields of socio-humanitarian knowledge.