Cultural Appropriation in Societal Contexts

Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption or use of elements—such as practices, symbols or artefacts—from one culture by members of another, typically across power differentials. While cultural exchange can foster creativity and mutual understanding, appropriation often involves unacknowledged borrowing that marginalises source communities, misrepresents traditions and undermines custodial authority. Debates centre on distinguishing respectful engagement from exploitative acts that commodify heritage without consent or fair compensation. The accelerating flows of people, goods and digital media in a globalised world have intensified these controversies, drawing attention to cases in fashion, art, music, tourism and online platforms. Researchers investigate how appropriation intersects with identity, equity and intellectual property, analysing both legal frameworks and ethical norms. Theoretical studies question the boundary between appreciation and appropriation, emphasising that all cross-cultural encounters carry ethical weight. Empirical work assesses economic impacts on artisanal producers and examines state-level strategies of cultural control. Practical responses include community-led curation, revised copyright regimes and guidelines for equitable partnerships. Interdisciplinary scholarship—spanning anthropology, sociology, law and media studies—continues to refine understanding of how to balance cultural innovation with respect for origin communities and to safeguard intangible heritage in contemporary society.

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Cultural Appropriation in Societal Contexts publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in cultural appropriation in societal contexts across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Cultural appropriation: Adoption of cultural elements from another group, often without consent or equitable recognition.

Cultural appreciation: Engagement with and respect for cultural practices intended to honour origin communities.

Neocolonialism: Continuation of colonial-style exploitation through economic, cultural or political pressures.

Cultural citizenship: Rights and responsibilities linked to participation in and contribution to cultural life.

Cultural domination: Imposition of a dominant culture’s norms and symbols over marginalised groups.

References

1. What’s Wrong with Neocolonialism: The Case of Unequal Trade in Cultural Goods. American Political Science Review (2023).
2. The appropriating subject: Cultural appreciation, property and entitlement. Philosophy & Social Criticism (2022).
3. Cultural Robbery, the Carceral System and the Settler Coloniality of Multiculturalism in Moroccan-Occupied Western Sahara. State Crime Journal (2024).
4. Effect of cultural appropriation on the cultural garment weaving industry: the case of weavers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Cogent Social Sciences (2024).