What is the process of cultural commodification?

Cultural commodification is the process in which cultural practices, beliefs, and expressions are transformed into marketable goods and services. This often involves taking elements of a culture—such as art, music, clothing, rituals, or other traditions—and packaging them for consumption in a global marketplace. The essence of commodification is that cultural items, which may originally have deep social, spiritual, or historical significance, are re-contextualized as products to be bought and sold.

This process can lead to both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, it can bring recognition to a culture, provide economic benefits to communities, and help preserve traditions through wider visibility. On the other hand, it can also result in the exploitation of cultural symbols, loss of authenticity, and commercialization that overlooks the cultural significance behind these practices.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different concepts within cultural anthropology. Transforming cultural values into social norms refers to the ways in which groups might adapt their values to create consistent behaviors within a community, which does not involve commercialization. Documenting cultural practices is more about academic analysis and preservation without the intent of creating market goods. Lastly, creating new cultural expressions from old traditions involves innovation within cultures rather than turning them into commodities for sale.