Multinational chains (like McDonald’s and Starbucks) are impor­tant cultural actors in an increasingly globalized world. These multinational corporations have made great efforts to promote images and cultures around their brands. For this exercise, spend some time at an outlet of one of your favorite global chains. Pay close attention to the ways in which informal and formal norms are created in the space through decor, language, layout, and so on.

How does the physical space govern behavior within the loca­tion? How does the physical space relate to the kind of image the company is trying to create for its brand? In what ways are the norms that operate within the store reflective of the larger norms of society? Do any of the norms conflict with larger soci­etal norms?

Do some research on the Internet to see the ways in which these chains operate differently in other countries. How do they com­pare and contrast? Given the similarities and differences across countries, would you say such global chains are signs of cultural imperialism or cultural hybridization?