Paper short abstract:

The paper will explore current issues of cultural contact and conflict in areas of Lithuania where new cultural networks and global capital of EU are penetrating. We will try to compare theoretical discourses about the changing 'culture' and 'society' with local practices and mentalities of people.

Paper long abstract:

The paper will explore current issues of cultural contact and conflict in areas of Lithuania where new cultural networks and global capital of EU are penetrating. Notion of "culture" changes in mentalities, places, spaces, and everyday life of consumer society. On the one hand, Lithuanian government seeks to construct and support national culture in local regions. "Ethnic culture" of small communities is the issue of national cultural identity. What main discourses about local and notional culture are important? On the other hand, the economic policy, funding strategies and social priorities of the EU make a great impact on national governmental policy as well as on contemporary trans-national "culture". New social networks bring new social cultural features. Regional "culture" is assimilating in the processes of de-territorialization. Changes the consumption needs of a community. What are the priorities and consciousness of local people? How does local cultural heritage survive versus global, trans-national mass culture? Finally, what is the opinion of consumer society about current economical, political and social changes? How does time change notions and meanings? We will try to compare theoretical discourses about the current changing "culture" and "society" with local practices and mentalities of the people in Lithuania.