Cultural homogenization is an aspect of cultural globalization, listed as one of its main characteristics, and refers to the reduction in cultural diversity through the popularization and diffusion of a wide array of cultural symbols — not only physical objects but customs, ideas and values. O'Connor defines it as "the process by which local cultures are transformed or absorbed by a dominant outside culture." Cultural homogenization has been called "perhaps the most widely discussed hallmark of global culture. In theory, homogenization could result in the breakdown of cultural barriers and the global assimilation of a single culture.