Which of the following best describes cultural commodification?

Cultural commodification refers to the process by which cultural elements, symbols, practices, and traditions are transformed into merchandise and sold in the marketplace. This transformation can involve various aspects of culture, such as art, music, rituals, and even traditional clothing. The primary characteristic of commodification is that it turns these elements into commodities that can be bought and sold, often leading to a profitability motive that overshadows their original cultural significance.

In this context, commodification can lead to both appreciation and exploitation of cultural practices, altering how these cultural elements are perceived and valued. For example, traditional crafts may be produced primarily for tourists rather than as expressions of community identity, thereby changing the meaning and function of these items within their original cultural contexts.

The other options highlight different aspects of cultural dynamics but do not accurately represent the concept of cultural commodification. While promoting authenticity and enhancing cultural expressions are important in discussions about culture, they do not pertain specifically to the process of altering cultural elements for commercial gain. Suppressing local cultures in favor of global trends is a related issue but speaks more to cultural homogenization rather than commodification itself.