RIS+Shifts+in+Sign+Systems

I think that this idea, the shift in sign systems, is what my thesis is about. The ideas of alternative medicine, pagan religions, and permaculture (to a lesser extent) did not used to be "alternative" or "non-conventional" until other, large scale things took over. There must have been reasons for these shifts. In medicine, for instance, more chemical pharmaceuticals took over for plant based medicines for reasons, I postulate, related to both the efficacy of the new medicines, but also to the lucrativeness of it. Similarly, agriculture may have changed due to both the new efficacy of mono-crops as they can feed greater numbers of people and can be used all over the world (not super climate specific), and also because businesses have found that they can make more money out of this conventional agriculture. I think it may have to do with globalization as well. Permaculture especially is not something that can easily be globalized, since it is supposed to be about using things that work well in different climates. I have read from some sources that only natural flora and fauna should be used, while others say that isn't necessarily the case. Either way, what works well in one climate is not the same as what will work well and provide sustenance for families in other climates. Yet, there has been much speculation that many ancient religions and mythologies have archetypes that cross cultural and geographical boundaries. This would make it seem that globalization isn't the cause for decline of these ancient religions, but I am quite sure that the growth of a big power (the Christian church) is to blame for that. So, these alternative cultural things were made alternative by the rise of a great power that did not leave space for smaller groups that do not partake in the larger power.

Sorry for the no references but I'm really trying to at least get my ideas out and have something for these memos!