Westernisation

From ArticleWorld

The term Westernization refers to the process in which established culture’s become influenced by or adopt the standards of western society. The cultural shift can take place in many parts of the societies infrastructure from politics and employment to lifestyle and language, each aspect of a cultures lifestyle is susceptible to Westernization.

Western Society

The western society is comprised of the traditional economic powers of Europe and the America’s. As the world’s largest economic and political power, the United States has for some time been perceived as the greatest international influence of western culture on others all around the world. Through globalized media, the ideals and lifestyles of Western countries can be transmitted worldwide with comparative ease. But Westernization is by no means a new phenomenon; it can be traced back centuries through colonization and western societies’ empirical expansion.

Westernization and Acculturation

Westernization is another form of acculturation, which like Westernization refers to the changes that occur when two contrasting cultures live side by side. In the case of Westernization, the smaller culture adopts much of the ideals of the western society, losing many of their own traditions in the process. Technology, clothing, democratic government and religion are just a few of the early products of Westernization in native colonies.

Culture Clash

The adoption of Westernization is not always a simple transference from one culture to another. In the time of colonization and even in recent times, forced Westernization often causes a distinct culture clash, which can often lead to violent reactions from native citizens. The forcible imposition of western ideals on colonies has lead to culture clashes of various scales, which can then often lead on to backlashes by the natives.In instances of a large western power implementing its culture upon a smaller colonial society, the initial clash is often referred to as the “shock phase.” This phase was more apparent during the colonial days, when expansionism by European countries in particular was rife. Military repression would often be used to quell unrest and enforce a state of total cultural collapse within the society. When military action is used to destroy a culture and supposition it with another, it is called ethnocide, which is an integral method for spreading Westernization. Invading western cultures would often attempt to create mirror societies, imposing a strict western value system in environments where it was highly inappropriate. This history of ethnocide is a major reason why Westernization has become a loaded term, weighed down by connotations of totalitarianism and tyranny.