Westernization 504014 222810286 2008-07-01T06:08:20Z User0529 7280847 /* Other */ link edit {{Unreferenced|date=March 2007}} {{otheruses4|the influence of western culture|the eye surgery|Epicanthoplasty}} '''Westernization (occidentalization)''' (from [[western world|occident]], see [[wiktionary:occident|wiktionary]]) is a process whereby non-western [[Society|societies]] come under the influence of [[Western culture]] in such matters as [[industry]], [[technology]], [[law]], [[politics]], [[economics]], [[lifestyle]], [[diet (nutrition)|diet]], [[language]], [[alphabet]], [[religion]] or [[western culture|values]]. Westernization has been a pervasive and accelerating influence across the world in the last few centuries. It is usually a two-sided process, in which western influences and interests themselves are joined by a wish of at least parts of the affected society to change towards a more westernized society, in the hope of attaining western life or some aspects of it. Westernization can also be related to the process of [[acculturation]]. Acculturation refers to the changes that occur within a society or culture when two different groups come into direct continuous contact. After the contact, changes in cultural patterns within either or both cultures are evident. In popular speech, Westernization can also refer to the effects of Western expansion and colonialism on native societies. For example, natives who have adopted [[Europe]]an languages and characteristic Western customs are called acculturated or Westernized. Westernization may be forced or voluntary depending on the situation of the contact. Different degrees of domination, destruction, resistance, survival, adaptation, and modification of the native culture may follow interethnic contact. In a situation where the native culture experiences destruction as a result of a more powerful outsider, a "shock phase" often is a result from the encounter. This shock phase is especially characteristic during interactions involving expansionist or colonialist eras. During the shock phase, civil repression using military force may lead to a cultural collapse, or [[ethnocide]], which is a culture’s physical extinction. According to Conrad Phillip, the westerners "will attempt to remake the native culture within their own image, ignoring the fact that the models of culture that they have created are inappropriate for settings outside of western civilization" (Phillip, Conrad. (2005). Window on Humanity. New York: McGraw-Hill). ==Definition of the West== {{main|Western civilization}} ===Territorial=== [[Image:west.png|right|450px|thumb|Several Definitions of the West: {{legend|#5454e4|Developed countries of North America, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand, (always considered Western) as well as EU members.}} {{legend|#9cf4ec|Developed countries in east Asia and Oceania, sometimes considered western}} {{legend|#3ce47c|Latin America, settled by European countries (Portugal, Spain, and others) but with significant Native American cultural influences as well. }} {{legend|#ecec84|Eastern Europe, Balkans, Caucasus}} {{legend|#e45c4c|Other states sometimes considered western}} {{legend|#c4c4c4|Not usually considered western}} ]] The West was originally defined as [[Western Europe]]. Ancient Romans distinguished between Oriental (Eastern) cultures that inhabited present day Egypt and Turkey and Occidental Cultures that lived in the West. A thousand years later, the [[East-West Schism]] separated the Catholic Church from the Eastern Orthodox Church. The definition of Western changed as the West was influenced by and spread to other nations. Islamic and Byzantine scholars added to the Western canon when their stores of Greek and Roman literature jump started the Renaissance. The West expanded to include Russia when Peter the Great brought back ideas from France. Today, most modern uses of the term refer to the societies of Western and Central Europe and their close [[genealogical]], [[linguistic]], and [[philosophical]] descendants, typically included are those countries whose ethnic identity and dominant culture are derived from [[Culture of Europe|European culture]]. The [[Western civilization]] can be defined as ''at least'' [[North America]], [[Western Europe|West]] and [[Central Europe|Central]] [[Europe]], [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]]. North America includes the [[U.S.A.]], [[Canada]] and [[Greenland]] (as part of [[Denmark]]). Widening this definition however invites controversy. This widened definition can include these countries, or a combination of these countries: *'''[[Latin-America]]'''. Many countries in Latin America are sometimes regarded as Western countries, largely because many people in Latin American nations are descended from the Spanish and Portuguese settlers, and thus they share their language and many parts of their cultures with [[Spain]] and [[Portugal]]. Indeed, most countries in Latin America use their official language, either in [[Spanish Language|Spanish]] or [[Portuguese Language|Portuguese]]. Besides, according to ''CIA -The World Factbook-'', there were considerable amounts of immigration to Latin America from Europe other than Spain and Portugal, (For example, from [[Germany]], [[Italy]], the [[Netherlands]], etc. See [[Immigration to Brazil]] or [[Immigration to Argentina]].) so now, Europeans and groups with part-European ancestry combine for nearly 80% of the population.<ref name=CIAEG>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2075.html |title= CIA - The World Factbook -- Field Listing - Ethnic groups |accessdate=2008-02-20}}</ref>. There are also [[indigenous]] cultures and languages in Latin America, and like [[USA]] and [[Canada]], many countries in Latin America became [[multicultural]]. *'''[[Turkey]]'''. Although geographically only 3% of Turkey lies in Europe, Turkey has a similar economic system, has a [[European Union-Turkey Customs Union|customs union]] with the [[European Union]] in addition to being an official candidate for membership, and is a member of typical Western organizations such as [[OECD]], [[Council of Europe]], and [[NATO]]. It is usually a member of European organizations for sports and cultural events such as [[UEFA]] and the [[Eurovision Song Contest]]. *'''[[South Africa]]'''. [[South Africa]] is most of the time considered Western because of its languages ([[English language|English]], [[Afrikaans]]) and because of its religion ([[Christianity]]). It also has a similar economic system. Furthermore, about 12% of the South African population are of European origin (White). [[Image:HIH Princess Higashifushimi Kaneko.jpg|thumb|left|150px|HIH Japanese [[Princess]] Kaneko Higashi-fushimi in western clothing]] *Former Communist countries of [[Central Europe|Central]], [[Eastern Europe]], [[The Balkans]]. Some people{{Fact|date=March 2007}} add these countries to the definition of the West, as they more or less share a common European identity with Western Europeans. This view has increasingly gained support, especially since the disintegration of [[communism]] (through money) and the current European integration process that is a direct result of that disintegration. Others, however, like the [[United States|American]] [[political scientist]] [[Samuel P. Huntington]], consider the majority-[[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Christian]] part of Europe as very different from the West. Most who support Huntington's view, believe that Eastern Europe, from Central Europe to the Balkans, European Russia and the Caucasus, did not experience the renaissance or the full strength of the industrial revolution to be considered as part of "The West". Equally they maintain that Eastern European culture is not shaped by western Christian traditions of Catholicism or Protestantism, but rather by Eastern Orthodoxy or Islam. From a different angle, this part of the world does not fulfill the economic and standard of living criteria one would associate with the "West". *'''[[Japan]]'''. Japan is sometimes considered Western, as this country supported the West during the Cold War, has a similar economic system and welfare, is a stable democracy, protects human rights, etc. Also, Japan is a member of typical Western organizations like the [[OECD]], and together with [[Canada]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[Russia]], the [[United Kingdom]], and the [[United States]], Japan constitutes the Group of Eight ([[G8]]). *'''The [[Philippines]]''' are sometimes considered Western because of their [[Spanish-based creole languages|Spanish-influenced]] [[Languages of the Philippines|languages]] and because most of the people are [[Roman Catholic]]. The Filipinos' [[Hispanic culture in the Philippines|culture]] has been influenced by [[Spain]] and the [[United States]]. Furthermore, about 3.6% of the Filipino population are of European origin. *'''[[Oceania]]''' (excluding [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]]). With [[American state]]hood of [[Hawaii]], [[France|French]] control of [[French Polynesia]], the [[British colony|colonial]] influence of [[United Kingdom|Britain]], and the current political influence of both [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]], Oceania is gradually, but inevitably, becoming more and more "westernized". ===Personal=== A different view on the Western world is not defining it by its territory, but by its people, as these tend to differ in an increasingly globalized world. This view highlights the non-Western population in countries with a Western majority, or vice versa. The [[Boers]] for instance can be regarded as Western inhabitants of South Africa. ===Differences=== It would be incorrect to regard the Western world as a monolithic bloc, as there exist many cultural, linguistic, religious, political, and economical differences between Western countries and populations. The western world itself is changing over time as it has in the past. ==Process of Westernization== ===Colonization (1492-1960s)=== {{main|Colonialism}} ====Europeanization==== From [[1492]] onward, [[Europeanisation|Europeanization]] and [[colonialism]] spread gradually over much of the world, colonizing major portions of the globe. During this period a strong influence was exercised on the indigenous cultures, which resulted in many colonies' indigenous populations assimilating certain elements of European culture willingly or by force, such as the language of the European motherland or the [[Christian]] religion. In many cases the indigenous population was supplanted or marginalized by European and African immigrants. The two [[World War]]s weakened the European powers to such extent that many colonies strove for independence, often inspired by nationalistic movements. A period of [[decolonization]] started. At the end of the [[1960]]s, most colonies were autonomous. Those new states often adopted some aspects of Western [[politics]] such as the adoption of a constitution, while frequently reacting against western culture. ====Reactions==== =====[[Asia]]===== A reaction to Westernization can include [[fundamentalism]] and [[protectionism]]. Countries such as [[Korea]] and [[China]] tried to adopt [[isolationism]], but they have been unable to resist the adoption of many aspects of Western culture. In [[Japan]], the [[Netherlands]] continued to have a key role in transmitting Western know-how to Japan from the 17th century to the mid-19th century, because Japan had opened their doors only to the Dutch Merchants before the American Navy Captain, [[Commodore Perry]]’s visit in 1852. After Commodore Perry's visit, Japan began to accept Western Cultures from all over the Europe and North America. Besides, many Japanese politicians also encouraged the westernization of Japan using the term, [[Datsu-A Ron]], which means the argument for "leaving Asia" or "Good-bye Asia". In [[Datsu-A Ron]], the term "westernization" was described as "unavoidable" but a "fruitful" change. ===[[Globalization]] (1960s-now)=== Westernization is often regarded as a part of the ongoing process of [[globalization]]. This theory proposes that western thought has led to globalization, and that globalization propagates western culture, leading to a cycle of westernization. The main characteristics are economic liberalization ([[free trade]]) and democratization, combined with the spread of an [[Individualism|individualized culture]]. Often it was also regarded of the opposite of the worldwide influence of [[communism]]. After the break up of the [[USSR]] in [[1991]], many of its component states and allies nevertheless underwent westernization, including [[privatization]] of hitherto state-controlled industry. Westernization as [[globalization]] is seen by many as progress, as [[democracy]] and [[free trade]] spread gradually throughout the world. Others view westernization as a disadvantage. Some have protested that [[Asian people|Asian]] cultures who have traditionally existed on a primarily plant-based diet might lose this healthy lifestyle as more people in Asia switch to a Western-style diet that is rich in animal-based foods. (Cornell Times, 2001[http://www.news.cornell.edu/Chronicle/01/6.28.01/China_Study_II.html]) ==Consequences== Due to the colonization of the Americas and Oceania by Europeans, the cultural, ethnic and linguistic makeup of the Americas and Oceania has been irreversibly changed. This is most visible in settler colonies such as the [[United States of America]], [[Australia]], [[Canada]], [[Argentina]], [[New Zealand]] and [[Uruguay]], where the traditional indigenous population has been overtaken demographically by non-indigenous settlers. This demographic takeover in settler countries has often resulted in the linguistic, social, and cultural marginalization of indigenous peoples. However, even in countries where large populations of indigenous peoples remain or the indigenous peoples have mixed considerably with European settlers, such as [[Bolivia]], [[Guatemala]], [[Mexico]], [[Peru]] and [[Ecuador]], marginalization still exists. Due to colonization, the prevalent languages in the Americas, [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]] are now: [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] ([[Brazil]]), [[Spanish language|Spanish]] (the rest of [[Latin America]]), [[French language|French]] ([[Quebec]] in [[Canada]], [[French Guiana]]), and [[English language|English]] ([[USA]], [[Canada]], [[South Africa]], [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]]). Many indigenous languages are on the verge of becoming extinct. However, some settler countries have gone to great lengths to preserve and expand indigenous languages, for example, in [[New Zealand]] the [[Maori|Maori language]] is official. ==Further reading== *{{cite book|last= Ankerl |first= Guy |title= Global communication without universal civilization |origyear= 2000 |series= INU societal research |volume= Vol.1: Coexisting contemporary civilizations : Arabo-Muslim, Bharati, Chinese, and Western |publisher= INU Press |location= Geneva |isbn= 2-88155-004-5 |pages= }} ==See also== ===The West=== * [[American culture]] * [[European culture]] * [[Western culture]] * [[Western civilization]] * [[OECD]] ===Cultural influence=== ====Europe and USA==== {| border=0 cellpadding=0 |- valign=top | * [[Americanization]] is the term used for the influence the United States of America has on other cultures. * [[Anglicisation|Anglicization]] is the process of making something English. * [[Europeanisation|Europeanization]] can either mean the process of transforming a society into a more European society or the process of growth towards a European identity in Europe. * [[Francization]] is the process of giving a French character to something or someone. * [[Germanisation|Germanization]] is defined as either the spread of the German language and culture, or the adaptation of a word to the German language. * [[Hellenization]], the spread of Greek culture and language. * [[Romanization|Latinization]] is a system for representing a word or language with the Latin alphabet, or the traditions of the [[Latin Rite]] into [[Eastern Catholic]] Church Liturgies and practices. * [[Culture of Rome|Romanization]], the spread of Roman culture and language. | &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; | * [[Korenizatsiya|Korenization]] or Korenizatsiya was the early Soviet ethnicity policy. * [[Magyarization]] or Magyarisation refers to spreading the Hungarian language and culture in general. * [[Polonization]] is the assumption or assimilation of the Polish language or another Polish attribute. * [[Russification]] is an adoption of the Russian language or some other Russian attribute by non-Russian communities. * [[de-Russification]] is a process in the post-Soviet countries to overcome the consequences of the Russification. * [[Slovakization]] refers to the policies of [[Czechoslovakia]] then [[Slovakia]] against the [[Hungarians in Slovakia|ethnic Hungarians]] there. * [[Turkification]] is a term used to describe a cultural change in which something or someone who is not a Turk becomes one, voluntarily or by force. * [[Ukrainization]] was the policy conducted by the Bolshevik party and the Government of the Ukrainian SSR during 1920s and 1930s to increase the presence of Ukraine. |} ====Other==== {| border=0 cellpadding=0 |- valign=top | * [[Colonisation|Colonization]] *[[Globalization]] *[[Anti-globalization]] *[[Mundialization]] *[[Acculturation]] *[[Colonialism]] *[[Colorism]] *[[Creolization]] *[[Cultural assimilation]] *[[Cultural identity]] *[[Colonial mentality]] *[[Cultural cringe|Cultural Alienation]] *[[Cultural cringe]] *[[Datsu-A Ron]] *[[Enculturation]] *[[Ethnocide]] *[[Intercultural competence]] *[[Language shift]] *[[Melting pot]] *[[Passing (racial identity)]] *[[Paper Bag Party]] *[[Race (classification of human beings)|Race]] *[[Racialism]] *[[Racism]] *[[Social interpretations of race]] *[[Syncretism]] | &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; | * [[Africanization]] refers to the modification of names to better reflect an [[African]] identity. * [[Islamization]] describes the process of a society's conversion to [[Islam]]. * [[Arabization]] transforms an area into one that speaks [[Arabic]] and is part of the [[Arab culture]]. * [[Sinicization]] is the process in which [[Chinese culture]] dominates or influences other cultures. * [[Japanization]] is the process in which [[Japanese culture]] dominates, assimilates, or influences other cultures. |} ===Other=== * [[Anti-Americanism]] represents a hostility towards the government, culture, or people of the U.S.A. * [[Democratic peace theory]] is a theory which holds that democracies (almost) never go to war with one another. * [[Diseases of affluence]] are diseases thought to be a result of increasing wealth. * [[Non-westernized concepts of male sexuality]] as opposed to westernized concept of sexual orientations * [[North-South divide]] is the socio-economic division which exists between the wealthy developed "North" and the poorer developing "South". ==References== * ''[[The Idea of the West]]'' (2004), written by Alastair Bonnett (Palgrave) * ''[[The Decline of the West]]'' (1918), written by [[Oswald Spengler]]. * ''[[The End of History and the Last Man]]'' (1992), written by [[Francis Fukuyama]]. * ''[[The Clash of Civilizations]]'' (1996), written by [[Samuel P. Huntington]]. * [[The Triumph of the West]] (1985) written by [[Oxford University]] historian [[John Roberts (historian)|J.M. Roberts]]. == External links == * [http://global-culture.org/blog/ Global Culture] Essays on globalization and its impact on global culture [[Category:Globalization]] [[Category:Cultural assimilation]] [[Category:Cultural geography]] [[Category:Western culture]] [[de:Verwestlichung]] [[es:Occidentalización]] [[pl:Okcydentalizacja]] [[pt:Ocidentalização]] [[fi:Länsimaistuminen]]