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Westernization is a process whereby traditional, long-established societies come under the influence of Western culture in such matters as industry, technology, law, politics, economics, lifestyle, diet, language, alphabet, religion and values. Westernization has been a pervasive and accelerating influence across the world in the last few centuries. 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. More specifically, Westernization refers to the effects of Western expansion and colonialism on native societies. For example, natives who have adopted European 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, follows 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. Often, the intruders 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 article: Western civilization Territorial
Personal A different view on the Western world is not defining it by its territorium, 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 inhabitans 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. Colonization (1492-1960s) Main article: Colonialism Europeanization From 1492 onward, Europeanization and colonialism spread gradually over the world, colonizing almost every part of the world. During this period a strong influence was exerciced on the indigenous cultures. During this period, many colonies indigenous populations have willingly or have been forced to assimilate certain elements of European culture, like 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 Wars weakened the European powers to such extent that many colonies strived for independence, often inspired by nationalistic movements. A period of decolonization started. At the end of the 1960s, most colonies were autonomous. Those new states often adopted some aspects of Western culture, like for instance the adoption of constitution. Asia A reaction to Westernization can include fundamentalism and protectionism. Countries such as Japan and China tried to adopt isolationism, but they have been unable to resist the adoption of many aspects of Western culture. Globalization (1960s-now) Westernization is often regarded as a part of the ongoing process of globalization. The main characteristics are economic liberalization (free trade) and democratization, combined with the spread of an individualised 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 some as progress, as for instance democracy and free trade spread gradually throughout the world. Some people view westernization however as a disadvantage, as for example 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*) America Due to the European colonization, the American continent has gradually assimilated the European languages. In the U.S.A., Canada, Argentina and Uruguay almost the entire population has been replaced by European (and African) immigrants. In these countries there are thus almost no traces left of other cultures or languages. In countries like Mexico and Peru substantial indigenous populations were incorporated, though there remain some regions of traits of these cultures. Linguistic In short, it could be roughly said that on the American continents there are only four important languages: English (U.S.A. and Canada), Spanish (Latin-America except Brazil), Portuguese (Brazil) and French (Quebec, Canada). These languages are European in origin. Religion Christianity, which is dominant in Western society, has influenced countries around the world to use the Gregorian calendar, based on the birth of Jesus Christ. The West Europe and USA Other Other | |||||||||
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