–2/”>a >DOCTYPE html PUBLIC “-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN” “http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd”>
vs Traditionalism
Westernisation
The role of Westernisation has been very significant in understanding the socio-cultural changes of modern India. British rule produced radical and lasting changes in the Society/”>Indian Society and culture. TheBritish brought with them, unlike the previous invaders, new technology, institutions, knowledge,beliefs, and values. These have become the main source of social mobility for individuals as well as groups. M.N. Srinivas introduced the term ‘Westernisation’ mainly to explain the changes that have taken place in the Indian society and culture due to the Western contact through the British rule.
During the 19 th century, the British slowly laid the foundations of a modern state by surveying land,settling the revenue, creating a modern Bureaucracy, army and police, instituting law courts, codifyingthe law, developing communications – railways post and telegraph, roads and canals – establishingschools and colleges and so on. The British brought with them the printing press which led to many-sided changes. Books and journals made possible the transmission of modern as well as traditionalknowledge to large number of Indians. Newspapers helped the people living in the remote corners of the country to realize their common Bonds sand to understand the events happening in the worldoutside.
More than anything, the Western Education had an impact on the style of living of the people. Theygave up their inhibition towards meat-eating and consumption of alcohol. They also adopted Westernstyle of dress and dining. As Gandhi wrote in his autobiography, educated Indians undertook the task of becoming English gentlemen in their dress, manners, habits, choices, preferences etc. It included evenlearning to appreciate the Western music and participating in ball dancing. Western education resultedin a big change in the outlook of those educated.
Features of Westernisation
- In comparison to Sanskritisation, Westernisation is a simpler concept. As it is already madeclear, it explains the impact of Western contact on the Indian society and culture.
- Westernisation implies, according to Srinivas, certain value preferences. The most importantvalue, which in turn subsumes several other values, is humanitarianism. It implies an activeconcern for the welfare of all human being irrespective of caste, economic position, religion, ageand sex. He further observes that equalitarianism and secularization are both included inhumanitarianism.
- Westernisation not only includes the introduction of new institutions such as newspapers,Elections but also fundamental changes in old institutions. For example, India had schools longbefore the arrival of the British. But they were different from the British introduced schools inthat they had been restricted to upper caste children and transmitted mostly traditionknowledge. Other institutions such as army, civil Services and law courts were also similarlyaffected.
- The form and pace of Westernisation of India varied from region to region and from one sectionof Population to another. For example, one group of people became westernized in their dress,diet, manners, speech, Sports and in the gadgets they used. While another absorbed Westernscience, knowledge, literature, remaining relatively free from certain other aspects of Westernisation.
Modernisation
The term modernisation doe sn’t denote any philosophy or movement, but it only symbolizes a process of change. In fact, Modernisation is understood as a process which indicates the adoption of the modernways of life and values. The term was being used previously to refer only to change in economy and itsrelated effect on Social Values and practices. It was also described as a process that changed the society,from primarily agricultural to primarily Industrial Economy. As a result of the change in the economy,the society itself underwent changes in values, beliefs, and norms. But today, the term is given abroader meaning.
Today, the term Modernisation is understood as an attempt, on the part of the people, particularlythose who hare custom-bound, to adopt themselves to the present time, conditions, styles, and ways in general. It indicates a change in people’s food habits, dress habits, speaking styles, tastes, choices, preferences, ideas, values, recreational facilities and so on. It is also described as Social Change involvingthe Elements of science and technology. The scientific and technological inventions have brought aboutremarkable changes in the whole system of social relationship and installed new ideologies in the placeof traditional ones.
Modernisation involves a transformation of social, political and economic organizations. This includesthe transformation indicated by Durkhiem , from ‘mechanical solidarity’ to ‘organic solidarity’; that indicated by Becker , from ‘change – resistant sacred outlook’ to ‘change – ready secular outlook’; that indicated by Weber , from ‘personal bonds’ to ‘impersonal relation’ with bureaucracy; and thetransformation from ‘status based’ relations to ‘contract based’ relation as indic ated by Maine .
Westernisation vs Modernisation
The two terms namely, Westernisation (M.N. Srinivas) and Modernisation (Daniel Lerner) must beunderstood as conceptual tools to understand the nature and character of social changes that havetaken place in the developing countries.
In a broad way it may be said that the concept of Westernisation as used by Srinivas covers:
- behavioural aspects like eating, drinking, dressing, dancing etc.
- the knowledge aspects like literature,science etc.
- the values aspects like humanitarianism, equalitarianism and Secularism-2/”>Secularism etc.
The term Modernisation involved a transformation of social, political and economic organisation. As aconcept it is greatly helpful to the sociologists who have been primarily concerned with the process of differentiation that characterized the modern societies. It helps them to know the way in which newstructures arise to assume new functions, how new occupations emerge, how new complex educationinstitutions develop and so on.
Westernisation is mostly a middle class phenomenon whereas Modernisation is a mass process involvingmass media. Thus while the 19 th century Westernisation process was essentially a middle class affairinvolving fashions in speech, clothing, food and drink habits, the modernisation process involves afundamental, deep-seated and widespread change involving attitudes, the development of a rationalistand positivist spirit and the application of the new knowledge to the ways of living it is essentially a massaffair. It involves a fundamental change in social structure from the immutable varna society which is aclosed society to a casteless, classless, open society.
Lerner emphasises that the modernisation process involves the replacement of sacred revelation bysecular enlightenment in the guidance of human affairs. He considers the term Westernisation asinadequate. While westernisation penetrated only the upper level, affecting mainly leisure classfashions, modernisation diffuse among a wider population and touches public institutions as well asprivate aspirations with its diquieting positivist spirit.
Traditionalism vs modernism
Traditions represent the Actual Identity of particular society, while getting rid of them is supposed to be a sign of modernity. Traditions, quite often, keep us United, but modernity, usually, takes us apart from each other.
A tradition implies an established method or practice; belief or custom, passed on to us by our ancestors. Much of what we do today has its roots in the past. Usual rituals, like the practice of throwing rice over the shoulder and a bride kicking a container of rice before entering her new house after marriage, have their origin in our traditions and are, in no way related to any logic or religion.
Modernism is in total contras with the ideas or methods of the traditional ones. Old, it is said, is gold and should be preserved carefully. But it is also an unavoidable fact that old is to be given up for good to enter the New Era. We cannot go on sticking to our past customs traditions and roots simply because they have come by inheritance.
The world has to move on. Hence the presence of the conflict between the traditional and the modern. What must not be forgotten, however, is that in spite of our desire to be modern, we must maintain a proper balance between the two? Too much observance of traditions and customs is contrary change.
We start believing that there is nothing wrong with them. There is a lot in our ancient customs, still practiced today, that is not only meaningless, but even evidently harmful the modern society. Take for example, the practice of dowry.
In the modern context, dowry is an evil that forces ambitious girls, whose parents are poor, to remain unwed. The practice needs to be done away with entirely. Another evil practice of the same magnitude is the child marriage.
,
Westernization and Modernization
Westernization and modernization are two closely related concepts that have had a profound impact on the world in recent centuries. Westernization refers to the process of adopting Western values, institutions, and technologies, while modernization refers to the process of social and Economic Development.
Colonialism was one of the main drivers of Westernization and modernization. European powers colonized much of the world in the 19th and 20th centuries, and in the process, they introduced Western ideas and institutions to their colonies. This led to a process of Westernization in the colonies, as people adopted Western values and ways of life.
Cultural imperialism is another term that is often used to describe the spread of Western culture. This can occur through a variety of means, such as the media, education, and tourism. Cultural imperialism can lead to the erosion of traditional cultures and values, as people are exposed to and adopt Western ideas and lifestyles.
Economic development is another important factor in Westernization and modernization. Economic development refers to the process of increasing a country’s wealth and standard of living. This can be achieved through a variety of means, such as industrialization, technological innovation, and trade. Economic development can lead to a number of changes in society, such as the rise of a middle class, the Growth of cities, and the spread of education.
Globalization/”>Globalization-3/”>Globalization is the process of increasing interconnectedness between countries and people. This can be seen in the growth of international trade, the spread of information technology, and the rise of multinational corporations. Globalization can lead to a number of changes in society, such as the erosion of national borders, the spread of Western culture, and the growth of inequality.
Industrialization is the process of transforming an economy from one based on agriculture to one based on manufacturing. This can lead to a number of changes in society, such as the rise of a working class, the growth of cities, and the spread of pollution.
Modernity is a term that is used to describe the current era, which is characterized by rapid social and technological change. Modernity is often associated with the rise of individualism, secularism, and consumerism.
Postcolonialism is a term that is used to describe the period after colonialism. Postcolonial societies are often characterized by the legacy of colonialism, such as economic inequality, social unrest, and political instability.
Rationalism is a philosophical tradition that emphasizes the use of reason and logic. Rationalism has been a major force in Western thought, and it has had a significant impact on Westernization and modernization.
Science and technology have played a major role in Westernization and modernization. Science has led to the development of new technologies, which have in turn led to economic development and social change. Technology has also had a major impact on culture, as it has led to the spread of Western ideas and values.
Social change is the process of change in the way people live and interact with each other. Social change can be caused by a variety of factors, such as economic development, technological innovation, and political upheaval. Social change can lead to a number of changes in society, such as the rise of new social movements, the decline of traditional institutions, and the emergence of new forms of social inequality.
Westernization and modernization are two complex and interrelated processes that have had a profound impact on the world. These processes have led to both positive and negative changes, and they continue to shape the world today.
What is Westernization?
Westernization is the process of adopting Western culture, values, and institutions. It can be seen in the spread of Western ideas and technologies, as well as in the adoption of Western-style dress, food, and music.
What is Modernization?
Modernization is the process of social and economic change that leads to the development of a modern society. It is characterized by the growth of industrialization, Urbanization, and the rise of a middle class.
What are the benefits of Westernization?
Westernization can bring a number of benefits, including:
- Increased access to education and technology
- Improved healthcare and living standards
- Greater political and economic freedom
- Increased cultural diversity
What are the drawbacks of Westernization?
Westernization can also have a number of drawbacks, including:
- The loss of traditional culture and values
- The spread of Western-style consumerism and materialism
- The rise of social inequality and POVERTY
- The environmental impact of industrialization
What is the relationship between Westernization and modernization?
Westernization and modernization are often seen as two sides of the same coin. Westernization can be seen as a necessary step in the process of modernization, as it provides the tools and technologies that are necessary for development. However, Westernization can also lead to the loss of traditional culture and values, which can be seen as a negative aspect of modernization.
What are some examples of Westernization?
Some examples of Westernization include:
- The spread of Christianity
- The adoption of Western-style dress
- The use of Western technology
- The adoption of Western-style education
- The adoption of Western-style values
What are some examples of modernization?
Some examples of modernization include:
- The rise of industrialization
- The growth of urbanization
- The rise of a middle class
- The development of a market economy
- The spread of Democracy
What are some of the challenges of Westernization and modernization?
Some of the challenges of Westernization and modernization include:
- The loss of traditional culture and values
- The spread of Western-style consumerism and materialism
- The rise of social inequality and poverty
- The environmental impact of industrialization
What are some of the solutions to the challenges of Westernization and modernization?
Some of the solutions to the challenges of Westernization and modernization include:
- Promoting cultural diversity
- Promoting Sustainable Development
- Promoting social Justice
- Promoting environmental protection
Question 1
Which of the following is not a characteristic of modernization?
(A) Increased urbanization
(B) Increased industrialization
(C) Increased Literacy rates
(D) Increased religious fundamentalism
Answer
(D)
Question 2
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Westernization?
(A) Adoption of Western values and institutions
(B) Adoption of Western technology
(C) Adoption of Western language
(D) Adoption of Eastern values and institutions
Answer
(D)
Question 3
Which of the following is a positive effect of modernization?
(A) Increased economic growth
(B) Increased social mobility
(C) Increased access to education and healthcare
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D)
Question 4
Which of the following is a negative effect of modernization?
(A) Increased inequality
(B) Increased Environmental Degradation
(C) Increased social unrest
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D)
Question 5
Which of the following is a way to mitigate the negative effects of modernization?
(A) Invest in education and healthcare
(B) Promote sustainable development
(C) Promote social justice
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D)