Westernization in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Westernization

The term “Westernization” has its etymological roots in the word “Western,” denoting the Western world or Western civilization. The suffix “-ization” is used to form a noun that signifies the process of adopting or conforming to the characteristics, values, practices, or influence of the Western world.

This concept emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries in the context of globalization and cultural diffusion, reflecting the spread and impact of Western ideas, technologies, and lifestyles on other regions of the world. The term serves as a descriptor for the transformation and modernization of societies as they incorporate elements of Western culture, economics, governance, and social norms into their own structures, often accompanied by debates about the consequences and implications of such transformations.

Meanings of Westernization

Aspect	Meaning
Cultural Transformation	Adoption of Western elements leading to cultural changes and blending of traditions.
Economic Modernization	Adoption of Western economic systems, fostering industrialization and economic growth.
Political Reform	Adoption of Western-style political institutions, enhancing governance and civil liberties.
Social Change	Transformation of societal norms towards individualism, secularism, and liberal attitudes influenced by Western ideas.
Technological Advancement	Adoption of Western technologies, leading to advancements in various fields.
Educational Reforms	Alignment with Western educational models, emphasizing critical thinking and scientific knowledge.
Globalization	Global spread of Western cultural products, media, and brands, contributing to a globalized consumer culture.
Debate and Resistance	Generation of debates and resistance, with varying views on Westernization as a force for progress or a threat to indigenous cultures and values.

Definition of Westernization as a Theoretical Term

Westernization, as a theoretical term, refers to the process through which non-Western societies adopt elements of Western culture, economics, politics, and technology, often resulting in substantial social changes. It signifies the assimilation of Western values, norms, and systems into non-Western contexts, contributing to cultural, economic, and political transformations. This concept is central to discussions of globalization and the impact of Western ideas and practices on diverse societies worldwide.

Westernization: Theorists, Works, and Arguments

Theorists:

1. Samuel P. Huntington: In his book The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, Huntington argues that Westernization has been a major driver in shaping global politics, leading to conflicts and challenges as Western values clash with those of other civilizations.
2. Edward Said: Said’s work, Orientalism, critiques Western representations of the East and how these representations have been used to justify imperialistic practices, highlighting the power dynamics inherent in Westernization.
3. Max Weber: In his seminal essay “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism,” Weber explores the influence of Western values, particularly Protestantism, on the development of modern capitalism, emphasizing the role of culture in economic systems.

Key Works:

1. The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order by Samuel P. Huntington: Huntington’s book presents a thesis on how the clash between Western and non-Western civilizations is reshaping the world order and international relations.
2. Orientalism by Edward Said: Said’s work challenges Western representations of the East and their role in the process of Westernization, shedding light on the power structures and cultural biases involved.
3. “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism” by Max Weber: Weber’s essay explores the connection between Western cultural values, particularly Protestantism, and the development of capitalism, emphasizing the cultural underpinnings of economic systems.

Key Arguments:

1. Cultural Influence: The theorists and works mentioned emphasize the significant cultural influence of the West on other parts of the world, with Western values often shaping economic, political, and social systems.
2. Power Dynamics: The concept of Westernization involves power dynamics, as it often entails the dominance of Western values and norms over non-Western societies, leading to debates on cultural imperialism.
3. Globalization: Westernization is closely linked to the process of globalization, as the spread of Western ideas and practices contributes to interconnectedness and the reshaping of global politics and culture.
4. Identity and Resistance: These discussions also involve questions of identity and resistance, as non-Western societies grapple with the impact of Westernization and sometimes resist or adapt to it in unique ways.

In summary, Westernization is a complex process that has been explored by various theorists and works, leading to discussions about cultural influence, power dynamics, globalization, and the complexities of identity and resistance in a globalized world.

Westernization and Literary Theories

1. Postcolonial Theory: Westernization often plays a central role in postcolonial literature and theory. It is explored in the context of colonialism’s impact on indigenous cultures, languages, and identities. Postcolonial literature frequently addresses the consequences of Westernization and the tensions between traditional and Western values.
2. Cultural Studies: Westernization is a key concept in cultural studies, where scholars analyze the global dissemination of Western cultural products, such as literature, film, and popular culture. This lens is used to examine how Western ideas and narratives influence and shape global cultural landscapes.
3. Colonial and Postcolonial Literature: Works in these genres often deal with the effects of Westernization on colonized regions. They explore the clash between Western and indigenous cultures, the loss of cultural authenticity, and the complexities of identity in a postcolonial world.
4. Globalization and World Literature: Westernization is a prominent theme in discussions of world literature. It raises questions about the dominance of Western literary traditions and their impact on the reception of literature from non-Western regions.
5. Literary Critique of Cultural Imperialism: Westernization is critiqued in the context of cultural imperialism, where Western values and narratives are seen as imposing themselves on non-Western cultures. This theme is explored in literature that seeks to resist or subvert Westernization’s influence.

In these literary theories and contexts, Westernization is a recurring theme that provides a framework for understanding the influence of Western culture on literature and how this influence is perceived, challenged, and negotiated by authors from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Westernization in Literary Criticism

Work	Critique
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe	This novel critiques the impact of Westernization on traditional Igbo society in Nigeria. As European colonialism encroaches, it disrupts the existing social and cultural order, leading to the disintegration of indigenous traditions. Achebe’s work raises questions about the consequences of Westernization and its role in dismantling precolonial African societies.
Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie	Rushdie’s novel reflects on the effects of Westernization in the context of post-independence India. The story intertwines the personal narratives of its characters with the broader socio-political changes in India. Westernization, symbolized by the influence of British colonialism, is a central theme, challenging traditional Indian identities and reshaping the nation’s cultural landscape.
The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga	This novel critiques the impact of Westernization on contemporary India, particularly in the context of globalization and economic modernization. The protagonist, Balram, navigates the complexities of India’s transformation, where Western values and capitalism clash with traditional socio-economic structures. The book offers a critical perspective on the consequences of Westernization in a rapidly changing society.
Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga	Dangarembga’s novel examines the influence of Western education and culture on post-colonial Zimbabwe. The story follows the protagonist, Tambudzai, as she grapples with the conflicting demands of her traditional Shona upbringing and Western education. The novel critiques the complexities and tensions that arise from Westernization and its impact on individual identities and familial dynamics.

These novels provide diverse and thought-provoking critiques of Westernization, shedding light on its multifaceted impact on societies, cultures, and individual lives. They explore the challenges and complexities that arise when traditional values intersect with Western influences.

Terms Relevant to Westernization

1. Westernization: The process of adopting Western cultural, social, political, and economic values, practices, and institutions.
2. Cultural Imperialism: The spread of Western culture and values, often at the expense of local or indigenous cultures, leading to cultural homogenization.
3. Globalization: The worldwide integration of markets, communication, and culture, often associated with the spread of Western ideas and consumer products.
4. Modernization: The transformation of societies to align with Western models of industrialization, urbanization, and technological progress.
5. Consumerism: An emphasis on acquiring and consuming goods and services, often associated with Western consumer culture.
6. Cultural Hybridity: The blending of Western and non-Western cultural elements to create new and diverse cultural expressions.
7. Secularization: The process of reducing the influence of religion in favor of Western-style secular institutions and values.
8. Democratization: The adoption of Western democratic principles and practices, including representative government and individual rights.
9. Western Values: Core principles of Western societies, including democracy, human rights, individualism, and capitalism.
10. Cultural Resistance: Efforts by non-Western cultures to preserve their traditions and resist the encroachment of Westernization.

Suggested Readings

1. Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. Anchor, 1994.
2. Adiga, Aravind. The White Tiger. Free Press, 2008.
3. Dangarembga, Tsitsi. Nervous Conditions. Ayebia Clarke Publishing, 2004.
4. Said, Edward. Orientalism. Vintage, 1979.
5. Weber, Max. The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. Routledge, 2017.