This topic is an evergreen one, topics on globalization, modernization, westernization are asked in many ways. However, since there has been a trend towards protectionism so globalization becomes an important topic. Moreover, various clashes that are going on due to the difference between several local and western values this topic gains more importance.
The demand of the question is quite broad since you have to include all the aspects of modernization and westernization like social, political, cultural, and educational among others, However, don’t divulge much from the topic or it may look like a topic on traditionalism vs modernization.
Introduction of the essay should catch the attention of the examiner and should also tell about what is going to be there in next few pages, you can either introduce with an anecdote on how a western idea may not always be the right idea or through asking some fundamental questions regarding westernization. Conclusion of an essay should be such that it should attract the attention of the examiner and leave him/her with a good taste. So, special care should be taken while introducing and concluding an essay. An essay can be introduced in multiple ways, there is no fixed formula or pattern for it. Some of the popular introductions could include.
- Using an anecdote/story
- Asking questions
- Some quotes
- Some Facts from reports or commissions
E.g. –
If we ask ourselves certain questions like-
Shall I only be called a modern person if I indulge in love marriage or I’m independent of my parents? Should I prefer to be a capitalist, a materialist, a hedonist to become a modern person? Shall I be considered modern only if I listen to rock music? The answer to most of the questions, in general, would come out to be a yes. Do you think it is modern to be all of the above? No, this is being western. This misconception is because we have for long misinterpreted modernization with westernization.
Post-independence, many newly independent countries focused on rapid socio-economic development like that of the west. To achieve the level of western development that too in a short period they emulated similar ideas and imposed similar conditions across their systems like that of the west.
For example, focusing on gross domestic product, per capita income, the extent of poverty and demonizing traditional values and practices.
This mad rush for growth led to a situation where modernization became synonymous with westernization. However soon it was realized that aping the western ideas was not going to work for these countries since they had a different environment and socio-economic conditions. In this light, a concept of modernization which was be different from westernization came up.
Now you have to define the concept of modernization.
What are the ideas that it stands for and how it is different from westernization in general?
Modernization refers to a model of a progressive transition from a ‘pre-modern‘ or ‘traditional‘ to ‘modern‘ society. It includes the acceptance and enactment of new ideas like Scientism, rationalism, equality, secularism, justice, liberty, democracy, rule of law, fraternity, freedom of expression, change in attitude, norms and values, high aspirations, and an open society. It is the concept of bringing culture and society, into the current standard of existence so that to keep relevance and pace with the current times.
This modernization can be achieved without blindly copying the western ideas, norms, and culture of human, economic and social development. That is to say that there are several ways to be modern rather than just imitation of the west.
Explain the main theme of the essay as to how modernity can be achieved without westernization. Try to include as many aspects of life as possible?
Historical aspect–
Historically in India, we have experienced modern ideas since time immemorial. Political system prevalent during Rig-Vedic times emphasized on the participation of all sections including women in various local-level decisions.
For example, Sabhas and Samitis had common people participation in the legislature which reminds us of the modern value of democracy and ideas of women empowerment. Saints like Buddha and Mahavira advocated upliftment of women, untouchables and other lower strata of society. They were unequivocal in their ideas of equality of everyone irrespective of caste, class, and gender. These ideas highlight the modern values of equality. Modern ideas were also propagated by several rulers.
E.g. Ashoka’s Dhamma was a cultural conquest rather than a military one. It was to create a harmonious atmosphere in the state where everyone irrespective of religion and cultural diversities lied in peace and harmony with each other. Similarly, Akbar’s policy of universal peace (Sulh-i-kul) also provided modern values. These values resembled modern ideas of peace, harmony, and tolerance but were not essentially western.
Social aspect-
Social networking and close coordination among people have been the ethos of eastern societies. Recently the importance of the concept of ‘Social capital’ has been doing the rounds in the western world, which has been followed throughout history in the eastern societies. Indian society is based on integration, respect for each other and elders for example greetings through Namaskaram (salutation) and touching feet of elders and teachers are ubiquitous in India. Whereas in individualistic western societies there is high self-ego. Thus, such societies are more of individualistic as against communitarian or socialist societies of the east like Russia and China.
Cultural aspects-
Clothing in India societies have been as per the Agro-climatic conditions of the region which represents its utility.
For examples wearing a tuxedo with a bow tie in the scorching heat in summers in Delhi is neither rational nor modern, on the other hand wearing a well-ventilated dhoti-kurta in Chennai seems more logical.
Eating habits in India include a complete Thali comprising pulses, vegetables, wheat, rice along with chutney and salad thus ensuring a balanced diet. On the other hand, the increasing culture of stale and junk food consumption due to paucity of time is essentially a western concept leading to various lifestyle diseases. Westernization focuses on materialism and hedonistic tendencies like affluence, extravagance, wastage, and show-off. On the other hand, happiness in eastern cultures lies in contentment, spiritual upliftment, and peace of mind.
For example, while Bhutan focuses on Gross Happiness Index as a measure of development; Gandhiji idealized ‘Saada Jeevan Uchha Vichaar’ i.e. simple living, high thinking.
Fitness in western culture generally means pumping iron in the gymnasium to build muscles and thus the style or fashion is developing six pack abs. This ignores the damage to the health it creates in the long run. On the other hand, yoga creates both mental and physical easement and improves your bodily functions along with energizing the whole system. This culture which has been going on for centuries in India is now increasingly being recognized across the world. Recently 21st June of every year is declared by the United Nations as International Yoga Day.
Health and wellness in the western world are based on the idea of quick relief, palliative, and curative treatments. On the other hand the eastern medicine system of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy is based on overall wellness and focuses on preventive care.
For example, Unani medicine of Perso-Arabic system of medicine helps in dealing with problems associated with a fast lifestyle like stressful workload and odd eating habits.
International aspect-
Many of Asian countries like China, Japan, and Malaysia have achieved modernization without essentially being westernized especially due to their political philosophies and culture. For example, China and Russia achieved rapid socio-economic development without strictly following the ideals of democracy and Japan achieved the same without having to build a strong military might, unlike the western world.
The western idea of international relation generally ends up in the concept of Matsanyaya i.e big fish eating the small fish or Darwinian idea of survival of the fittest, for example, USA’s coercing and arm twisting for hegemony. On the other hand, modernization may include the feeling of mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful coexistence and equality in cooperation.
For example, Panchsheel, Wuhan spirit, Non-alignment movement and Gujaral doctrine of India are non-western.
Although Globalization is considered as a west led idea, our scriptural idea of “Vasudhaiva– Kutumbakam” which translates into “World is one family” is in place since ancient times.
For example, ancient silk route connected east with the west and was central to the economic, political, religious and cultural interaction between these regions from the 2nd century BCE up till 18th century CE.
Economic aspect-
Capitalism of the western world focuses on numbers for example GDP growth rate, high net worth, profit margin and turnover. This ignores the basic human development which in turn generates huge inequality in the society. On the other hand, Human Development Index developed by Mehboob Ul Haq and Amartya Sen focus on social indicators like health and education, which also reflects the conditions of marginalized sections of society and was later adopted by United Nations as a true indicator for a nations’ progress.
The development in the west is signified by urbanization which means building skyscrapers, multinational Corporations, fast mobility and internet connectivity which is a top-down model of development based on trickledown effect. Whereas the actual modernization would mean lifting the most marginalized (Antyodaya) sections of society out of poverty and misery who might be found in rural and countryside areas.
For example, Gandhi’s concept of rural development highlighted self-sufficiency and bottom-up approach of development which focuses on small scale village and cottage industries. This model rejects the mindless growth which ignores the environmental aspect leading to rampant deforestation, increasing air, water, and land pollution and climate change.
While the western concept of development is based on mass production where humans are treated as a machine to increase production efficiency, Japanese Management also known as Theory Z focuses on building employer-employee relations through employee loyalty by providing a job for life with a strong focus on the well-being of the employee, both on and off the job. Also, the model of trusteeship and the concept of bread and labor of the east highlights the synergy between worker and management. Ringi system of Japan is famous for consensus-based decision making considering all the aspects of the problem at hand. The culture of presenting business cards in Japan is a custom known as Meishi Koukan. While the Western business card is something meant for future reference, Meishi is a way of soothing communication by revealing one’s true status.
Agriculture in the western world is essential resource-intensive like heavy use of fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified (GM) seeds, and heavy mechanization which although increases production in short term but leads to problems soil degradation, environmental pollution, and food contamination. On the other hand, concepts like organic farming, zero budget natural farming (ZBNF), integrated farming practices like mixed farming focuses on the modern idea of protecting overall ecology of the land and soil along with promoting self-sufficiency to marginal farmers. Similarly, AMUL a successful business model based on cooperative farming promotes the welfare of not only farmers but also animals as against the western concept of contract farming.
Political aspect-
Westernization inherently is built on the state’s might, coercion, suppression of dissent, the sovereignty of the state and empire building. Whereas the modern values would include ideas like equality of rights, consensus building, persuasion, respect for others, the sovereignty of the people based on moral authority and inclusion are visible in Gandhiji’s concept of Ram Rajya.
Politics of development in the west has long been based on imperialism which promotes tools of power capture, colonization and divide, and rule to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and economy. Politics in the west has been a profession to capture power. Concepts like lobbying, horse-trading are essentially western in origin. Sarvodaya model, on the other hand, doesn’t consider politics as an instrument of power rather an agency of service. Gandhiji said that Rajneeti will yield place to Lokniti.
Concept of secularism in western parlance talks about the crude separation of state and church, thus devoid the state of moral ideas of respect, love, compassion, and tolerance as enshrined in all the religions of the world. Modern ideas would demand that the state should embrace all the religion equally which is upheld by the idea of Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava which signifies the equality of the destination of the path’s followed by all religions (although the paths themselves may be different.)
Technological aspect-
Right from the time of industrialization, innovation, and excellence has been linked to profit-making.
For example, the patent system is considered to be the motivating factor behind innovation. This though has led to rapid growth in science and technology but has been again not distributive.
Modernization would include science and technology as a tool for socio-economic transformation of the society. It should assist humans and should not replace them as workers.
For example, Developments in Labour intensive sector, promotion of generic medicines for cheap availability of life saving drug and Massive Online Open Course which is an open source of educational material. Science and technology should be based on the needs of the local rather than just ivory tower innovations.
For example, Lab to farm and farm to fork technologies.
Educational aspect –
Role of education means understanding your inner self and surroundings and not only serve the society but also cherish the inherent value of life. The western education system is job centric (for developing skill only), discriminatory (different for rich and poor) and commercial (profitability).
Now you can show that westernization also helped a lot in acting as stepping stone for modernization in many societies. Again you have to mention many dimensions of westernization.
Despite many reservations against the concept of westernization, it has been an instrument that has provided the basic foundation for many societies to transition from traditional setup to modernity.
“Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, build on to that which is already excellent.” -Auliq Ice
Historical aspect-
Westernization spurred the industrial revolution across the world. Inventor builds remarkable machines like the steam engine, printing press, telephony and replaced the strength of human and animal by the machine. This led to an increase in trade and commerce, creation of the working class, rise of production and consumption thus making the world more modern.
For example, Japan -In the Meiji period (1868-1912), adopted the practices of the west like heavy industrialization, research, and development, adoption of the western-oriented education system for the young. This made japan one of the most advanced countries of the world.
Economic aspect-
Though the western neo-liberal business model focuses more on numbers like high GDP growth, turnover, and profit numbers, it also creates more jobs and improved standards of life for the common man and uplifted billions across the world out of poverty. As per the World Bank since the introduction of LPG model in India, the number of poor has decreased substantially from 440mn to 230mn in 2011.
Concept of Corporate governance is a gift of the west which has promoted several modern values of protection of interests of different shareholders, transparency, and accountability, for example, CSR (corporate social responsibility) promotes a responsible business and protects the interests of society.
Similarly, concepts like LPG (liberalization, privatization, globalization), NPM (new public management) are essentially west led which have provided for a more efficient and effective system of economic growth and have made several countries modern.
For example, Economies of Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan, generally referred to as the four Asian tigers, underwent rapid industrialization and maintained exceptionally high growth rates due to various neoliberal policies of the west like export orientation and a free market.
Technological aspect-
Innovations and technologies in the western world like that invention of the computer, airplanes, telephones, diesel engines ultimately led to technology transfer along with opening new dimensions of development in the rest of the world. The recent wave of innovations like A.I, internet of things, 4th industrial revolution, cloud technology, automated vehicles, block chain technology also has their genesis in the western world which altered the way we live eat think.
For example, the Andhra Pradesh government has used block-chain technology for land record modernization.
Cultural aspect-
Westernization has led to phenomena called globalization which means increased interdependence, interconnectedness, this, in turn, has led to the free flow of ideas, increased tourism, the spread of culture and traditional practices like food, festivals, music. This process acculturation and assimilation has enhanced the values of tolerance, acceptance, and syncretism in society.
Political aspect-
Several newly independent countries also adopted western concepts like rule of law, democracy, freedom of expression, liberty, equality and justice in their nascent polity and constitution.
For example, the Indian constitution borrowed ideas like liberty equality and fraternity from France and fundamental rights from the USA. Similarly, the concept of the parliament which is envisaged by many of the countries of the world is borrowed from the Magna Carta of 1215 CE.
Administrative aspect-
Various governance processes which enhance the delivery of public services, ensure accountability transparency and responsiveness of government of the day are borrowed from the west.
For example, right to information, right to service, citizens’ charter, whistle-blower protection, ombudsman among other ideas have originated in the western world.
Various administrative structures and its functions may it be police force, Defence forces or the welfare- related departments across the world are premised on the west.
For example, the whole administrative edifice of almost all the countries of the world is based on the western idea of bureaucracy which is based on hierarchy, division of work, scientific approach among others.
Way forward should include certain pre conditions to achieve modernization and how modern values rather than mere westernization in various fields should be the basis of modernization. Also write about utilizing the best of both the ideas.
Westernization is not a necessity but there is a need to modernize not only to evolve and realize our full potential but also to be able to compete and keep pace with the fast-moving world of the present 21st century.
To achieve modernization there are certain preconditions like the willingness of the people to transform from traditionalism to modernism, emotional preparedness of dynamic and devoted leadership towards the cause of modernism, availability of opportunities, awareness of the people to accommodate new technology conditions.
Certain aspects then act as instruments or vehicles of modernization like education, charismatic leadership, developed mass communication and decisive government authority, elites, public intellectuals.
Various modernizing initiatives across history include Abraham Lincoln’s movement against slavery, the French revolution’s motto of Liberty, equality, and fraternity, fight against child marriage, Sati, widow remarriage in India were taken up by socio-religious reformers like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and Swami Vivekananda, Gandhi’s concept of truth and non-violence, and Japan’s pacifist approach after second world war which aimed at international peace, justice and order.
These are some of the historical initiatives which can be emulated across the cultures and nations to modernize the society. In the political arena, there is a need to have visionary leadership and lawmakers who are committed to constitutional values, fellow human beings and the unity and integrity of the nation. They will become the agents of change in the society with their deep deliberation and inclusive nature to carry everyone along the progressive journey of the nation.
For example, the idea of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.
Our administrative framework should be based on pillars of rule of law, service excellence and probity. It should symbolize the change in colonial administrative mindset to selfless service orientation and the making of a corruption-free and clean administration.
For example – Sevottam model of excellence in service delivery by DARPG in India, Citizen’s Charter by John Major and Ombudsman of Sweden.
Economic efficiency and effectiveness are critical forces behind the modernization of any country. Attributes, like protecting the interest of all stakeholders, full disclosure, sustainable and responsible development practices and following trusteeship model and adopting higher ideals of corporate governance like corporate social responsibility as against narrow ideas of profiteering and resource exploitation, will act as the modernizing force in the economic arena.
For example – Ratan Tata not only displayed good business acumen but also commitment towards social service and community philanthropy while following ethical business practices.
Modernization does not mean the elimination of all traditional and ancient values. Those ancient values are to be preserved and protected along with induction of modern ideas. Conflicts and problems are bound to arise, but a dynamic leadership with a progressive and modern outlook is required to solve these problems in time.
For example, preservation of tribal culture and ancient heritage, greater push to Ayush, international exposure of practices like yoga are some of the initiatives taken up by India.
“It is idle mendicancy to discard our Own and beg for the foreign”, while, at the same time “it is the abjectness of poverty to dwarf ourselves by rejecting the foreign”. Rabindranath Tagore
To reap the benefits of both the worlds of modernity and westernization we need to think global and act local. Various technological developments, ideas, and agreements at regional and international level provide us with the vision and mission and the tools to achieve them, whereas the actual needs of the locals and their implementation depends on the local conditions and people.
For example, the direction to counter climate change has been set by Rio earth summit which provided for Kyoto Protocol and Paris agreement, however various adaptation and mitigation measures like traditional water harvesting techniques of Johad, baolis, taanka and below sea level farming of Kuttanad, Kerala are local initiatives for the same. This shows that many local practices can also be modern.
The idea of Progressivism believes in progress towards modernity, without sacrificing the least traditional elements, and taking the best of westernization. Rather than either blindly banning the western ideas of blindly aping them, we should view it through scientific outlook, tolerance, and respect for others point of view and without any coercive imposition. This would provide for sustainable economic development, equitable distribution of resources, and creation of a just, moral, culturally vibrant and religiously syncretic society in a faster and planned manner.
Gandhiji rightly said that we need to be open to foreign ideas but after filtering them on the slow flame of indigenous culture so that to remove unwanted gases.
