What is Westernization ? Explain influences of Westernisation in Indian society.
Here we will learn the topic What is Westernization ? in detail
Definition
Here we will learn the topic What is Westernization ? in detail
In the modern times, Westernization has played a significant role in bringing about social change.
Here we will learn the topic What is Westernization ? in detail
Westernization means incorporation of the norms, values and culture of the West in one’s own culture. In simple words, the term westernization mainly explains the changes that have taken place in the Indian society and culture due to the Western contact through the British rule. Westernization mainly refers to the changes that took place in the areas such as technology, institutions, ideology and values. The changes that took place in these areas had their impact on other areas of our social life. “Westernization is an inclusive, complex, and many-layered concept”. Westernization, education and “life-styles” had a great impact on Indians daily life. Due to Western influence the Indians may drop some of their traditional customs in some areas of life and accept many of the new practices and make a compromise between the old and the new in some other areas of life.
Here we will learn the topic What is Westernization ? in detail
Among the Indians People who served in the house, M.N. Srinivas criticizes Lerner’s concept of “modernization” on the ground that it is a value-loaded term. According to him, “Modernisation” is normally used in the sense that it is good. He therefore, preferred to use the term “Westernization”. He describes the technological changes, establishment of educational institutions, rise of nationalism and new political culture, etc., as almost the by-products of westernization or the British rule for about two hundred years in India. Thus, by Westernisation, Srinivas, primarily meant the British impact. During the 19th century, the British slowly laid the foundations of a modern state by surveying land, settling
Here we will learn the topic What is Westernization ? in detail
Influence of Westernization on Indian Society
Here we will learn the topic What is Westernization ? in detail
Regarding the impact of west on the Indian life, Humayun Kabir has observed that the incisive intellect of the West closely examined every belief and idea. This, one the one hand, led to change in the beliefs regarding physical life and, on the other hand, destroyed the very structures, beliefs and traditions. The West impacted the caste system, education, social awakening, political awakening, joint family system, economic structure, institution of marriage, untouchability, and other rituals.
Here we will learn the topic What is Westernization ? in detail
The impact of West can be studied under the following heads:
(1) Western Influence upon Caste System
(i) Industrialization
In the industrial factories members of all castes work together. They share their problems and aims. In order to work together they come close to each other. This helps to break down the distinction of high and low caste.
(ii) Urbanization
As a result of industrial expansion new township came into existence and people from the villages flocked to these township in order to earn livelihood. In towns, members of different castes live together and the sense of separateness could not be sustained in the new environment. Thus urbanization leads to a relaxation in the caste system.
(iii) Means of Transport
Without the improvement in the means of transport the caste distinctions remained stable and fixed but with the starting of public transport system on account of Western influence, people came together and travel in public transport and this lead to watering down of caste distinctions.
(iv) English Education
The spread of education disseminated modern value of Equality; Fraternity and Liberty this gave a sharp blow to the caste system.
(v) Influence of Westernization on Culture
The influence of western culture helped to relax the ties of caste system. Under the impact of Western cuture the dress and food habits of members of different castes tended to be similar. Due to dress etc. the visible distinction between people was not that of caste but one of class.
(2) Western Influence on Untouchability
Besides undermining the caste system, the spell of westernization also helped to eradicate the evil of untouchability. The rapid development of means of communication, urbanization and industrialization helped in the eradication of untouchability because one cannot choose his companions while travelling in buses or trains. The Western education encouraged the sentiment of equality and there was also social and political awakening in the country.
(3) Impact of West on Women
There was a profound impact of “Western culture on women.
Indian women re-examined their status.
With the coming of British in India there was a fillip to their status in the light of western ideas. On account of western education they felt that they were in no way inferior to menfolk. The psychological researches have proved that there are no innate or fundamental distinctions among men and women with regard to ability and capacity . Thus warmer demanded an equal place with men in all walks of life. There was no moral sanction for higher education among women in India. The recitation of religious was considered enough for them. The social reformers had to struggle hard to win the right of higher education for women. First of all Calcutta University opened its gates to women. Gradually all Indian universities allowed women to enroll themselves as students. The two significant upshots of the spread of education among women are:
(1) Discarding Purdah and (2) Demand for Equality
(4) Impact of West on Social Structure
The Indian social structure has been deeply influenced by Westernisation. The Indian social structure is based upon caste system. These castes are endogamous groups and are fixed by birth. Under the impact of Westernisation the caste system has become weak and is getting replaced by the class distinction prevalent in the west. There is also disintegration of the rural structure of our society. The industrialization and urbanization have thrown the rural social structure out of gear. The society has become more dynamic and traditions are breaking down. In Urban set up the caste distinctions cannot be sustained. Under the împact of west, money has come to be greatly values. Now in place of caste status, money status is the criterion of man’s worth.
(5) Westernization of the institution of Marriage
Among social institutions, the institution of marriage has received maximum impact of west. Followings are the crucial changes in this respect:
(i) Change of Basis
Now the marriage in India is not merely a sacrament but mutual love and married bliss constitute its basis.
(ii) Freedom to Choose Partners
In the past the wishes of bride and bride-groom had no place in the scheme of marriage. It was an exclusive affair between parents but now boy and girl at least meet cach other before marriage.
(iii) Eradication of Child Marriage
On account of the influence of the West there is a spread of education among girls and now there is a general reafixation that child marriage is detrimental to health. Due to this reason, there is almost eradication of child marriage from Hindu society.
(iv) Admissibility of Divorce
According to Hindu tradition marriage is a sacrament which can come to an end only by the death of partner. It could not be ended by divorce. Now under the influence of West divorce is available to Hindus.
(v) Inter-Caste Marriage
Under the influence of Western culture inter-caste and inter-religion marriages are now possible.
(vi) Monogamy
Under the influence of Westernisation, monogamy has come to be accepted as the only natural state of marriage. According to Hindu Marriage Act 1955, no Hindu could enter into a marriage if his/her partner is alive.
(vii) Free Enjoyment
Under the influence of west there is a tendency among some educated and rich persons to avoid the complication of marriage and lead a life of free sex. The number of men and women who do not wish to marry is growing. This is possible because sex outside marriage is available.
(6) Disintegration of Joint Family
Along with the institution of marriage, the western culture has influenced the family relations and ideals as well. In this connection the following points are worth nothing:
(i) Disintegration of Joint Family
Due to Western influence the joint family is on the way to extinction. The individualism of West is breaking down the joint family. Today young persons do not want to sacrifice their privacy and pleasure at the alter of joint family.
(ii) Small Family
The Western influence has not only influenced structure of joint family by disintegration of family but also impelled people to limit their children. Now all educated persons want small family.
(iii) Impermanency of Family
Under the influence of Westernisation, women are now highly educated and are unable to merge their personalities in the family. As they usually seek employment. They are also economically independent. Their affection for child is no longer deep and abiding. Therefore, they may seek divorce. On account of these factors the basis of family is no longer permanent.
(7) Influence Western Culture on Indian Culture
Western culture influences language, literature, music, art, religion and morality as follows:
(i) Language
Here we will learn the topic What is Westernization ? in detail
Westernization has deeply influenced the Indian languages. The English language words used in Indian languages out-number the words of all other foreign languages. Indeed without the fund of English words the vocabulary of Indian languages is incomplete. All mechanical devices and instruments used in daily life in India are the gift of the West. Most of them have English names, without the use of which we can not communicate easily.
(ii) Literature
Here we will learn the topic What is Westernization ? in detail
Westernization literature has deeply influenced Indian literature. Romanticism, existentialism, and psycho-analysis have so much influenced Indian literature that most Indian writers write their stories and dramas under their impact. Poets in India now adopt the free verse of the West. Under the Western influence, short story and one-act dramas have become common in Indian literature. Besides, we can see the influence of ideologies of atheism, secularism, communism, self indulgence, personal freedom and humanism in Indian writings.
Here we will learn the topic What is Westernization ? in detail
(iii) Art
Here we will learn the topic What is Westernization ? in detail
Like language and literature, art has also come under the impact of Western Culture. In Indian Cinema the use of the Western dance and music is quite common. Musical instruments like violin have influenced Indian music. Modern art is very much a foreign import.
Here we will learn the topic What is Westernization ? in detail
(iv) Religion
Here we will learn the topic What is Westernization ? in detail
Indian religion has also been influenced by the Western culture. Due to of West, the religious faith of many an Indian has been shaken. They have cast off many superstitions. The ritualism is losing its hold and sanctity. Many educated persons have lost touch with the religious scriptures and believe secular training has ante-dated them. They do not take them seriously.
Here we will learn the topic What is Westernization ? in detail
The of West on the Indian society and culture is rapidly increasing. Many persons are so dazzled by the Western culture that they are mockful about their own culture and traditions. The leadership of independent India rightly wants to encourage the Indian culture. This is a laudable step.
Here we will learn the topic What is Westernization ? in detail
