The Pros and Cons of Westernization on Global Culture (Essay Sample)

The Pros and Cons of Westernization on Global Culture
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Today, people and societies have shifted their focus to the western cultures. Some of the notable areas that have been affected range from technology, politics, economies, lifestyles, as well as language. Westernization is now becoming the norm across the global culture. However, there are societies and people who are yet to appreciate the significance of the western culture. Although some people are supporting westernization, others are opposing to adopt it because of the erosion of global culture. It is certain that there are pros and cons of westernization on the culture of societies from non-western countries.
First, western culture is known for its high standards of living. As Von (2011) argued, some people become willing to enjoy the western lifestyles because of the associated benefits such as the high standards of life. In the modern societies, people enjoy lifestyle in terms of leisure activities and possessions such as computers, cars, good houses and other forms of entertainment. It is difficult for any person who has experienced this kind of lifestyle to return to his/her normal culture. In essence, western culture is superior over any other global culture. According to the Moss (2008), these lifestyles easily corrupt the original cultures which people have preserved for a long time. In addition, modern lifestyle is materialistic-oriented hence leads to environmental degradation because of pollution.
Secondly, westernization has effect on the economies of various countries. As a result of globalization, people and societies are easily influenced to invest their resources in foreign markets (Moss, 2008). Through globalization, people get to enjoy products and services, as well as increase chances of securing jobs. However, some countries have no option other than to transform into their western structures in order to remain relevant in the international market. In the modern society, both adults and kids are compelled to become competent which creates a busier, as well as a stressful society.
Thirdly, western values are likely to counter those from other global culture. For instance, respect of people from western culture is known conflict with values in other global culture. In the Western culture, people should be free in a democratic society. In most cases, western people are easily marked as being selfish by their counterparts from non-western countries. Western people embrace a democratic society in terms of peoples’ rights as these concepts to them are universal for all human beings. Westernization does not bring happiness to all people (Von, 2011). It provides an opportunity for people to experience different lifestyles, as well as chose those that suit them.
Besides, many cities across the World have become diversified through globalization (Moss, 2008). Today, people in most cities can enjoy multicultural things like international foods and other World music. Notable example is the modern Japan. Today, people can witness western culture and the diligence of its people irrespective of the past isolation from the World matters. In the modern context, many countries are good at accepting western values and skills in order to build upon them. As a result, this has led to high productivity especially in the manufacturing industries.
Although westernization has negative impacts on the global culture, it has influenced developing countries in many ways. In essence, western culture has transformed non-western countries into modern societies (Moss, 2008). Presently, westernization has shaped the lifestyle of people through dressing such as jeans and tee shirts. In addition, modernization has caused the economic growth of some countries such as India. Consequently, the presence of traders from the western side has increased the demands for goods and services in developing countries (Von, 2011).
Modernization has greatly improved the sanitation and health situation in some countries. It ...