Question

Samuel R. Huntington argued that “interaction” and “borrowing” between civilizations have always taken place (the article "the west unique, not universal" can be found under course materials). Based on his view, please explain why modernization is NOT westernization.

Answer 1

Samuel R. Huntington proposed that civilizations interact and learn from each other to develop. He never meant to say that one civilization and or culture complete adopts the rituals, methods and values of another culture. On the same line and thought, modernization is not westernization, because modernization is about absorbing new and vibrant ideas and eliminate evil or wrong practices to get developed and transformed. In this process, the modernization makes societies and culture to adopt those values and approach from the west, that are really good, promoting development and eliminating age old oppressive rituals. It makes society and culture to become modernized and progressive. But, it does not mean that it makes complete westernization as western civilization has its own demerits and deficiencies. So, complete adoption of western culture, also brings its own demerits and modernization objectives fail.