Modernization in East Asia

Essay # 99747

Asian Studies > East Asian Cultures
Ethnic Studies > Asia

An analysis of the effect of modernization, globalization and transnationalism on East Asia.

1,844 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2006 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the effect of modernization on East Asia. The paper discusses whether globalization, modernization and transnationalism have resulted in a loss of identity and tradition in East Asia. It concludes that East Asian cultural ideals have not been compromised and replaced by Western cultural ideals, but rather modified.

From the Paper:

"Globalization, modernization, transnationalism. Each of these words evokes a wide spectrum of emotion in persons across the world ranging from extreme fear for loss of identity and tradition, to optimism regarding the future of the world, to indifference--a feeling that such concepts will not likely affect life in a meaningful way. Despite various sentiments concerning these concepts, one thing remains constant: "global culture," (if such a thing exists), is highly diverse. As culture spreads from one nation to another, the effect of this unique constant seems to be assimilation rather than substitution. Two films, The Japanese Version and Eat, Drink, Man, Woman as well as one compilation of essays collectively entitled Golden Arches East: McDonald's in East Asia suggest that modernization has not replaced tradition; instead, it has initiated a series of welcomed modifications in East Asian culture, enhancing the preexisting traditional culture. These works reveal how Western influence has changed family dynamics, gender roles, and how Asians interrelate. The works examine two sides to foreign influence; they evaluate ideals that were consciously imported by Asians as well as ideals that have infiltrated Asian culture by way of American economic interest or other similar processes. Regardless of how these influences arrived in Asia, their impact is irrefutably significant and will likely shape the future of not only East Asian culture, but also global relations, particularly between the previously divided East and West."

Sample of Sources Used:

Alvarez, Louis. Kolker, Andy. The Japanese Version. 1991
Lee, Ang. Eat, Drink, Man, Woman. 1994
Watson, James L. Golden Arches East : McDonald's in East Asia. Stanford UP: 1997.