(12) +VE/-VE Impacts Of The Spread Of Westernised Culture

Question 1

What is a ‘westernised’ culture?

Answer 1

A culture that endorses both capitalism and consumerism (originates from European culture). And both individualism and democracy.

Question 2

How do TNCs spread westernised culture?

Answer 2

1. Accelerate cultural erosion
2. Promote the spread of western culture by transporting western produce/brands globally.

Question 3

[NEGATIVE] Give 2 examples of TNCs and how they have caused the spread of westernised culture.

Answer 3

1. McDonald’s (spreads western cuisine whilst gradually suppressing the cuisine of the native country)
2. Apple (spreads western ideology and technology to change the ideology of the native country)

Question 4

What is the brief history of westernisation?

Answer 4

As early as the 1400s and onwards westernisation (at this time Europeanisation) and colonialism spread gradually over much of the world, gaining control over many regions.
Also caused the spread of westernised Christianity (as westerners grew a liking towards this particular religion that originated from Israel and Palestine)

Question 5

[POSITIVE] Give one example why the spread of westernised culture is a positive.

Answer 5

1. Caused spread of individual rights and gender equality
2. Particularly in the East, women then began breaking many of the cultural expectations surrounding gender norms.
3. This drove individualism, which boosted innovation and creativity, thus increasing quality of life.

Question 6

[NEGATIVE] Give one example of why the spread of westernised culture is negative.

Answer 6

1. Changed diets in many Asian countries (which were originally low in meat) led to increased obesity and methane emissions.
2. Meat consumption in China rose from 5kg in 1990 to 50kg in 2015.

Question 7

Conclusion

Answer 7

Largely negative since:
- lead to conflict and restrictions between countries outside Europe and the USA due to cultural erosion.