The Clash of Western vs Eastern Culture

Western vs Eastern Culture is one of the biggest debates of all time. Which one is better? Which one is more powerful? How are they different from each other? Well, the list of questions is never-ending. 

Now, these opposite sides of the world are not differentiated by the climate and geographical conditions solely. Instead, there are a lot more aspects through which they are distinct from each other. Be it their factors or behavior, both Western and Eastern cultures are unique in their way. Let’s take an example of behavior. You might face an instance where Western civilization’s typical behavior is frowned upon or rude to the Eastern culture.

These perspectives’ differences are indeed an essential factor when comparing the two cultures. Today, in this article, we will be talking deeply about Western culture and Eastern culture individually. We will also be discussing the common questions regarding the same. So, let’s start. These perspectives and differences are indeed an essential factor when comparing the two cultures or even Religious Sectarianism in Australia!

If you compare both Eastern and Western cultures, you might feel that Western culture is more focused on ‘do what you feel rather than do what you think.’ Ever wondered why? That’s because if you look into the education system of western tradition and the westerners students, you will note that their learning strongly correlates with the global world.

Their way of education or right learning is mostly related to the experience that helps the students in their own lives. It is more concentrated or considered on the independence and self-reliance of these students rather than textbook learning.

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Now, when we talk about textbook learning, the students of the eastern part of the world mostly follow the same. If you thoroughly examine their study culture, you will note that their learning way is distinct from the global world. Likewise, the participation of Western teachers in the Western world is more on the supportive side. The westerners’ study culture is entirely focused on the students, and the teacher coordinates and guides them for efficient education or learning. That’s it. However, in the Eastern culture, knowledge is more theoretical than practical for students. In simple terms, Western students’ lives or their right skills hardly have any role in it.

That’s also why students in the Eastern culture tend not to be happy or satisfied with the system. Nothing is exciting for these people. In short, it’s not engaging or valuable learning. Similarly, if you look at Western students’ lives, you will note that they have the flexibility to explore and learn. So, these two cultural differences in the education model positively affect their behavior, thinking, and approach/ way toward life.

‘Oh! This outfit is Western. It would surely be a show stealer’.

The above scenario signifies the influence of Western culture on the entire world. Be it their food, clothes, lifestyle, etc.; if it’s Western, it’s modern. Now, that’s just the essentials. It is clear that Eastern fashion is influenced by Western one. Also, the idea of the financial system, democracy, and politics is another crucial aspect of Western culture.

Moreover, the entire world tend to enjoy western music and western movies. The entertainment industry is already everyone’s favorite. Starting from cartoons for kids to sitcoms for adults, the western entertainment industry is quite popular around the world.

So, they are undoubtedly powerful in terms of lifestyle and entertainment. However, there are competitors for the same. If we compare the western culture with eastern culture, the former might often be more potent than the latter. But, there are other cultures too. In simple terms, the dominance of western culture might often get affected by different cultures in the coming time. In the Western countries like Australia, they have CALD too. The CALD meaning stands for culturally and linguistically diverse, where people have different cultures than the culture of Australia.

When it comes to the economy, Western countries are indeed the kings. They are ruling it, and we all know it, be it liberalization or the financial system. They are even more like the rule-setters in small countries. As the small countries require development and modernization, they eventually follow the western biggies. Sometimes, this whole concept becomes a pressure for the small countries.

However, in the hope of development and progression, they adapt it anyway. So, if we compare the economies of Eastern and Western parts of the world, it is pretty clear that Western cultures are certainly more potent than Eastern cultures.

One of the most common talks of today is which one has the better culture. Let’s talk about the two individually and then move on to the cultural differences. If you look at the Western culture, you will notice that they have their own living style. It’s modern, it’s unique, and it’s bold. However, in the Eastern world, some countries follow the old culture coming from generation after generation. There is nothing terrible/offensive with such practice. But it is best to blend the new and old generations for better living. This is what China is following. If you notice, the East Asian country China or the Chinese language and culture are progressing quickly.

The country is becoming powerful through distinct or other means. If you look into Chinese culture, you will find a blend of modernization or new generation with the Chinese/Asian old culture. So, that’s a great approach in China, and it should be followed everywhere. Now, coming back to the question, who has the better culture? Eastern and Western? The cultural sides of Eastern countries are unique in their different ways, and so are Western countries.

Apart from that, these East and West cultures have many other cultural differences. For example, let’s talk about punctuality. Punctuality is essential in both Eastern and Western cultures. It is more like a point where there are similarities between Eastern and Western cultures. However, there are loose and strict rules in some countries. Let’s say, in Spain, if the meetings and work are on track, there is no issue with a little late arrival at work.

On the other hand, in Japan, people’s timing and punctuality are considered crucial. Besides, they have methods to show that their late arrival was not their fault. That’s why they have the ‘train delay certificates’. It signifies that the individual was late due to the same thing, and it is not related to or based on their punctuality. Thus, it differs per the country rather than the Eastern and Western cultures.

This is something we are all well-known or familiar with. In the West, business relationships are more on the professional side. In simple terms, there is no level of personal involvement. The entire relationship is limited to work, and that’s usually it. However, that’s not the case with Eastern cultures. In the Eastern part of the world, business relationships may often include personal involvement for long-term commitment and trust. They consider bonding over something for a healthy business. Thus, a friendly cultural approach is necessary for them to build long-term business relationships.

When we talk about the criticism, both the Eastern and the Western Cultures have different ways or approaches to the same. In the West, criticism is acceptable. Say, if you are an employer of an organization and your workmate lacks performance, then criticism from your end is possible. That’s because the Western culture renders the opportunity to speak up. Correcting each other via any means is a business development and progression tactic. However, the cultural approaches are different. It usually differs from country to country. While one place may often encourage criticism through a joke, the other may not. So, it depends on the government and the approaches to criticism. In contrast, it is acceptable in Western culture.

Moving on to the Eastern cultures, the approach towards criticism in the East is not the same. They would even avoid such scenarios most of the time. Criticism is not a very pleasant thing there. People in the East try to maintain peace by eliminating conflicts. They are not so efficient in showcasing their emotions to others. Some countries may often convey critical information through a third-party mode rather than a direct cultural approach like Western culture.

Hopefully, by now, you have a clear idea regarding Eastern and Western cultures/society. Let’s take a quick look at all the other cultural differences between them for a better understanding.

The language tone in Eastern and Western cultures is different. While Eastern countries are soft-spoken and respond calmly, Western countries are based on a straightforward language tone. In simple terms, people in the West will say what they feel without fearing others’ cultural differences, opinions, or thinking.

Following that, greeting each other in Eastern and Western cultures is different. While kisses and hugs are familiar in the West, they’re not the same in the East. Basically, there are many other ways of greeting in Eastern cultures with lesser or negligible skin contact. They do not encourage kissing and hugging. 

Also, the concept of questioning might often be different in both East and West cultures. While asking questions can be a good sign of learning in the western work culture, it might sound more threatening for the superiors in the eastern cultures. The language convention of both western and eastern cultures is different too.

We guess everyone is waiting to know about the central part. And that is who won? Is it the Eastern culture or the Western culture? Western culture is more dominating, new, and efficient in terms of politics, culture, education, society, and a good lifestyle than Eastern Culture. Whereas, if we talk about good culture, beliefs, and customs, the Eastern part of the world overpowers the Western one. The idea of being together with the family is something awe-inspiring. In their culture, the family is considered the first priority rather than some other people.

Thus, the answer would be there are no winners, Eastern or Western. Both of these East and West cultures are outstanding in their ways. You certainly cannot pick one.

Besides, both East and West cultures are changing with time. Many countries in Asia are adopting approaches from the opposite culture. For example, in the East, people are working on implementing a Western work environment approach. Employers in Asia are opening up and discussing the flaws without much hesitation. They are also understanding the role of independence at a young age. 

On the other hand, Western culture adapts to Eastern culture’s values, customs, and beliefs. Likewise, eastern food is being encouraged in the world of the West. From Chinese to Indian, the cuisines of Asia are becoming a hit among Western countries. You will also see people in the West practicing Yoga for fitness and health, which is quite famous in Asia. Western vs Eastern art is also renowned. So, that is progress.

Both the cultures of East and West are different from each other. They have some strengths and weaknesses of their own. However, the good thing is that both the East and the West are understanding the changes and adapting them with time.

Summing up, these were some of the areas in which Eastern and Western cultures differ from each other. We tried to cover or mention all the important points through which western and eastern parts vary. As mentioned earlier, you surely cannot pick the best one. That’s because both of these East and West cultures are considered unique in their ways. We hope that our article was informative and well-read. If you liked this article based on Western vs. Eastern culture, check out our other exciting article. Happy Reading!