Westernization

Westernization is the adoption of institutions, technologies, or cultural practices associated with Western Europe. It can reshape societies without requiring complete cultural assimilation.

Modernization theory: A family of theories linking social change to industrialization, urbanization, and expanded bureaucratic institutions. It explains Westernization as part of a broad transition toward industrial society.
Age of Discovery: The period of European maritime exploration and expansion beginning in the fifteenth century. Overseas expansion created sustained contact through which European practices spread.
Peter the Great: The Russian ruler from 1682 to 1725 who pursued military, administrative, and cultural reforms modeled partly on Western Europe. His reforms made Western dress, expertise, and state practices instruments of imperial power.
Acculturation: Cultural change that occurs when groups maintain sustained contact with one another. Acculturation includes reciprocal cultural change, while Westernization specifies a Western direction of influence.
Cultural homogenization: The reduction of cultural differences as practices and institutions become more alike across societies. Shared Western institutions and media can contribute to convergence in public life.
Cultural diffusion: The spread of cultural ideas, practices, and objects between societies through contact. Westernization is one historically influential form of cross-cultural diffusion.
Industrial Revolution: The transition to mechanized production that began in Britain in the eighteenth century and spread elsewhere. Industrial power made Western technologies and economic models influential abroad.
Great Divergence: The historical process by which Western Europe and its offshoots gained an economic lead over much of the world. The divergence helps explain why Western institutions and technologies acquired global prestige.
Westernization and Americanization: The distinction between influence from Western Europe broadly and influence specifically associated with the United States. American cultural influence is sometimes mislabeled as Westernization despite its distinct source and history.
Nationalism: A political principle that treats a nation as a primary source of identity and political legitimacy. Westernization has prompted movements that defend or redefine national identity.

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