Cultural diversity characterizes today's world. The cultural differences between two geographical areas are shaped by numerous factors that include globalization, politics, their origins, lifestyle, beliefs, diet and even social norms. Culture influences people’s way of thinking as well as their views of the world. Variations in culture continue to be observed between different locations despite the beliefs and philosophies in an increasingly cosmopolitan society. Cultural differences may be defined according to the lifestyle of people in a particular area based on many variables like the way of greeting, physical contact, humor, table manners, the way they show gratitude, symbolization, ways of communication and even dressing (Qunying 114).
Although there are no clear defined boundaries between what is considered the East and the West, there are tremendous differences in many aspects of life between these two areas. Typically, Asian and Islamic countries are deemed to be the East while countries in Europe, America, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and Canada are considered to be the West. Theoretically, the boundaries between these two areas are more cultural rather than geographical whereby Islamic states are regarded as the East regardless of their location, and Australia is typically considered to be in the West (Mestrovic 61). Some areas are extremely culturally diverse, and it is usually difficult to place, a cultural line because their citizens consider themselves as part of the West. Such countries may identify as East or West based on their religious and ethnic background includes Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
One of the major cultural differences between the West and the East is the important role played by the family unit. Relationships and lifestyle in the eastern cultures are family-centered; as a result arranged marriages continue to be pertinent in these areas. People need to get approval from their families when making important decisions such as marriage or choosing a partner. Personal decisions like this are made with the involvement and participation of the household because they wield much influence on an individual’s decision. Whereas in the western culture, preference is given to self rather than family and as a result, personal decisions can be made without the involvement or approval of the family. Choices on priority issues like relationships or marriage entirely lie with the individual, and this is one of the major cultural differences between the western and eastern cultures.
Another notable cultural difference between these two areas is religion. Religion is one important aspect that defines a society and in the eastern civilization, religion is held in high regard, unlike the West where religion is not given much importance. The events that are related to religion in the eastern societies still stir the lifestyle of the people living in these parts of the world. There are also many events that happen that are strongly associated with religion, such as riots, demonstrations and even killing that occurs in the name of faith. However, there has been a considerable presence of religion in the west too, but it has not been given much importance and prominence like in the East. Religious leaders in the east are also held in high esteem, and they assume a godlike status and their followers regard them as such. They wield much power and have a significant influence on very many aspects of the society, including the political stance and the dimension of the countries. Religious leaders in the West don’t have as much power and influence in the society and political dimension of the West as much as the leaders of the countries in the east.
Another outstanding difference between the east and the west is the stance of their beliefs. People in the east tend to be rigid in their ideologies and beliefs. In spite of the fading validity of the truth that they believe has existed for a long time, they think that it should not be challenged and hence continue holding on to some beliefs and philosophies that are mostly outdated. The people in the West tend to look at things from a rational perspective, and they make their decisions rationally. In the West, choices and actions are not emotionally driven, but are rather made after careful critique and rational consideration of any situation.
There is also a noticeable difference in approach and attitude between the east and the west. The West is regarded as being detailed and analytical when making most of their decisions while the east tends to take a holistic view in making choices and decisions. People from the west prefer focusing on the problem at hand and addressing it and arrive at a conclusive outcome of that particular challenge. On the contrary, the people in the east prefer to come to an all-inclusive and well-rounded solution which is applicable in a universal way. Openness and being liberal is a common sight in the West, where people prefer to discuss topics openly across generations. Many issues like sex, childbirth, and sexual preferences can be discussed openly but in the east such matters can be considered as taboo and are not openly discussed.
Other cultural differences between these two geographical areas may include the dressing. In the West dressing is more toned down whereby the people are more liberal and free in the way they dress irrespective of their age, gender or background, unlike the East where strict codes of dressing may be followed according to sex and age. Communication across age groups can also differ in these areas, and ways of greetings are more emphasized in the East than in the West, where most greetings are characterized by a simple ‘hi.' Many people in the East especially those who have had contact with the West have been accused of adopting the western cultural practices hence leading to the diminishing culture in the east or what is normally described as westernization. Globalization has resulted in a significant impact on the cultural differences and has also contributed in defining cultural boundaries beyond geographical boundaries.
Work cited
Mestrovic, S. Balkanization of the West: The Confluence of Postmodernism and Postcommunism. New York: Routledge, 1994. Print.
Qunying, Xie. Cultural Difference between the East and the West. Canadian Social Science .3.5 (2007): pp. 114-117. Print.
